Monday, March 30, 2009

A Commercial That Pops

Okay, I generally loathe lame puns so please take this title with the knowledge that I don't think it's remarkably clever. I found this Schweppes spot fun, interesting and very well executed. It's simply a spot that is enjoyable to watch over and over. And how many commercials can you say that about?

Enjoy.

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Taking it to the Streets

Before releasing their seventh studio album, Dig Out Your Soul, Oasis decided first to bring these new tunes to the streets of Manhattan. But instead imitating bands like U2 and play live themselves, Oasis came up with a more brilliant guerrilla tactic.

The group enlisted the help of a small army of street musicians. They gave this ragtag group the sheet music for four new tracks; they helped them practice the new songs and then they sent them out to spread -- that is sing, strum, rap, blare and beat -- the news of this new album.

I find this concept brilliant not only for its originality, but it embodies a spirit of musicians helping other musicians. It brings these notoriously pompous, egomaniac rock star characters down to earth a little and gets after the root of it all. And hell, if their tunes can sound good in the corner of a train station with nothing but a tambourine, a cow bell and beat-up acoustic guitar, well...

And from a marketing standpoint, it makes me want the album. It just does.

Here are some videos about this promotion.



Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Cheap Decor = Cheap PR

Okay, so you're about to launch a brand new company and you're tossing around a million and a half ways to spread the word and get your name out there. Well, a new creative agency in Amsterdam called Nothing has a fresh way to accomplish just that.

Yes, first of all, their name is unusual. However, more interestingly, when Nothing went to build their new office, they decided to create everything out of cardboard. Cardboard desks, cardboard cubicles, cardboard walls, cardboard stairs, cardboard tables... you name it and it's cardboard. Anyhow, the idea of decor as brand or company positioning is an interesting one.

Walk through any office and you'll get a general feel of its essence. Some are minimalistic. Some are cozier. Some are purposely not flashy. The cardboard look jives nicely with the name "Nothing," helps establish the personality of the agency and no doubt constructs a nice platform for PR. Potential clients may come by simply to see the setup.

However, this agency best be careful at any office holiday party. One intoxicated tumble from a heavy-set employee could ruin the place.

See more at nothingamsterdam.com

Thursday, March 5, 2009

Get a tan while you work

Didn't make it to Florida this year for your annual romp in the sun? Or have you just been spending too many hours in the pasty-skin inducing office? Well, here's your answer. It's Computertan.com. Just log on and let this break through technology turn your skin into something of which George Hamilton would stare in envy.

Okay, so this is a total spoof. It's actually a PSA to remind everyone the dangers of UVA rays from the Karen Clifford Skin Charity. As a viral PSA, I find it very effective. The below video is purely a teaser to draw you in and get you to journey to the website. It has a nice, simple purpose and does just enough to make you wonder what this is really all about. Once you commit to figure that out, they've got you.

And from my honeymoon in Greece a few years back, I can tell you that Europeans need all the reminding they can get about burning the bejesus out of their skin. Well done.

Monday, March 2, 2009

A Hair Relief Crisis

Forget your 401K and its devastating disappearance. Forget the housing market and all its shambles. Forget the banks, the Madoffs, the bailout, AIG, the Blagoviches, pensions, airlines, and the many, many other things you might deem a crisis.

Instead, think about the top of your head and the crisis that may be occurring up there. Yes, there is a male hair crisis sweeping the nation. Okay, maybe now isn't the best time of worry about the good or bad hair days. However, Axe has launched an interesting interactive way to get hair advice and let guys know that women (the ones you're trying to impress) really do care about that bed head look of yours.

How exactly do you make getting hair advice for men tolerable? Well, at the Hair Relief Crisis Center, Axe has set up a on-camera moderator along with 100 women judges. You, the male wondering if your dome is in need of hair relief, simply upload your photo and wait for the women's vote. Do you get a 10% hair approval rating or a 95%? The Moderator then makes suggestions on how to help your hair with various Axe products. Problem/Solution at its finest.



Check it out the judging at at www.axehaircrisisrelief.org/100girls

Or see the whole program at www.axehaircrisisrelief.org