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Ad Biz Joins the Crowd(source)
Advertising joins the ranks of magazine, restaurant and hotel businesses turning to pay-as-you-want pricing schemes to help them survive in this crazy economy.
At Agency Nil, clients submit a work request form to the agency, which draws from a pool of recent grads and between-jobs business and advertising professionals to get the work done by deadline. Then the client decides how much the work is worth (required charges are agreed upon ahead of time).
At least from the client perspective, it’s hard to argue against crowd sourcing; those I know who have used it to procure services say the work is generally…
Mad Avenue Blues: Video
Video round-up of the ad world’s problems by “L. McDuff,” twisting Don McLean’s classic hit “American Pie” into “The Day The Media Died.” Hmmm. Think of what he could do with Billy Joel’s “We Didn’t Start the Fire.”
Hat tip to Piers Fawkes for this, owner of one of my favorite blogs, PSFK.com. He got it from Nick Baum. (Awesome visuals over there, check it out.)
Helena Bouchez is principal of Helena B Communications, an expertise PR firm serving creative agencies. Connect via Linked In or Twitter @helenabouchez.
Big Ideas…As Easy As 1-2-3 or An 86 Minute Film
Ever wonder, “what does it really take to develop great ideas?” I mean the big ones. The juicy, sloppy, wet ones that drench the culture and live soaked in society for decades. Well, there is a great Cannes Selection film, “Art & Copy,” that does just that. Or, shall I say instead of wondering, the filmmakers decided to Just Do It!
Check out a screening in your area: http://www.artandcopyfilm.com/screenings/
While in Atlanta, I’m gonna go to the screening on Wednesday, April 22nd as part of the Atlanta Film Festival. Tune in Thursday for my review–like you care what I think–but I’ll let you…
OUT-OF-HOME Excellence 3
Here are the last few outstanding, award winning-caliber examples of OUT-OF-HOME Excellence! 
Joel Kirstein is a Creative Director who has been in the ad agency trenches for 25 years, specializing in shopper marketing, branding, and retail. Contact him on Linked In and www.coroflot.com/joelkirstein
Life’s About Sharing
Well, that is according to T-Mobile’s newest spot. I am a huge fan of anything dance related. Enjoy!
Beat the Snot out of a Banker?
During this time, a lot of people are under a huge amount of stress – rightfully so of course. But if your like me, you are probably reaching for that stress ball frequently…am I right? Well, CreativeFeed, a boutique agency with offices in New York and San Francisco, has launched an awesome line of “Squeeze the Banker” dolls in the guise of former Fed chairman Alan Greenspan, current Fed chairman Ben Bernanke and former Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson. Who, of course, are the most unpopular men in the Continental United States – am I right? The agency notes that a percentage of the revenues (assuming…
Watching the ‘Watchmen’ viral ad campaign
Warner has created a Web site for The New Frontiersman, the fictional right-wing conspiracy magazine beloved by Rorschach. The awesome old-school NBS video report, purported to be from 1970, is just awesome. Though it resembles 42 Entertainment’s Dark Knight viral campaign, the design is actually courtesy of The PPC Group. The New Frontiersman will be updating until the release. You can catch them on Twitter, too, if you want up-to-the-minute leads on conspiracy theories from an imagined alternate history. Now lets see if this will work for them, like it did for the Dark Knight.
Brinkley Milks ‘Mustache’ Anew
Remember those milk mustache spots? Well apparently their making a come back. I don’t think they should make a come back. It’s over and done with people! Move on! I mean, did it really work? Were people really influenced to drink more milk just because their favorite movie/sports/music star wore a milk mustache? Heres an article from Adweek.com:
The iconic “Milk Mustache” campaign this week kicked off a new initiative, “Drink well. Live well,” that brands milk as “Nature’s Wellness Drink.” The push from IPG’s Lowe in New York includes an ad featuring Christie Brinkley, one of the first celebrities to wear…
Is Star Power Enough to Sell Beer in Hard Times?
With ads striving to be more creative and eye-catching during this economy, there are two big brewers who are seeking to push star power as a sufficient way to counteract a failing economy. Here is a great article from NewYorkTimes.com regarding this new campaign:
Anheuser-Busch InBev and Heineken are preparing efforts to reach beer drinkers who have been watching their spending since the recession began. Beer has long been thought to be less affected by downturns than other consumer purchases, but the severity of current conditions has called into question the most cherished of marketing assumptions.
“Now more than ever, you need to give…
Obamabilia
Have you heard the term? If not, I know that you can guess what it means. But it is running rampant everywhere. From the simple coin to Ellen DeGeneres giving away plates with President-Elect Obama’s face on it – granted you get her face too, but you get my drift. I was on NYTimes.com and I found this interesting article:
THE ardor among marketers for Barack Obama is intensifying with the approach of Inauguration Day, when, it seems, they intend to name him the nation’s new consumer in chief.
