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.
Monday, March 30, 2009
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.
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
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.
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
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
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Coach Tom: winning is everything
To ramp up holiday sales, Staples held a sweepstakes where 10,000 people would win their purchase. And to advertise this promotion online, they created this character called Coach Tom to spread the word. Coach Tom is a cross between the Chris Farley Van-Down-By-The-River Motivational Speaker and every high school gym coach ever. Coach Tom believes in life there should be ONE and only ONE winner, which is why he cannot understand Staples' promotion. Coach Tom's quite entertaining, too. Not sure how Staples' holiday sales were, probably not great, but this was a fun campaign and hopefully Coach Tom will live on. The 3rd one is his Winning Manifesto, pretty great.
Friday, February 20, 2009
5 Fun Outdoor Executions
Auckland City has a walking problem. Well, actually they have a walking into cars problem. Yes, too many pedestrians had been getting injured so they decided to bring attention to the problem precisely where the problem was occuring. This 3D sidewalk execution helps deliver the message of "walk safely" in a way you can't miss. I wonder though how many people tripped and fell trying to avoid the mighty bite of the great white?
It's the "I'll do anything for money" Show. And to promote it, here's a naked guy doing anything for money. He was commissioned to hit various media agencies to hype the show. Gotta love European TV.
Everybody has a secret. That's the premise behind this interactive guerrilla promotional campaign for HBO's Big Love. This mural of everyday pedestrians was put up in New York and LA. It allows real pedestrians to put on museum-style headphones and listen in to the inner thoughts of those in the mural. From someone with a drinking problem to another preparing to leave his pregnant wife, it's a interesting way to get attention and hype this year's show which has its own set up intriguing characters with deep secrets.
As a man, I'm not totally aware of the benefits of a quick drying nail polish, but this clever sculpture of sorts surely does its job. This piece by Rimmel is eye-catching, interruptive and fun. And it tells you the benefit of the product.
What is it with sharks and today's blog? Anyhow, I thought this was a very toothy way to let it be known Discovery Channel's Shark Week is coming. Not only does it draw a major look, but it makes me think of others shows or products that might be worth promoting via the rickshaw bike. How about John and Kate plus 8? Take a ride with screaming kids. Or perhaps a hat store like Lids? Or how about the remake of John Travolta's The Boy in the Bubble (if it ever happens)?
It's the "I'll do anything for money" Show. And to promote it, here's a naked guy doing anything for money. He was commissioned to hit various media agencies to hype the show. Gotta love European TV.
Everybody has a secret. That's the premise behind this interactive guerrilla promotional campaign for HBO's Big Love. This mural of everyday pedestrians was put up in New York and LA. It allows real pedestrians to put on museum-style headphones and listen in to the inner thoughts of those in the mural. From someone with a drinking problem to another preparing to leave his pregnant wife, it's a interesting way to get attention and hype this year's show which has its own set up intriguing characters with deep secrets.
As a man, I'm not totally aware of the benefits of a quick drying nail polish, but this clever sculpture of sorts surely does its job. This piece by Rimmel is eye-catching, interruptive and fun. And it tells you the benefit of the product.
What is it with sharks and today's blog? Anyhow, I thought this was a very toothy way to let it be known Discovery Channel's Shark Week is coming. Not only does it draw a major look, but it makes me think of others shows or products that might be worth promoting via the rickshaw bike. How about John and Kate plus 8? Take a ride with screaming kids. Or perhaps a hat store like Lids? Or how about the remake of John Travolta's The Boy in the Bubble (if it ever happens)?
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