So it would seem that the weird Lana Del Rey music video produced by Jaguar was merely a tease foreshadowing bigger things to comes. In fact, Del Ray’s four-minute warble-fest “Burning Desire” is actually the soundtrack to a new short-film that heavily integrates the Jaguar F-Type, Desire.
Starring Golden Globe-winning actor Damian Lewis (Homeland) and Shannyn Sossamon (who’s been kind of quiet since starring in such films as 40 Days and 40 Nights and Wristcutters: A Love Story), Desire is the result of a collaboration with Jaguar, Ridley Scott Associates and agency Brooklyn Brothers (the guys behind the Alec Baldwin/John Krasinski New Era spots). The short film has no official release date beyond “spring,” and a press release describes it as “a story of betrayal, retribution, passion and greed.”
In a statement, Lewis says of his involvement, “Working with the director Adam Smith from Ridley Scott Associates, it promises to be an adventure. Jaguar cars have played some iconic roles in film for many years and I’m looking forward to being the first to drive the F-TYPE in film.”
Of course, this isn’t the first time we’ve seen a car company give its marketing a turn for the cinematic. In fact, it’s been over a decade since BMW Films’s Clive Owen-starring series The Hire gained critical acclaim for its groundbreaking approach to car advertising. In 2013, will the same sort of execution move F-Types? I suppose we’ll find out soon.
We had no idea there were remnants of the Coors account still lingering at Draftfcb since it was reported last summer that MillerCoors moved its entire account out of said agency and into the newly created, Chicago-based WPP entity called Cavalry. Yet, a memo we received that was sent from Draftfcb Canada president to staff yesterday evening says otherwise, though as you’ll see after the jump, the relationship between the brew brand and DFCB now truly appears to be over.
Along with the Coors biz now fully aligning with Cavalry (which sources familiar with the matter have confirmed), Mead’s note, which is essentially a recap of a Draftfcb Canada town hall meeting yesterday, mentions the departure of longtime VP/management director, Darrell Hurst as well other management mentions. We’re getting some further clarification and/or official comment on the matters at hand, but from talking to sources, Mead’s note appears to legit. Read verbatim after the jump (FYI, the “John” that Mead refers to in the memo is Draftfcb Canada COO, John Boniface).
Hardee’s/Carl’s Jr. seems to be in a constant marketing tug-of-war between using half-naked girls to sell their menu and attempting to move away from sexualizing their products entirely. When David & Goliath won the biz at end of 2010/beginning of 2011, the agency starting producing spots for the fast-food chain that seemingly mocked the company’s usual over-the-top, sex sells approach while, simultaneously, not skimping on the bikini-clad models.
It seemed as though everyone was happy, that is until David & Goliath stopped putting sexy girls in the ads altogether. Rumor has it that this angered higher-ups at Carl’s Jr./Hardee’s parent, CKE, who were all like, “Where are the sexy ladies, dudes?” So, in less than a year, D&G lost the business. 72andSunny, which took over on the CKE account almost immediately, has proven their loyalty to the topless-girl-eats-a-sandwich-in-slow-motion style of execution with their ongoing TV spots. However, the above ad, “No Tomorrow,” seems to again be moving away from sexy people in favor of sexy ingredients.
As someone who tries to avoid fast-food UNLESS we’re talking about breakfast, Hardee’s Pork Chop ‘N’ Gravy Biscuits actually look very mouthwatering in this spot. I understand that Hardee’s advertising usually is a bit more conservative than Carl’s Jr.’s, but I wonder if this is the kind of execution that the latter could benefit from as well. As history has shown, a lack of sexy girls is a risky move for any agency working for these brands in particular. However, I hope this works out for 72andSunny, as they are able to do for Hardee’s what McGarryBowen tried (and failed) to do for Burger King. Credits after the jump. continued…
The folks at Arnold, which of course underwent a bit of creative restructuring last week, have returned with a new campaign for Jack Daniel’s, veering from the folksier, Americana-themed efforts of past years to highlight the Tennesee Whiskey brand’s longstanding relationship with rock ‘n roll.
