A very sweet music video

Music videos have always been a terrific place for artists to try something new and get a little outrageous. Well, the following by singer Kina Grannis and director Greg Jardin is exactly that and then some.

Created for the song, "In your arms," this piece of work slash art, took roughly 288,000 Jelly Bellies and 18 months to create. Pretty impressive, especially when considering that most pop artists these days take about 3 hours to write and produce a hit song. You know, the one about putting your hands up in the air and shouting "oh" or "yeah" or "eh-oh" or something of that nature. But I digress, be sure to watch both  the "making of"and the video itself.

Jelly Belly must also be pretty happy with this kind of free product placement... the best since Lady Gaga's outfit for the Beef Industry Council.

Words That Play

Ji Lee, a designer and creative director at facebook, puts together a really engaging collection of type treatments. The concept or challenge behind his effort here was to make words that work as images. It's not only very clever use of letters, but it makes for a brilliant communication device.

If you want people to pay attention to your words, this kind of thinking can achieve it. You can purchase the entire thing, entitled Words As Image, at amazon.com. Or for fun, pick out a word and try to come up with a like visual for it. In honor of Halloween, I'll pick... ghost... oh wait, I can't see it.

Defining a Terabyte

So... the new Panasonic BWT800 3D Blue Ray disc recorder holds a whopping ONE TERABYTE of content. That's right, one whole terabyte.

So... "How much exactly is one terabyte?" you may ask.

Well, Panasonic, with a corresponding marketing campaign, is setting out to define what this massive number means to you. Because after all, one terabyte is big enough to record high-quality HD video for 684 hours or 28 days. This kind of room gives you the power to appease the recording habits of your wife, your kids, your relatives, your neighbors, your neighbors' relatives and your relatives' neighbors. 28 days is an absurd amount of TV.

To hype the magnitude of this number, Panasonic is producing and of course recording 28 days of entertainment entitled, "The Persecution of Rommy Gulla." And unless your name is Rommy Gulla and you live in Australia, this sounds like a pretty fun idea. As described in the video below, Rommy is about to endure 28 very long, very painful days -- all to help quantify one terabyte. You can watch the series via Facebook or Youtube. Viewers can even suggest a prank, vote on pranks and win Panasonic stuff. Day one involved a late-night police invasion and helium.

Overall, this looks like a great example of engaging consumers and showing, not just telling, what your product can do. Now, what prank should I suggest?

Have a Seat -- at your own risk

There is no question that an "earned" beer always tastes better. Whether, it's the one you proudly imbibe after finishing off some handyman work around the house or the Apres-ski one you toast after a day on the slopes, or heck, simply the one that marks the end of a long Tuesday at work... a beer that follows effort is a beer that brings with it the taste of victory.

In the below marketing stunt, Carlsberg, a Danish beer, takes this insight and expresses it in a unique way. You'll see how 2 people are put to the test of fear, sterotyping and the fear of stereotyping. The concept is nicely paid off by their tagline, "That calls for a Carlsberg." It works great in this situation and no doubt sets the table for many other executions. Up next, a standing-room only bus filled with a half-naked, fully-tattooed, senior citizens.

Tongue Tastic

The story behind Orabrush, a brand new way to fight bad breath, is a lesson both on marketing in today's youtube world and one of perseverance by a little product that could. Invented by Dr. Robert Wagstaff (Dr. Bob), this tiny tongue scraping instrument went from something no company wanted to recently the shelves of 3,500 Wal-Mart's. Yeah, for the little guy!

And the story of how that all happened is told in the first video below. As you'll see, Orabrush proves to us that good products that solve real problems demonstrated in the right way (see the other below video) will find a market and will sell, even if you have to do it yourself and make the retailers come knocking.

Orabrush also shows us how to capitalize on one's viral success. After finding an online audience, they then added a vast youtube library featuring their irreverent Tongue Mascot, also seen below. While it's a simple invention, it takes a not-so simple path to getting to market. Good job, Dr. Bob -- who is probably relaxing on his new yacht treating his tongue to the tastes of champagne and caviar. Afterall, who cares if you fish egg breath, when you have a yacht.

A Disgustingly Smart Idea

Contagion, the new action thriller starring every other popular actor in Hollywood and co-produced I believe by the Hand Sanitizing Association of America, just finished #1 at the box office in its first weekend. While I was not one of the 23 million to see it, I did catch this very clever billboard created to hype the film.

