Oscars Find New Producers, Search For Host: After a much-needed upswing in viewers last year, the board of directors at the Academy Awards was hoping to continue its relationships with last years producers, Larry Mark and Bill Condon, and host Hugh Jackman. But both producers are tied up with other projects and Jackman is apparently uninterested. Instead, they'll try to maintain momentum with Adam Shankman and Bill Mechanic, both filmmakers of a similar pedigree. As for a new host, there are rumors that Tom Hanks has been asked. [Deadline Hollywood]
Izod Wraps First Season With IndyCar: After signing on for a five-year marketing partnership with IndyCar in March, Izod spent its first season on the tour justifying the millions of dollars that have already gone into its largest marketing effort to date. As the official apparel sponsor, Izod was present at 17 races, 20 in-store events, and advertising in every medium. The label finished the season last week with two in-store events at a Miami Macy's that brought drivers and shoppers together. [WWD]
Volkswagen Behind Recent Viral Stunts: A Swedish stunt to see if musical steps made commuters less inclined to take escalators turned out to be the work of Volkswagen. Under the campaign, "thefuntheory.com," the piano stairs stunt was one of several that got a bit of attention online. None of the stunts have clear Volkswagen messaging attached to them, but the videos documenting them have been seen by nearly five million people. [BrandFreak]