Never mind the association with artists like Kid Rock or those insatiable rockers in Motley Crue (the latter of whom, if you remember, even featured a likeness of a JD bottle on the cover of their must-read autobiography, The Dirt). Rock’s alliance with Jack Daniel’s goes way deeper according to this Arnold’s new TV/web effort for the brand called “Legend.”
Photographer Danny Clinch plays a key role in “Legend,” and along with his work (see a behind-the-scenes clip here) and shots in and out of legendary venues, the campaign features everyone from Frank Sinatra to Bad Brains. The tagged :30 clip above lets you scroll though frame-by-frame and you can peep the web component here.
Make way, the internet videos are here! It’s been a hell of a week for advertising, with Oreo and Audi taking top spots and then a random chocolatier taking CGI to the next level. Lots of taking these days. How about some giving? Like the gift of code. Or you could just watch a guy juggle and solve a Rubik’s Cube simultaneously.
5. Audrey Hepburn. So hot right now. At least, in this Galaxy Chocolate spot, she looks amazing. Not only that, the spot perfectly captures the kind of person the world knew her to be – beautiful and whip smart, never to be taken advantage of. Also she looks straight-up real. 202,899 make this clip far from viral, but still worth checking out.
4. Sir Ravi the Juggler can juggle while solving a Rubik’s Cube. Really no other way to set this one up. At 714,493, Ravi’s nearly a YouTube star, though really he should be president of the planet.
After its founder Lance Armstrong was publicly revealed to be a cheater, a liar, and a complete and utter dickhead, it was hard to believe the LIVESTRONG foundation would survive the fall-out. After all the charity, which aims to provide free cancer support services for those battling the disease, had its brand so tied to Armstrong’s own story that when Armstrong lost all credibility, it seemed like he would take LIVESTRONG down with him.
Armstrong departed from the organization in fall, leaving LIVESTRONG’s EVP, Andy Miller, to pick up the pieces. Yesterday at the annual LIVESTRONG Foundation Assembly, Miller said in a speech to 500 of the foundation’s members, “‘Will the LIVESTRONG Foundation survive? Yes. Absolutely, yes!” His proof, aside from numbers and stats and all that boring stuff, is a brand new logo (above) that is supposed to symbolize the re-birth of the organization, or something like that one would assume.
You can watch Miller’s speech here, and make up your own mind on LIVESTRONG’s future.
Let me begin by stating the obvious: If you find yourself downing more than 3 Jager-bombs in one sitting, odds are your bro doesn’t have your back. Your bro is not a good bro, and you should consider bro-ing out with a new bro who won’t let such a terrible thing happen to you. Sorry, bro.
Now that’s out of the way, let’s take a look at the latest campaign for Jagermeister and LA-based indie shop Mistress titled “A Brother in Your Corner.” The concept of celebrating male companionship in alcohol ads is nothing new, especially in the beer category where things like “Man Law” are done time and time again. Instead of playing the concept for comedic effect, however, Jagermeister has decided to showcase legendary boxing trainer Freddie Roach, whose long resume includes times spent in the corner of boxing champs like Oscar de la Hoya, Manny Pacquiao, and Julio Caesar Chavez. As the video illustrates, Roach has gained a reputation within the boxing community for taking extra special care of his fighters, both within the ring and outside of it. This devotion to his athletes, Roach says, was instilled in him by his own trainer, Eddie Futch, who himself gained fame for training legends like Joe Fraizer, Ken Norton, and Larry Holmes.
The campaign’s tone and focus seems targeted to an older, likely middle-aged bro, one who has actually heard of these fighters and knows anything about professional boxing as none of the fighters associated with Roach our Futch are named in the spot. Also, it’s hard to find many people under that age of 30 who know much about boxing, as MMA continues its climb upwards as boxing fades into irrelevance. The campaign also features a digital extension in which those young males who prove they live by the “Jager Code” compete for a chance to win a trip to Las Vegas for a private training session with Roach as well as tickets to an upcoming boxing match. For more info visit the Jager Code website and Jagermeister’s Facebook page. Credits after the jump. continued…
Well, at least they’re keeping it within family. We’ve been told by sources familiar with the matter that Arnold Worldwide–we hear specifically the Boston office–will take over on the North American unit of Volvo’s portion of digital duties for its parent company, Havas, which has technically worked on the automaker’s biz since the early ’90s via Euro NY.We’ve been told that this is traditional digital work, not the other tidbits including social, etc..
