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BBDO, Office Depot Discuss $60 Mil. AccountNEW YORK—BBDO is in negotiations with Office Depot to handle the retail chain's estimated $60 million account, sources said. The Delray Beach, Fla., retailer had been working with Gold Coast Advertising in Miami, which did not participate in the review handled by New York consultant Jones Lundin Beals. Grey in New York and DDB in Chicago had also contended for the business. Office Depot officials could not be reached for comment. BBDO officials declined comment. BMW Taps A-List Directors for Film SeriesCHICAGO—BMW of North America this spring will begin showing a series of 5-minute films titled "The Hire," on the BMWfilms.com site. The five short films were directed by Hollywood notables including John Frankenheimer, Ang Lee and Guy Ritchie. The films and Web site will be promoted through movie trailers and print advertising, a company representative said. The production was a "collaboration" between BMW and agency Fallon Minneapolis. Cuts at Giant Step, Burnett TechnologyCHICAGO—Giant Step last week eliminated 52 jobs, or about 23 percent of its staff. "This is a reflection of the evolving needs of our business and the realities of the current economic climate," according to a statement from the interactive company's parent, Leo Burnett. The Chicago shop has closed its 10-person Leo Burnett Technology Group office in San Francisco. Dallas Shop Dieste Picks Up A-B's TequizaDALLAS—Hispanic agency Dieste & Partners has been awarded the estimated $3-5 million general market account of Tequiza beer, the company confirmed. The brand, which was launched in 1999 with Waylon Ad of St. Louis, was awarded to Dallas-based Dieste following a review. New creative for the tequila-laced beer will break later this month. Waylon Cut From Aetna ReviewCHICAGO—Incumbent McKinney & Silver and Grey Advertising will return for another round of presentations to marketing executives at Aetna/U.S. Healthcare next week, an executive with the Hartford, Conn., company said. Waylon Ad in St. Louis, which also had a portion of the $40-50 million business, and Saatchi & Saatchi, New York, were cut.Circuit City Shifts to FCBCHICAGO—Circuit City has shifted a portion of its branding assignment to FCB Chicago, a representative with the Richmond, Va., retailer said. Circuit City split with TBWA\Chiat\Day in New York. Company representative Bill Cimino declined to say what FCB will handle specifically. Total spending approaches $400 million, but TBWA\C\D's branding work billed at about $50 million. Media remains in-house. Rapp Collins Shuts Down in MinneapolisCHICAGO—Citing "service efficiencies," Rapp Collins will close its Minneapolis office and consolidate all its Midwest business in the company's Chicago office.

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