Hasta La Creative!

Everyone is familiar with a gift registry, for weddings and what not. But Myer and the Salvation Army has created a Give Registry. Where you can purchase items and donate them to victims of domestic violence who have had ot leave their homes. In this spot we hear a woman (an actual victim of abuse) who has gone through so much describe what it’s like to just be able to take a shower and dry off with a fluffy towel– something we take for granted every day. But for her in that situation, having had to flee her home, that little bit of kindness, and touch of femininity means the world. It’s heartbreaking to hear her voice over as she chokes up, but life-affirming to know people are there to help. I really love the sensitivity this displays. By letting the voice speak off camera and focus on the towel it makes us see the item in a whole new light. Really nice. The Give Registry is an ongoing initiative and will run year-round in all Myer stores.

In this spot we hear a woman describing what a tea kettle means to her. Because this kettle means something else. You see, she’s been a victim of domestic abuse. Has spent years worrying if a kettle might be turned into a weapon until she finally had the courage to flee. Now, away from that situation, she has a new tea kettle. One donated by a stranger as part of Myer’s Give Registry, in partnership with The Salvation Army. Now the woman can have tea without fear of repercussions form a violent abuser. She can relax, knowing nothing bad will happen. Hell, as she says in the voice over, she can make a cup of tea at three in the morning if she wants. This is a powerful campaign and a powerful initiative from Myer. Give Registry is just an overall fantastic idea, and I love the way these were shot. By focusing on the item that’s been given, we see it in a whole new light. But we also treat the victims with sensitivity they deserve.

To promote the sparkling mineral water Deep Spring’s relaunch, Saatchi and Saatchi NZ partnered with JCDecaux to create the first ever digital coloring board. Celebrating the ancient Zantangle art, people in Sydney and Melbourne could take a moment out of their day to chill out and interact with the billboard If you are in either city want to try them, they are live until August 22nd at Flinders Street Station and Southern Cross Station in Melbourne and Darling Harbour and Martin Place in Sydney.

JCDecaux Innovate
Software Development: Ansible
Media Agency: UM
Creative Agency: Saatchi & Saatchi NZ
Client: Deep Spring

Mr. Gee is a spoken word poet who wants us all to know it’s never too late to get a degree. It doesn’t matter if you had some bad grades in the path. We have to keep striving for who we are. Because education draws out the purpose from inside.

Golf has been part of the Olympics in more than 112 years. But now its back, starting in Rio. This spot humorously celebrates golf’s return by juxtaposing the quiet delicateness of a golfer with the usual over-the-top football (futbol, soccer, whatever) announcer. Quite silly. Love it.

Independent creative agency Zambezi has named Janine Zaim as its first Director of Recruiting. The newly created position follows a steady stream of new business wins and industry awards for Zambezi, including a Gold award as Ad Age Small Agency of the Year, a Gold Lion at the 2016 Cannes Advertising Festival, a One Show Gold Pencil and a Sports Clio. Zaim comes to Zambezi from Pereira & O’Dell, where she was Director of Recruiting for their New York and San Francisco offices. At Zambezi Zaim will enlist new talent as well as manage the agency’s employee initiatives and policies.

Zaim’s hiring is the latest in a string of recent key appointments at the agency, which celebrates its 10th Anniversary this year. Partner/Executive Director Of Technology Justice Erolin, formerly of Deutsch LA, and Executive Director, Marketing and Business Development Josie Brown, formerly at Omelet, joined Zambezi this year, following the agency’s relocation to spacious new headquarters in the Culver City media corridor along Jefferson & Overland Blvds. Zaim will be reporting directly to Jean Freeman, COO of Zambezi.

“Zambezi is all about our people, and our people are our culture,” said Freeman. “Janine is joining the Zambezi family and curating our creative. She has ten years experience with some of the greatest agencies in the business. Her superpower is finding creatives, something that’s very important for us. Everything here is rooted in creativity. At the same time we needed someone who can find talent across the board and develop the formation of our talent department.”

Zaim’s career includes stints as Creative Services Manager and Recruiter at twofifteenmccann and Director Of Talent and Creative Services at Cutwater, both based in San Francisco. A graduate of the renowned Creative Writing program at San Francisco State University, Zaim is a consummate aficionada of films, literature and all things creative.

“Zambezi is on an exciting trajectory,” said Zaim. “The people here are amazing and creative; there’s a great energy flowing through these walls, and a family-like culture that makes it really stand out from other agencies. I’ll be bringing in dynamic talent in every department, and also working with current employees to keep them growing and engaged as the agency evolves. I’m here to help shape the face of talent at Zambezi. That’s my ultimate goal.”