How this affects “client-conflicted” LBi, which also handles digital duties for Volvo, we’re not quite clear. To be honest, this is a clusterfuck, but we can at least confirm the Havas-Arnold move. Regardless, our sources emphasize that this move serves the NA digital biz, not international, which is still handled by LBi and Havas. Once we receive some more clarification on the matter, we’ll holler, but first we need some Advil for the headache.
Nightlife Photography: Is there anything that brings back the memories of sneaking into a clubs underage and looking like a complete idiot more than this? In fact, if you should scrape the archives of sites like Last Night’s Party and The Cobra Snake, you’ll find photos of me looking bewildered and terrified at parties hosted by much cooler people than I. Ah, childhood.
Now, designer underwear brand Bjorn Borg is attempting to catch consumers’ young, wild days with Unforgettable Night, a new online exhibition of nightlife photography happening around the world. Leading the celeb talent is Vogue event photog Pablo Frisk (above), whose last name doubles on as a state of mind. On the site, his photos are formatted as a hyper-linked magazine layout, with the pull quote “Female sexiness—it gives me such a rush” giving readers a glimpse inside of Frisk’s profound perspective on life.
Also featured is Berlin-based photographer Sven Marquardt, who looks absolutely fucking terrifying, doesn’t he? Marquardt and Frisk are the first two of six photographers who will be featured on the site. Interested designer underwear-donning consumers can get their own photos on the site using the hashtag #unforgettablenight on Instagram.
The NFL Scouting Combine is a lot like speed dating—appearances trump substance. Executives make snap judgments about prospects. Players are valued by physical measurements and statistics. The fastest football players are like the most attractive girls at a bar waiting to be picked up by rich suitors who will drop them without hesitation the moment they find a more attractive—or faster—replacement. When it comes to the NFL, the corporations have all the power. Not just the league and teams, but the sponsors as well.
Accepting these truths about NFL business makes adidas’s promise to sign the prospect with the best 40-yard dash time to an endorsement deal smell like a desperate grab for headlines. The news, first reported by Darren Rovell at ESPN.com, seems particularly strange considering NFL players aren’t allowed to wear adidas gear during games; rules only permit Nike and Under Armour apparel. Would sponsoring the fastest player help adidas slice into the NFL money pie? Probably not, even if that player was good. The fact that the contest is predetermined for a single skill rather than an overall body of work is dumbfounding, since speed does not guarantee ability.
The hobbits must be busy working on a sequel, because Air New Zealand abandoned their go-to sponsorship subject for Bear Grylls, adventurer extraordinaire and part-time fake adventurer extraordinaire. “Bear Essentials of Safety,” which details in-flight safety procedures with an outdoor twist, runs four minutes and twenty-eight seconds.
Even though Grylls isn’t from New Zealand–unlike hobbits–the spot gives Air New Zealand another reason to show off the country’s ridiculously scenic terrain as their outdoorsman explains instructions atop a mountain and places a dead fish under an airplane seat. Since nobody pays attention to standard in-flight safety precautions, signing up Grylls and changing the poorly-animated template video makes total sense. Shrewd moves by the Kiwis.
Maybe North American airline carriers can follow suit instead of turning off customers with every decision they make.
Honestly, we’re surprised we haven’t been flooded by agencies, metrics companies, social media pundits and research firms shamelessly latching on to Monday’s Burger King Twitter hack for a little bit of publicity. But one company jumped on the trendlet. Social media monitoring company Synthesio cobbled together a few stats from Monday’s shenanigans.
