Snow White, 73 years on.

This track entitled "Wishery" is pretty fantastic. Ok so it's not advertising, it's not marketing, but it's taking an iconic brand: Walt Disney's Snow White from 1937, and turning it into something incredibly current and frankly very enjoyable. The whole track uses sound clips only from the movie. Love stuff like this.

Get on board!

This is a Sony Playstation ad from 2004 which I recently discovered. I absolutely love the idea to physically represent what it's like to play video games online. Never before had such a large percentage of the global population be able to compete and connect with each other so easily. If you think about it, it's really like a global mountain of people duking it out for a chance to momentarily be the best in the world. The internet is mind boggling when you think about it... Plus, the song is just right.

AXA blends print with new media

This is an innovative idea. Stick your iPhone down on the print ad to find out what happened. It's a bit cumbersome to execute, you have to type in a URL and then select a language before the movie plays, nevertheless it's unlike any print ad I've seen. Might work even better with a scannable bar code... Have a look.

Nissan Leaf: the best car commercial ever? That's a stretch... but still.

I apologize, but I'm obsessed with this ad. I felt tears when I watched it which is embarrassing, I know. Regardless, I think what's so great about this commercial is that you don't realize it's for a car until literally the very end. The entire time you're feeling sorry for the beautiful polar bear whose habitat is rapidly decreasing and who is so obviously out of place and lonely in the industrialized digital world. Additionally, I think when approaching environmental communication it's often times a mistake to obviously chastise or threaten the audience into making the green choice as it puts the viewer on the defensive. However in this case the way the commercial is shot makes it natural and easy to feel sympathetic for the bear so that when he gets up and gives a giant hug to the Nissan Leaf driver you feel happy and relieved, like there's a little bit of hope left for our environment: The Leaf. Which, of course, is exactly what Nissan is trying to achieve.



And here is how TBWA\Chiat\Day made of the commercial, if you're interested.

ENOUGH with the insurance mascots

I'm about to throw my computer at the television as I've just seen another horrendously unimaginative insurance website commercial that has just jumped on the compare-the-meerkat-success-bandwagon. I mean at this point it's honestly getting ridiculous. Between the meerkat, the singing Italian with the unfortunate mustache, Omid Djalili, the Confused people with the crazy hair, and the scooting phone and mouse is there really space in Adland for another freaking mascot selling insurance? Seems like the company Green Flag thinks so with their silly green ant who claims "we might not be the biggest, but by jingo, we're determined to be the best" while marching in a green ant parade - horrendous. The complete lack of creativity and obvious idea-stealing is really what frustrates me. That and the fact that these companies seem to have bought an aggressive amount of air time; they're always on. Frankly, I think all of them, including the original meerkat which has been very successful, are stolen from Geico, the American insurance company who used a geko to sell insurance for years. The geko asked you to stop confusing him with Geico as he was just a simple reptile, not an insurer. Sounds suspiciously like the meerkat ad, right? I'll stop ranting now. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

An original Geico car insurance commercial from 1999.

White and ReWrite but whatever you do, don't make the hunter shoot the bear!

Just in time for back to school, Tipp-Ex has done an interactive YouTube campaign that lets you rewrite this story. It's a fun little piece of social media that is easily shareable and will occupy you for a good five minutes or so. I don't know how strongly this reinforces the Tipp-Ex brand however... I would've probably displayed their strap line "white and rewrite" in a much more obvious fashion but nevertheless this is one of the more creative bits I've seen out there recently.

Have a play!

Cheeky Radox Shower Smoothies

I love smoothies and I have to say I was pulled into this ad when I first saw it. A very creative product name and a cheeky ad (they mention bum cheeks!) to go with it.

Cheeky Smoothies
Watch the ad...

Ninetendo DS targets upwards

Ninetendo is for kids, right? It's completely dorky and totally immature to play a Nintendo past the age of 12, right? Well maybe not anymore as I've noticed that Nintendo seem to be trying to change that mindset with a series of print ads and TV commericals that I've seen over the past few months. On the tube they're targeting young commuting professionals, on TV they're targeting the precious free moments of stay-at-home moms, they even had a series with celebrities a couple months ago like Patrick Stewart, Carrie Underwood, Beyonce, Nicole Kidman and Seth Green - depending on the market. But can Nintendo DS really compete with the likes of Apple's iPad or Amazon's Kindle which provide fun and stimulating content in a more versatile and definitely more mature (ahem, cool) fashion? Are four teenagers really all going to get home from school and play Dragon Quest 9 together on their Nintendo DSs like I saw suggested in a recent commercial? I'd be curious to see the result in sales. The ads seem a bit forced to me, but maybe I'm too synical...  Below Patrick Stewart trains his brain on Nintendo DS while sitting in First Class... I'll believe it when I see it.

