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.

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.

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.

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/

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.

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?