– Burger King gained 30,000 new Twitter followers (which everyone seems to be cheering)
– There were over 450,000 tweets on the topic
– There was a 300 percent increase in Burger King-related conversation
But here’s the thing. Where’s the stat that says Burger King Realized an X% increase in Whopper sales on Tuesday?
Web designer Frank Jonen, who did web design work for Fitness SF, claims he wasn’t paid properly so he hijacked his client’s site replacing it with a damning message telling Fitness SF customers the company doesn’t pay its bills.
This might be the perfect example as to why no brand should completely hand the keys to its website over to a third party without retaining at least enough control to access the site and correct situations like this. Alas, not everyone knows how to manage a website. And besides, if Fitness SF hasn’t paid its bill then this is probably what they deserve. We just hope Jonen requested payment several times through normal channels before resorting to this method.
Below is the full text of the website message.
Dear Fitness SF customer,
Fitness SF preferred to ignore our invoices instead of paying them. As a result this website is no longer operational.
We regret any inconvenience this may cause for you as a customer of Fitness SF, however it is a necessary measure in getting what is rightfully ours.
Half a year’s worth of work, including gallery featured logo renderings with over 1,300 views a piece.
While some of that got replaced in an attempt to cover up our work, other parts, like the base design (CSS) of the site were still used, illegally as they’ve not been paid for.
Normally there is no question of paying one’s dues. It is simply a matter of morals. Having morals and acting upon them or not having any and just betraying the people that got you started. Sadly we’ve come to know what Fitness SF stands for, or you wouldn’t be reading this.
Your word on their Facebook accounts will go a long way. We’re a small company in the heart of Europe, which is probably why Fitness SF believes they can sit this out till we perish. Can you support a company that acts like this?
Do you hear the people sing, who will not be paid again…
I am also writing this on the behalf of the tens of thousands of freelancers and small businesses out there facing larger corporations who can afford to starve them out. In the movie / visual effects business this is already prevalent. Large studios awarding work to smaller studios or freelancers in the hope they won’t stand up to them when it comes to loads and loads of unpaid work.
What Fitness SF is trying here is exactly the same ploy. Give a barren advance, rake up a huge bill and ignore every invoice. Rush fees, heavy overtime and weekend work are expected to be free.
You don’t get to sleep for days on end, but you do get to wait on your money forever.
It’s people like this who cause company after company to go bankrupt.
An injury to one is an injury to all of us. We need to make a stand against crooks like this. If you’d like to join us in this fight, cancel your gym memberships, post on their Facebook pages, Tweet about it or even pass this on to a journalist. Fitness SF used the press once before to paint themselves as a savior.
It’s time the truth got out on what they really are. Doesn’t it makes you wonder what really drives their publicized “commitment” to the LGBT community? Can somebody who thrives on betrayal in one side of their business be honest in another side?
I hope you are with us. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Frank Jonen
owner frankjonen.com • vfx & imagineering
Back in July, LA Art Center College of Design student Andrew Kim proposed a redesign of Microsoft branding. His idea, encapsulated on this website, went viral and Microsoft took notice. And hired him.
Yes. Microsoft has hired Andrew Kim. Of the news, Kim wrote, “I’ll be designing for Microsoft as of summer. I promise that I’ll make the my greatest work ever while I’m there.”
Apparently plenty of other companies like Kim’s work. Since he proposed the rebranding, Kim has received several job offers but he held out for Microsoft.
Kim will work with Microsoft’s Xbox division and help craft its new identity.
All well and good. Hopefully Kim won’t become disenfranchised with the inevitable corporate crap that comes with the design by committee mentality of most large organizations.
– The new American Airlines logo is great and all but could people really see it from the ground?
– The One Club’s Annual Creative Hall of Fame event that is taking place in NYC this coming Tuesday night. This year, Advertising Legends Steve Hayden, Martin Puris, Jim Riswold and John Webster are being honored for their lifetime of achievements in the industry.
– BBDO New York has, for the sixth time, placed number one on The Directory Big Won, a directory of most awarded agencies
– Swedish ad agency Forsman & Bodenfors has been chosen to design the concept for this year’s Webby Awards.