[Insert bad pun here -- on how this idea really grows and presents the opportunity to go viral.]

Warning: While watching this clip, Germaphobes may find themselves experiencing cold sweats, hot flashes, wooziness in the leg region and a dying need to take an emergency shower followed by a week-long vacation in a sterile plastic bubble.

A Visual Diary

So, I keep thinking that stop motion will soon feel old and boring.

Then comes along something like this.

Created by designer Joe Hollier, this stop motion piece details out a month in his life. He takes us on a little day-by-day journey of his activities and thoughts. It's a super-creative, super-fun diary. And as a marketing person, I have to add that it makes for an incredible self-promotional device -- showing off both Joe's skills and his personality.

Occasionally Perfect Billboard

Heineken, known for a more clever brand of beer advertising, has created a billboard that carries that torch and does a great job getting people to take notice. Because this particular billboard is sometimes just a plain, old billboard, and "occasionally" as they say, it becomes much more than that.

On Aug 17th, for example, it transformed into a stage for the group TV on the Radio. What a cool experience for the band and the people gathering on the street. I love that the billboard is a little cryptic. It doesn't say, "Hey, see what's happening here next." It also does a terrific job of connecting a product and brand with the people without feeling forced or disingenuous. And certainly, if Heineken is trying fit into the "cool" space, this helps that cause.

Reporters without Borders

Journalism is dying, right? Reporters have no idea how to connect with today's tiny attention spans and paper-phobic, technologically-savvy consumers. Hell, who needs reporters when we can have twitters?

This campaign for Reporters without Borders does a terrific job of squashing all that rhetoric in one mighty swoop. It uses the very technology everyone thinks these people don't understand while arguing the case for assisting reporters and the important role they play. It uses QR codes and smartphone to turn a print ad into something much more. Very cool.

Pool Ball

From darts to bowling to Golden Tee, man has long searched for ways to combine two of his favorite pastimes - competition and beer drinking.

So, it seems oh-so appropriate that Budweiser offer up a little help and inspiration in this endeavor. Introducing Pool Ball, a game that marries the internationally popular sport of soccer (or football as the Europeans insist) with billiards.

For Budweiser, this creation helps build an even greater bridge between beer, sport and nightlife. Love the execution. And really could see this becoming both a spectator and recreational sport for soccer, ahem football, fans everywhere.

Seriously Interactive Billboard

While some people out there -- that is crazy parents who can't say no to their child's french-fry fit --  will view this McDonald's video game slash billboard as simply another example of how the Big MacCompany is making our world fatter and dumber, I see an example of a very cool idea.

Check out the video and see again how a fun thought married with super-sized technological wizardry can create a wonderful marketing experience.

Nothing Fake about this Lip Sync

"A dying city," is what Newsweek magazine recently called Grand Rapids. A statement that the people of this Michigan town obviously took as fighting words. This video below is Grand Rapid's official response.

It's creative. It shows off the city, its people and the pride they share. It broke a World's record for size and scope of Lip-Dubbing. And it's the perfect example how to get attention by making something spectacular. Not to mention, it's a powerful way to make your point.

Browser Worthy

Here are 2 terrific videos created to hype the latest Google Chrome web browser. One is all about bells & whistles and incredibly sweet graphics. The other is all about heart and storytelling. Two very different approaches for the same product.

You may remember the Arcade Fire music video from last year. Well, Chrome continues to marry its message and its technology with music, design and an overall human touch.

This first video is called Rome: 3 Dreams of Black. I suggest going to the actual site, www.ro.me, where you and your cursor can steer the direction of the video. I also added a clip that details out the making of this video.

The second video is called, "Dear Sophie," and with a more emotional bent, it shows a father using Google to document his daughter's life and then also share it with the someday grown-up version of her. As someone with kids growing up oh-so-quickly, this really struck a chord. I also love the line, "The web is what you make of it."

A chase across your computer

Don't have to set this one up too much. Very cool video promoting Intel's Core i5 processor. Just as we jump around, opening up one application after the next in our daily computer lives, this spot showcases all that movement via a traditional Hollywood thriller chase scene. And all thanks, we can assume, to the speed of the Intel chip. It's a product demo that looks nothing like a product demo.

Augmented Reality

Countless sci-fi movies have portrayed it. Video games have recently embraced it. And pretty soon, it's going to have a much greater function for many of us. Augmented reality, as its commonly called, is the blending of fake and real worlds.  With the advancement and the reach of technology, it's rapidly journeying from a distant land of "Wow, wouldn't that be cool" to an everyday place in our lives. 