Heineken walk-in closet

I had forgotten about this commercial and they have relaunched it on TV recently. Hysterical.

A Quick Note

Apologies for the below two posts as both the videos seem to be acting up. I am trying to find other sources for these videos... Watch this space.

I know you, Heinz Tomato Ketchup

Ah, Heinz Ketchup, people of all ages love the stuff and it is so woven into the fabric of our lives, into our collective psyche, that it doesn't even need to be shown - at least that's AMV's idea. Plus, I'm a sucker for a good song in a commerical. This one stuck in my head and I downloaded it from iTunes. It adds that nostalgic element to the ad - all those meals you've had that just wouldn't be the same without Heinz Ketchup.

Can't find a video to embed so follow this link to AMV's website

Ring My Bell!

It's Eazy Beanzy with Heinz baked beans in a snap pack snack pack. I think this ad is actually two years old plus, but they've relaunched it on TV and it's the first time I've seen it. Positioned to appeal to every bean lover: the stay at home mom, the money-saving student, the working professional and the retired pensioner, this catchy jingle makes me want to get up and shake my booty! I love the detail in the creative for each of the four audiences from the decor of their kitchen, the make of their microwave, the way they make their tea and most importantly the way they eat their beans of toast. Yum yum, get me a snack pack.

There's always Schweppes

Clever and funny this ad by Mother is positioned at your standard over-worked, middle class suburban parents and aims to resonate with the typical (over-the-top in this case) ordeals they face daily while raising a family. It's simple, to the point and memorable - very well done.

Train like a famous athlete - with adidas

This campaign makes me want to download the adidas miCoach and get exercising right away. Then again, it's directed at someone just like me who takes their exercise seriously and can't afford to have a personal trainer they work with multiple times a week... Plus, putting celebrity athletes in the commercial always adds that aspirational element.

Virgin says, Don't Go Zombie!

www.dontgozombie.com

What a great viral game that ties in major cultural trends to promote Virgin trains to English young professional. With the array of zombie movies that have appeared over the past few years - 28 Days, I am Legend, Zombieland, Day of the Dead - and the emergence of Google Street view in our everyday lives, this game communicates Virgin's promotional message - don't become a commuter zombie, take Virgin trains - effectively and maintains Virgin as a culturally relevant brand in today's marketplace.

What I especially like about this game is that you can enter your postcode into Google Maps which creates a personalized gaming experience for each user - you're fighting zombies on your recognizable neighborhood streets. Additionally, you're promoted to invite your friends on Facebook to save you from your zombie fate (if you loose) or challenge your high score (if you're particularly skilled) which ties in the highly relevant Social Media aspect. Then again, tying in Social Media is pretty essential in any campaign these days.

Well done to Virgin's digital agency Elvis.

On me 'ead with Dominos

I love it when I see American brands adapted to the English market. In celebration of the World Cup, this Dominos viral game has you heading the football to collect points. If you win the game's 'Cup Final' you're entered to win one of 25 £100 pizza parties. Special coupons and discounts are given out along the way in return for data, what else? Reminders to order online are a constant on the microsite and of course, don't forget to share with your 'mates' on Twitter and Facebook. This is a tidy little piece of user engagement which hits all of the current marketing trends: World Cup fever, social media, viral games and the all-important data collection.

Check it out: http://www.onmeead.co.uk/

Mars' Singing for England

A bit of a delayed post but here's Mars' World Cup ad which uses famed Jamaican-born English footballer widely considered one of the country's all-time best wingers. He reprises his role in New Order's 1990 single World in Motion (see minute 2.30). It's a catchy, patriotic and nostalgic song that associates Mars with England's World Cup aspirations.

Kit Kat, in a World Cup of trouble

When I first saw Nestle's Kit Kat ad which allied itself with English football fans across the country in support of England in the 2010 World Cup, I immediately added it to my list to update on brandopoly. However, I wrote my whole blurb and never posted it because I just found the 'Cross Your Fingers' ad rather uninspiring. Also, their microsite wasn't loading and I just decided the whole thing was a flop.

However, in last week's issue of Marketing, the front page article was about how Mars and The FA are considering legal action against Nestle for what they consider to be a breach on sponsorship rules.  Basically, they claim Nestle is guilty of 'passing off' an association with the England team despite not actually being an official sponsor.

But there's more. Marketing says that Mars undertook similar 'ambush marketing' tactics in the 2006 World Cup in Germany... despite not being an official sponsor of Team England at the time. Woops...

Nestle of course maintains they have not breached any third-party rights and although I certainly can't claim to have read The FA sponsorship contract, I would have to say that Nestle does a pretty good job of avoiding the World Cup altogether. Never is the World Cup or South Africa mentioned and all football shots centre on the Premier League.  Let's see what happens...

Kit Kat ad below. Mars ad to follow.