– Flingo, a large publisher of Smart TV apps, today announced a partnership with Innovid, a video technology platform, to offer advertisers interactive pre-roll video ads on Smart TVs.
– Domino’s delivery guy takes a slingshot ride to “get out of his comfort zone.”
– Hulu AdZone is gearing up for this year’s Super Bowl.
– Vitro has just become the agency of record for Red Robin. Previously, the account was with Periscope.
Just what the hell is this new Mono-created Target ad attempting to convey?
Climbing a ladder in heels is difficult? Women are “challenged” by ladder climbing? Life throws many curve balls in a woman’s path? Women don’t know how to screw and unscrew a light bulb?
And how about the rest of the ads in the series?
Opening a jar of pickles, squeezing an orange and making Moist Supreme (yea, we got that) muffins and cake are akin to having a gigantic squirting orgasm? Pregnant women are demanding little bitches who binge eat unless they take prenatal multi-vitamins? Doing laundry is like blissfully floating in the clouds? Cooking meat will make you a sexy matador? Only sexy cowgirls can change a diaper? Oatmeal needs to be prepared with yet another orgasmic allegory; a fire hose?
The approach, which aims to – and humorously achieves in some respects – parody fashion advertising, simply reinforces long-held stereotypes many would like to see eradicated.
One YouTube commenter wrote, “What I find so troubling is that it isn’t only one ad that Target has? created in this misogynistic fashion. It is at least five of them! All of them aired during the Golden Globes – which means millions of viewers at once. This is the beginning of 2013 and the message for women is that they must conform to their outmoded gender roles – and do so beautifully! Does anyone else see the trend here?
What do you think? Frivolous faux fashion folly? Or yet another perpetuation of misogynistic stereotypes?
This article is written by Rachel Sprung, HubSpot’s Brand & Buzz Coordinator. HubSpot is an all-in-one marketing software which helps businesses attract prospects and convert them into leads and customers.
Have you heard the rumors? In case you haven’t, let’s get you up to speed. The world will end December 21. At least that’s the rumor. So what are you going to do? Buy canned food at the store? Board up your house? Prepare for an invasion of zombies?
No one really knows what to do to prepare for an apocalypse. But there are many companies who are using this legend to their advantage and creating creative marketing campaigns in preparation for the end of the world.
Here’s what a few brands are doing.
#1. Agility Recovery
Agility Recovery is in the business of disaster recovery. They help companies prepare for disasters by creating a plan and ultimately help them execute on the plan.
Agility Recovery has a landing page (http://www2.agilityrecovery.com/end-of-the-world/mayan) promoting their campaign. First, they have a countdown to the apocalypse, and then they encourage you to become a member so they can help you with disasters including power, computer system outages, office space, and communications. They also have some fun and entertaining parts to their campaign including voting for the most likely doomsday scenario (who doesn’t love funny videos?), warning your colleagues on Twitter, and practicing your survival skills such as karate.
Agility Recovery was intelligent and strategic about their decision to do this marketing campaign. The upcoming apocalypse is the perfect opportunity to share the story of what their company does simply because they are in the disaster recovery business.
Furthermore, the infographic and landing page provides information about their company in a clear manner while also adding humor.
#2. T.G.I. Friday’s
What should a restaurant do when the world is ending? Have a party of course! T.G.I. Friday’s is hosting a “Last Friday” celebration in Miami, Chicago, Washington, D.C., Orlando, Tampa, and Los Angeles. Included in the party will be photo booths, a dance floor, and of course, Friday’s signature food.
This is their video:
When rumors start to fly about the “end of the world,” people tend to want to have a party. We saw it with the Rapture, and I’m sure we will see it again with the Mayan Apocalypse. Friday’s is taking the perfect opportunity to position their business as a venue for events while also showing off their signature dishes that they are famous for. Marketers, take a lesson from Friday’s who is putting a positive spin on this event.