Here are a couple of videos, some older than others, that show how it's used and where it's headed. From testing out a new product to the filming of movies to education, there will no doubt be some very smart, practical utilizations of it. And of course, there will also be some ridiculously fun for fun-sake uses, too. Think virtual Beer Goggles or the Holy Crap, I'm on Acid! App.

Graffiti With A Purpose

A former-graffiti artist turned photographer named JR, has taken his two passions, shook them together and created something really worth spraying around.

Inspired by events in his native country of France, JR armed himself with a 28 millimeter camera and began taking photos of people from one "side of the tracks," blowing them up into gigantic posters and then splattering them around the "other side." His 28 millimeter project, as it's titled, was an ironic way to help change the way people are stereotypically viewed by going over the top with that very stereotype.

He carried his art to the Middle East, where he photographed Palestinian and Israeli folks of similar professions and then pasted their big, old faces right next to each other. In two countries that couldn't be more divided, he shined on a light on their similarities. Face to Face, in such a simple way told a huge story of humanity. The funniest part was that people of these countries could not distinguish who was Palestinian and who Israeli. Begging the question: "If you are so different, how come you can't tell who is who?

In the videos below, he describes the stories behind these two projects and several others. Each one is equally impressive. It's amazing how with just a camera, some glue and paper, he can construct something so powerful and transforming. When modern art often seems to be inspired only by good supply of hallucinogenics and creative spin, JR's concepts come from a place of real intent. So take a look and be prepared to say, "Wow, this guy is way more than just an artist."

He is also the well-deserved recipient of 2011 TED Prize and has since started the inside-out project, insideoutproject.net.

The Fairways of Mumbai

This must be the week of inspirational sports stories.

Below is a wonderful look at the game of golf teed up in a way I've never seen. It's produced by E:60, ESPN's first prime-time newsmagazine. The story shows the sizable ingenuity of those who have very little. It's a testament to how one person's generosity can open up a door and quite possibly a whole new world for someone else. And as a sports fan & someone tired of hearing the same old stories being blabbed about on cable TV, it makes me want to watch more of ESPN's E:60.

So many cool stories out there, glad to see somebody is trying to tell them.

Soccer Island

As the saying goes, "Where there's a will, there's a way."

And for some scrappy, soccer-crazy kids living in a tiny fishing village on a tiny island called Koh Panyee, those words could not be more true. The video below says it all. But I'll add my two cents that not only should the ingenuity of these young kids be applauded, but the video itself does a wonderful job of telling their story. So much so, I imagine a movie deal is in the works. While the film is merely a re-enactment of a true story, it feels very real, sucks you in from the start and brings a lot of heart.

It was created by Leo Burnett for the Thai Military Bank to help launch their new brand vision called, "Make THE Difference." Its purpose was to create a feeling of inspiration for this new branding effort by showcasing a story that embodied that very spirit. And I think there's no question that this story and film achieves that (cue Andres Cantor) "Goooooooooaaaallllll!

In honor of April Fool's Day

Here's a cool little trick performed by Coke Zero to prove to nonbelievers that their product truly tastes just like regular Coke.

As they mention in the video, you can say to people over and over that your low-fat or no-sugar version tastes just a good, but they aren't going to believe you. There's a reason for fat and sugar, right?

I mean, turkey bacon is not that same as regular bacon. A veggie burger even loaded with cheese and condiments cannot stand up to a good old juicy 100% beef patty. And don't get me started with light beer.

This is really a sampling opportunity with a twist. A twist certain to get talk value beyond the audience in the theater. And it's a particularly appropriate idea for today. 

Wear our product OR ELSE

Question: How do you make a 22-year-old guy fear the consequences of unprotected sex?

Answer: Have him spend a weekend babysitting my children, one of which is going through wake-up-at-3am-and-scream-mommy and daddy-phase.

Well Durex, a top name in condoms, not too long along ago put the age-old truth of kids being the ultimate deterrent to having kids into action. Their motivation, of course, was to sell some product. The video below explains how they combined this well-established scare tactic with today's technology. They basically created a Baby App where through some "unprotected" contact with another smartphone, your iPhone would find itself giving birth to a child. "Wahhhhhh!" Like all babies, this little guy would cry late at night, need morning feedings, want tickling, cuddling, burping... all the joys of parenthood, all the time.