BP's digital brand voice

Is BP's digital brand voice at risk from a Twitter imposter that has amassed a following twice that of the petroleum supplier/Gulf Coast destroyer's own official feed? Apparently not because the other day BP told AdAge that they might not take it down. They said "People are frustrated at what's happening, as are we, and that's just their way of expressing it." If you take a look at @bpglobalpr you'll see the imposter tweets are quite humerous with gems like

"Catastrophe is a strong word, let's all agree to call it a whoopsie daisy."

"Proud to announce that BP will be sponsoring the New Orleans Blues Festival this summer w/ special tribute to Muddy Waters."

"Jelly beans, roller coasters, pizza and trampolines. Without oil, none of these would exist. Just something to think about."

However, according to Twitter the name @bpglobalpr isn't legal if it's not an official BP tweeter, they need to say explicitly that it's fake - which they don't. BP condoning this feed will certainly not help them improve their currently terrible reputation, in fact it only perseverates their image as an uncaring, money-hungry, environmentally unfriendly oil company. Why don't they start a retailiation tweet about their clean up efforts? Keep the public informed and try to reposition themselves in the mind of the American public.

Will be watching to see how long @bpglobalpr lasts...

Clever TFL adverts

These TFL adverts have been on the tube for months and I've finally gotten around to uploading my iPhone pictures onto the computer. I love the way they've used the iconic multi-colored lines to represent everyday activities that can require the use of the London Underground. I think these ads are both simple and clever and easily get the message across. Realy like them, especially the shopping/bar code one.

Nike, write the future

This is a fantastic ad and the perfect way to kick off my series on World Cup advertising. With appearances by Wayne Rooney, Didier Drogba, Cristiano Ronaldo, Cesc Fabregas, Ronaldinho, Kobe Bryant, and even Homer Simpson, Nike proves they've got a huge budget - and know how to use it.

Their call to action pushes viewers to NikeFootball.com where you will hopefully spend some cash on Nike products or enter in their 'The Chance' competition, hosted on Facebook.

Even if you're not a football fan, there's no way you can't get even mildly excited about the impending 2010 World Cup after seeing this ad - the passion, the determination, the excitement, the celebration, it's all there. Can't wait.

Smirnoff - It's quitessentially English cool

This ad by Smirnoff is almost too cool for school. Oh hey, let's all go out into the forest with chandeliers, antique chairs and totally eccentric 'nymph-like' costumes and have a fabulously cool party. We're soo quirky and arty and creative! As an American I can tell you that this ad would certainly not resonate with the 18-30 year old crowd its positioned at if it was shown in the states... it's way too eccentric. However, I bet their English counterparts think it's just 'brilliant'! But this is why I love this ad. I like the fact that I can recognize why it's quintessentially Enlish by nature and how it would resonate with the middle class English youth it's targeted at. I have to say as well, after living here for over 18 months now, it's starting to resonate with me too, despite my hard-bent American ways. So while this commercial is a bit silly and a bit OTT, I think it does a great job at positioning itself to a very influential audience. It's ads like these that help me to better understand the culture I live in.

It's Chrome Fast.

If I had to design a marketing plan for Chrome it seems most logical to post it on YouTube and make use of the viral power of the internet to which Google is so intrisically linked - which is what they've done.  Plus, who doesn't like to pass on a good video? Here Google uses traditionally 'fast' objects to benchmark the speed of Chrome. Plus by using science experiments they've incorporated that element of 'authority' to prove the browser's speed and have also further reinforced their nerdy/fun/quirky corporate image. And damn, Chrome definitely seems fast.

Another great campaign, courtesy of Google.

Because everyone wants to be a celebrity...

This was the thought behind this wildly successful viral video from DRAFTFCB Stockholm. In fact, they claim this has been the most successful global viral interactive film ever with 14 million unique visits within 8 weeks. I did this for my boyfriend... you'll see what I mean. I dare you to not pass it along to a friend... especially one who loves the limelight.

http://en.tackfilm.se/?id=1272017736297RA40

Heineken. made to entertain.

Tell a football fan that they have to miss a big match (like AC Milan v Real Madrid in the Champions League) and you're in danger of some serious backlash. Well that's exactly what Heineken did... but then they redeemed themselves in the most spectacular of manners. This is an awesome piece of marketing, not just in the concept but in the organization and execution.

Is William Hill Anti-Glazer?

With everything surrounding the Anti-Glazer controversy at Manchester United, you would think that William Hill would've been more careful with their recent advertisement which seems to support this campaign with the line 'I will show my true colors' with a shot of a green and yellow scarf. However, I suppose since this is quite controversial they're getting viewers to discuss, which is really what they're trying to achieve. Furthermore, they're free of any blame since Norwich City is in fact, yellow and green. What a move...



