Advertising. Feel a little chill of dislike? I would have, too, before seeing "Art & Copy," a documentary by director Doug Pray, featuring some of the most influential creative minds in history. The profession of advertising is seen as taboo to most members of society, full of under-the-table deals and suits who care solely about keeping clients happy and milking them out of as much money as they can. "Art & Copy" shows that the real minds behind advertising are passionate, creative people who use capitalism as a medium for art. They create simple images or lines such as “Got Milk?” or “Just Do It” and, from that, are able to shape entire generations.

One professional featured in the film is George Lois, the creator of many groundbreaking ideas such as the original Tommy Hilfiger campaign, which Tommy Hilfiger says jumpstarted his entire career. He’s quite a character, using his campaigns to make statements that cause uproar from people on the street but also a lasting impact and a foundation for the success of entire companies or labels. The people that are really behind the advertising business are artists. They take their creative thoughts and apply it to a conglomerate, attempting to lift it to a higher level than the soulless selling of a product. "Art & Copy" shows true perspective on the Advertising business: though today we are bombarded with so much advertising that it seems empty, someday it may be considered art just like the poster paintings of Paris’ Toulouse-Lautrec. It is an industry that does serve a greater purpose, whether or not the majority or companies today choose to serve it.

"Art & Copy" was the official selection of the 2009 Sundance Film Festival, the Official Selection for documentaries in Toronto in 2009 and winner of Best Director of the 2009 Atlanta film festival.

The film is currently showing at the Ragtag Cinema. Show times are: Sunday, Oct. 11, 3 and 8 p.m., Monday, Oct. 12, 9:15 p.m. and Wednesday, Oct. 14, 5 and 10:15 p.m.