Now to become baby-free, you simply had to head to your local pharmacy, find a Durex package and take a picture of a QR code located on it. All in all, this is a really well-thought out idea. My favorite part being how one friend knocks up another. It's not only the ultimate motivator for condom-use, but the ultimate way to violate your buddy's iPhone. Hate to think what their STD App might look like. 

One Shoe, Many Looks

"Hold on, I'm swapping shoe covers," is probably a phrase I will never actually utter. However, this new footwear concept by Podi is still quite ingenious.

Instead of buying countless shoes for countless occasions and color schemes, you can purchase just one and then accessorize it with a variety of covers. Simply zip off the old, and zip on the new. Podi also gives you the option to express your own artistic flair in their Tattoo Parlor. Create your own one-of-a-kind shoe or design a new one for each day of the week... Monday's being beige and boring, of course.


Whether it's those beat-up Chuck Taylors you refuse to take off or a fancy-pants pair of fire-engine red Manolo Blahniks, shoes have always been a way to show off one's personality. Podi has a wonderful, bank-statement friendly method of letting that trend continue. Their line, as of right now, does not have great breadth, but I imagine they'll continue to add to it. And while these may not be a hit at your local plumber's union, I think a certain teenie-boppin' crowd should jump for joy over them. And perhaps their moms, too.

Also, here's a fun commercial shot in my hometown for these very shoes.

Approved by YiaYia

From Kellogg's Tony the Tiger to All State's Mayhem Guy, 
advertisers have long searched for interesting characters to help define their brand.  Athenos, a Kraft line of Greek foods, has now entered that domain.

Her name is YiaYia (pronounced yaya.) And technically, she's not one character. Yiayia is the Greek word for grandmother and in this new campaign, each spot features yet another Yiayia. As you'll see, Yiayia comes from a different time, place and culture. She speaks her mind. And just about the only thing she might agree with you on is your enjoyment of Athenos hummus.

Oh, and she just might call you a "prostitute" if your cocktail dress shows off too much knee.

The spots were meant to go viral. And while they may have not achieved huge success in that goal, I find them very well done. Yiayia makes me laugh. She seems like a character you could really do a lot with it. And the idea behind these spots is clever. They also create a nice feeling and connection with Athenos, a name that until now just felt like any other brand of hummus. Opa to that! Now let's go throw some plates.

Excuse Me, Are Your Pants On Fire?

While many of the images in this new Wrangler campaign fall into the dubious category of WTF, overall I have to commend their spirit of "let's try to be different."  From lighting their jean models on fire to throwing them out windows, they've taken the typical fashion shoot and really blown it to pieces.

As a brand with heritage in the stunt person world, especially old cowboy movies, Wrangler can justify the craziness of it all, too. Certainly the creatives behind this campaign may have simply been motivated by the idea of having fun with explosives, but perhaps developing a modern version of their stunt legacy better explains it.

For those who see Wrangler only as the jeans Brett Favre wears,
it offers up a new perspective. Take one look and it's pretty easy to see this is not your retired quarterback's pants. It's bold. It's eye-catching. And it has a great behind-the-scenes story. Check it out in the video below.

Whether you view Wrangler's latest evolution of We Are Animals as a stunt work of art or just a stunt, it certainly works to grab your attention by exploring a unique approach in the fashion arena.

7 Billion Peeps

Pretty soon the global population will hit a whopping 7 billion. 

So what exactly does it mean? How should we think about that number? Does the 7 billion number include the cast of the Jersey Shore or are they classified as a separate species?

Well, National Geographic, as they do, is taking a deep dive into this number. And to get the word out, they've put together a couple of very interesting videos. The first one takes a collection of statistics and facts to give some perspective both on the number 7,000,000,000 and our overall population growth. Created with only type and graphics, this video really sparked my interest to see more of what National Geographic has to offer on this subject.

They also asked the question: "Of these 7 billion peeps, what does the typical one look like?"

Is it a he?  A she? What's the age?  

How much money do they make? 

Do they listen to Katy Perry? 

Are they lucky enough to share Charlie Sheen's Adonis DNA? 

Take a look at the second video, where they attempt to answer those questions, well not all of them. This video, as you'll see, carries the same type treatment as the first. With the use of statistics, it delivers an interesting picture of who that typical person is... and then literally shows us his/her picture. Pretty cool.