Background: For those of your who don't follow English football, the Glazer family - who are American - hold controlling stakes in Manchester United, the most winning club in Premier League history. Recently, Man U fans have started to wear yellow and green scarves (in stark opposition to the club's traditional red and white colors) in support of an 'Anti-Glazer' campaign. This move stems from fans angry about the fact that the money in which Malcom Glazer used to originally buy his controlling stake was in fact acquired through bank loans against the club's assets putting the club in massive debt. The Anti Glazer campaign has gotten a lot of press as more and more fans purchase the unofficial merchandise and the stands are now filled with a sea of green and yellow. Additionally, a group of City bankers who call themselves the Red Knights are supposedly attempting to amass enough funding to buy out the Glazers. The story is ongoing. Read more

Have an awesome day!

I love to exercise and get outside which might be why this K-Swiss commercial speaks to me so much. However, they've also got a great song: a rocked-up version of 'California Sun' originally by the Rivieras but this time sung by a chorus of children which just adds a great element of fun and energy. It targets both men and women, doing serious but mostly not-so-serious sports and generally having a great time doing them in the California sunshine. The age group is both old and young and no one takes themselves too seriously. This is a good ol' brand awareness piece for K-Swiss which I consider an often-forgotten sport brand. They've definitely displayed their Californian American hertiage perfectly to this English audience. Let's see what else they've got...

I spy a Ford KA

Here's a way to get the audience to pay attention to your ad: put an 'I spy' in it! My third post in my great car commercial series, Wunderman agency has shot this with hidden Ford KA shapes in the objects and images... can you find 80 Ford KAs? I have to admit that I've paused this commercial and looked for them. I've only found about 60...

Great song too...

FAB design

I just love Jimmie Martin who has a shop on Kensington Church Street, W8 in London. His style mixes the framework of classic furniture with bold contemporary and humerous twists. There is a lot of style and a lot of fun in what he produces. You can also have pieces tailor-made to fit your style or the room you are decorating. I'm dying to get a chair. Visit his website to view much of the collection.

Love your vagina? What?

Wow. What a fabulously fun and controversial campaign. These have been all over the London Underground for the past month or so and easily pushed me to their website: loveyourvagina.com. Each advert simply displays one of the many names for a woman's 'lady parts' in a creative style that suits the word. The website also encourages women to further interact with the brand by nominating their favorite name for their private parts. Although the actual product they're selling (an eco-friendly sanitary option called the Mooncup) is not my cup of tea, I adore this campaign and think it does a wonderful job raising public awareness for a hard-to-discuss product.

Twitter responds to Foursquare

Twitter now allows users to attach location data to individual Tweets. What will this do for Foursquare and will this detract from their USP? Luckily they've established a game and point system that draws users in but until restaurants/bars/companies/brands/city councils start to reward mayors, will it really be enough to have the web-based title? I doubt my more tech-slow friends will appreciate the 'cool factor' of 4square without more tangible rewards. And what about the less competitive individuals... if you're not visiting enough places in your city to ever put you in contention for mayorship or massive points, will the incentive to use 4square be big enough? Food for thought...

Regardless, I think this newest social media platform has incredible potential and I'm excited to see how it develops.

Check out this interesting article on the rise of Foursquare

Twingo: We live in modern times

More on in my excellent car commercial series: this one is priceless, I wish I had worked on it.

Who said car commercials are boring?

I have loved this commercial for the Vauxhall Corsa: fab combination of a great Gnarls Barkley song and colorful pop art which screams fun to the viewer. Who said car commercials are boring? I find in Europe, they're usually quite clever... other examples to follow...

The Persona of the Social Media Landscape

Thought this was very creative... need to check out 4chan and devianART though. What about Flickr?

Click on the image to see in more detail...

Sporcle's Slogan Quiz

Love this! Can you name the products/companies from these slogans?

Marmite: Love It! (but actually hate it)

Marmite has really embraced their love it or hate it status and turned it into a clever campaign. More recently, they've launched a cereal bar.  The ad again plays on those who love it's obsession with the product. How great is this?

Maybe I should give Marmite another chance... 

PS How did they get that Unilever logo in the top left? I don't think Unilever owns them?

My latest obsession: my water bottle

I was in Copenhagen last weekend (pictures to follow) and I picked up the best water bottle I've ever owned. It's by the American company CamelBak who call themselves "the originator and world leader in hands-free hydration systems." Let me preface this by saying that I aim to drink about 4 litres of water a day, so ensuring I'm sufficiently hydrated is always on my mind. The water bottle is 100% spill proof (having once ruined a digital camera because of an unscrewed water bottle cap, this was a major design plus) and has a nifty straw/spout that doesn't require you to tip back the bottle to drink. Ok, so I kind of feel like a baby sucking a bottle at times, but let me tell you, it's fantastic. Plus the design is sleek and since mine is 750mls, it's not too heavy to tote around when you're on the go.