Mr. Obama’s election set off a boom in merchandise, official or otherwise, that has…
Why would anyone want to do that?
So I saw this spot the other day for Big Happie Hair. All I have to say is: Why would anyone want to do that? Am I completely out of the style loop? I thought big hair went out with the ’80’s. I just shake have to shake my head in disbelief.
If this is in style now, then I will most assuredly say: I want to be out of style. Am I really all alone in this?
Simpsons – 20 Years and still going strong
WOW! Can you believe The Simpsons has been on the air for 20 years? It seems just like yesterday the fun started
. In celebration, Fox has decided to honor the show that bucked the odds and remained on the air, in a yearlong 20th-anniversary Simpsons-fest dubbed “Best. 20 Years. Ever.” The first contest includes their faithful fans who are invited to submit their designs for a poster contest. The deadline is March 4, and the lucky winner gets a trip to L.A. to attend a Simpsons party and tickets to The Simpsons Ride at Universal Studios Hollywood (which you can enjoy virtually on the ride’s…
N.Y. Lottery gets creative…
You have to admit the appeal of a lottery-jackpot windfall is more potent than ever, especially afterr the economic crisis we are in the midst of. Now, part of its attraction is that a winning ticket can suddenly make you as wealthy as the corporate drones who (amid all the recent disasters for which they’re responsible) still ‘get the big bucks.’
We hear that phrase repeatedly in this spot for the New York Lottery (via DDB in New York) as the mailroom guy, pushes his cart through the office and points out a familiar cast of corporate characters — the executive (receiving an in-office…
For the Honda Brand, a Cinematic Stroke
With the automobile industry going down the “tubes”, Honda has decided to introduce a corporate image campaign. Here is an interesting article from the New York Times about this new campaign:
WITH the automotive industry battling an economic downturn, is it the right time for a car-maker to introduce another installment in a corporate image campaign that carries the theme, “The power of dreams”?
The American Honda Motor Company believes so, bringing out this week three short films — a k a long commercials — to be watched online. The so-called webisodes, each about seven minutes, will be available, starting on Monday,…
The Ladders think BIG
Here’s a funny new commercial from Fallon Minneapolis for premium job-search site The Ladders. The Ladders is a job-search site that deals only with executives who make $100K per year or more - and in this case the large…well monster. The spot starts out showing a bunch of smaller monsters trying (and failing) to wreak havoc on a cityscape while trying to instill fear in its populace. “If you think about it,” says the voiceover, “this is what makes The Ladders different from other job-search sites. We only work with the big talent.” I like how its a funny twist on the usual Godzilla ad…
Terrify Your Kids into Obedience
Ok…thats not the way I feel but apparently the UK does. Check out this PSA from Leo Burnett London, “encouraging” kids to be safe near roads. It speaks of “The Girl Who Didn’t Dress Bright in the Dark.” Apparently the inspiration comes from the poet Hilaire Belloc, whose tales, that were allegedly for children, attempted to frighten them into always doing the right thing. His tales included such timeless classics as “Matilda, who told lies, and was burned to death” and “Rebecca, who slammed doors for fun and perished miserably.”
Hmm, there’s not much I can say except: CREEPY.
…
Atlantis Weathergear defeats perfect storms
I’ll admit, I’m very picky about what I like. So there are very few print ads lately that make me stop and say: “WOW – thats awesome.” I know its still early in the year but so far this is my favorite of the year (8 days in) – the relaunch of Atlantis Weathergear. Mullen’s positioning line says: “Don’t let the weather get you.” Its so wonderfully scary. Makes me glad I get seasick too easy. What about you? Do you have any favorite print ads?
Sweet, Sexy, Science
Who doesn’t remember the Atkins Diet? Its greatest accomplishment was the huge jump in popularity during the middle of this decade. I remember just about everyone was trying out that diet – and I mean everyone. It promised great results in less time.
I caved in and jumped on the Atkins Bandwagon – and lost a bunch of weight. But I don’t think I need to tell you that my weight loss was very short lived. Not a shocker as that happened to many people – which is what probably caused Atkins to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in January 2005.
Well ladies…
HBO Is Hiding Little About ‘Big Love’
Remember that show on HBO? You know the one about the the polygamous Henrickson family? No? Not much of a shocker as ‘Big Love’ showed its last new episode in August 2007. Why do they always have to wait so long between seasons on HBO?
Interestingly enough, HBO has thought outside the box for their campaign promoting the show. They’re viewing this as no one will remember why they liked the show in the first place. What is up with that anyway? If its a good show…they shouldn’t worry about that. Or am I wrong in that thought?
Anyhow, HBO is beginning an…
You ‘Kin Do It!
Hill, Holliday’s latest advertising for Dunkin’ Donuts introduces the rallying cry, “You kin’ do it!”. No, they are not trying to be Tony Little, its actually explained in their press release - the term actually comes from Dunkin’s name. DunKIN DOnuts.
The new campaign “cheers on the everyday people who keep America running by reminding them they can take on any task: you kin’ make it through the workday, you kin’ shovel out that driveway, you kin’ pass that exam, you kin’ finish that paperwork.” Well, you kin’ also join a gym to work off that badonkadonk after scarfing down all those chocolate frosteds, though I…
Pepsi’s New Year!
Happy New Year! This year will be a time of changes – big changes. Every where I turn, people are telling me what big changes they are implementing in their life. Whether or not it will take is another story… for a different blog. :o)
Yes, the New Year is certainly a good time for positivity – a great time for change. But given that 2008 was, in many ways, a seriously lousy year, this first Pepsi work from TBWA\Chiat\Day might seem a tad disconnected. Then again, it’s aimed at millennials, those born between 1980 and 1990, who are an innately optimistic…
Billy Mays Can Sell Anything
Whatever Billy Mays sells, he enunciates wildly in exactly the same pitch, while wearing his signature shoe-leather black beard and trademark blue work shirt and khakis. That goes for the “amazing!” product attributes of this ESPN 360 web site, which allows you to “watch your favorite teams and sports online, anywhere, anytime!”
Three TV spots, which are parodies of infomercials — are pretty funny. They’re not ESPN Sports Center-level funny–but good enough for a chuckle here and there. In one spot, the always hyper one explains that it’s so easy to use, “even my family loves it,” as his blonde wife and daughter…
Honda is Reliable
Honda as it seems has decided to take the high road. Instead of showing us the glitz and glamour of its most expensive vehicles; it shows us several self-sacrificing parents as they get out of bed at the crack of dawn, to drive their kids to hockey practice. It’s an effective buildup to the voice-over, “As reliable as the people who drive them. Honda, official vehicle of the NHL and hockey parents everywhere.”
Now here are my questions: viewers who fall into this category (or, for that matter, who are dutiful parents in non-hockey ways) will they accept the spot’s praise of Honda?…
Winning an Addy….Charlie Brown style
I always had a feeling that Linus was a bong-hitting prima donna, think about it - his hipster bangs and indie-band sock hat definitely gives him away. But who knew Charlie Brown got so much intra-agency action? Hat tip to Adrants, Brentter and all the others who shared this fantastic agency spin on “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” Enjoy!!
What Were They Thinking Part Three
I had to add a part three to this “series” because I came across this commercial from Skittles. Now Skittles has been known to make some very odd, but very memorable, commercials. Well I would have to say that this spot, is about the creepiest spot I have seen in a while. Even creepier than the talking moustrap. What were they thinking??
Breaking Up is Hard To Do…
There have been a million different ways for people to break up. Phone calls, Face to Face, IM, Email, Leaving a message on an answering machines, and this list goes on. Well, Adidas showed one of the more convenient ways to break up with someone. The “No Sad, Big Smile Break up Service.” A man will go around and do the breaking up for you; while being decked out in Adidas finest apparel. Here is the funny spot from TBWA, London for Adidas.
Marketing Broadway: Selling Hope for a Song
Although Broadway, like pretty much every other industry, is taking its lumps this season, some theater veterans are hoping that as portfolios go down, the appetite for entertainment will go up.
That view is part of what is prompting Disney to alter its marketing to fit the mood. A recent television advertisement for “Mary Poppins,” one of three Disney shows on Broadway, featured enthusiastic customers talking about the musical being “so full of hope for the family, for better times ahead.”
You can read more about their campaign here.
A Show Meant to Cure the Ills of Network TV
Madison Avenue is supporting a surprise decision by NBC to give Jay Leno a prime-time weeknight talk and comedy show. The program, titled “The Jay Leno Show,” would be shown during prime-time hours. That is when advertisers pay top prices — in the hundreds of thousands of dollars — for 30 seconds of commercial time.
The show Mr. Leno will host on NBC,is to be “stripped” from 10 to 11 p.m. each Monday through Friday, beginning in fall 2009. You can read more on this here.
Geico’s Kash
In this new campaign for Geico from The Martin Agency, a stack of bills, topped with some primitive Mr. Potatohead eyes, shows up to remind us of how much money we can save on our car insurance. And the stack has a name — Kash. In this sad economy, will consumers find these spots amusing or out of place? Seems a little weird to me.
BBDO goes a little too far…
BBDO Dusseldorf has released a new suicide-themed Pepsi Max ad campaign that DEFINITELY should be pulled. The ads show a blue, bean-shaped character simultaneously shooting himself in the head, with blood coming out the back of his head. While there is a noose round his neck, and poison in his other hand. The bean is supposed to be “one very very very lonely calorie.”
Haven’t they learned yet? Suicide ads have generally landed agencies and marketers in hot water. For example; Volkswagent pulled an ad which showed a man trying to jump off a roof. Similarly GM received backlash from anti-suicide groups for an ad which showed…
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