#3. Toyo Tires
Toyo Tires is located in Cypress, California and produces different types of high-quality tires. In prepararation for the Mayan apocalypse and to promote their motto of creating long lasting products, they have come up with a tagline for the contest, “We believe in longevity.” To increase the number of Facebook fans, they have a contest where all you have to do is like the page, and you could win a Jeep or even a trip to Yucatan.
This is a perfect opportunity for Toyo Tires to accomplish two goals: First, they are increasing their Facebook fans. Second, they are promoting that their tires last a long time (something every car owners wants to hear).
#4. Stone Brewing Company
Typically beer companies make their beer to last as long as it can. Stone Brewing Company did the opposite when they decided to create a beer with the apocalypse in mind and therefore an expiration date of December 22, 2012, right after the Mayan apocalypse. Along with the logistics around brewing and delivering a beer that would be fresh (even if it was for a short amount of time), they created an extensive social media campaign.
On their landing page (http://www.stonebrewing.com/enjoyby/), they give you the opportunity to vote for the IPA to be sent to your city. They also allow you to vote by Twitter, Facebook, or even email. Finally the hashtag #EnjoyBy can be used on all social media platforms including Instagram to promote the beer and share that you are trying it out. Winning cities will have the opportunity to have the beer which will be taken off the shelves on December 22.
#5. Keating Hotel
The hotels near the Mayan ruins are definitely benefiting from the (supposed) upcoming apocalypse. But other hotels around the country are creating packages to encourage people to relax and take a vacation before the world ends (*wink*). The Keating Hotel in San Diego has created the “End of the World” package as a way to enjoy your last moments before the world ends.
The Keating Hotel has created an awesome package to enjoy the moments before the apocalypse. From having a comfortable room, to exercising, to preparing to fight off zombies, to enjoying your last supper; they have your vacation completely planned.
#6. JELL-O
JELL-O decided to take part in the apocalypse marketing madness by creating a playful ad about sacrificing JELL-O to appease the Mayan Gods in order to avert the apocalypse.
This is their video:
The video is supposed to emulate JELL-O’s tagline, “Fun things up.” After the commercial’s launch, it was written up in the New York Times (http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/17/business/media/jell-o-ads-aim-at-mayan-calendars-end-tongue-in-cheek.html) highlighting the humor in the advertising. In addition, they tease another commercial for the campaign to be released December 22 as long as the world doesn’t end. Adding an element of surprise and intrigue to your campaigns is a great tactic to keep people asking for more.
#7. NASA
NASA is taking a different approach to the Mayan apocalypse and using it as a chance to market science over “irrationality.” NASA has published scientific data stating that it is impossible for the world to end on Friday. One point they make is that the planet Nibiru, who according to the rumor is a large object heading to Earth to destroy it, does not exist and is therefore not anywhere close to Earth. They are even publishing videos on YouTube of them discussing the fictional claims.
This is their video:
Don’t underestimate the opportunity to market knowledge and not product or services. NASA is taking an opportunity to inform people that they produce scientific data throughout the year and are a valuable resource of information. As the world posts information about the end of the world, NASA is being looked at as the thought leader who is disputing these rumors and spreading the truth.
Almost ten years ago, Beyonce first appeared it what was, by far, one of the hottest Pepsi commercials ever to air. OK, that may be a bit of an over exaggeration but not to the gas station attendant whose jaw dropped when he watched Beyonce in all her bootyliciousness walk from her car to a Pepsi machine as Crazy in Love played.
Now, ten years later, Pepsi is, again, working with the star in a $50 million deal that will include a new “Live for Now” commercial as well as promotional appearances, her likeness on limited edition cans and a Creative Development Fund that will support Beyonce’s various creative endeavors.
Of the deal and it’s aim to more closely partner musical artists, Beyonce said, “Pepsi embraces creativity and understands that artists evolve. As a businesswoman, this allows me to work with a lifestyle brand with no compromise and without sacrificing my creativity.”
Over the past ten years, Beyonce has appeared in Pepsi ads with PINK, Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez and David Beckham.
Separately, Beyonce will perform during the 2013 Super Bowl halftime show which is sponsored by Pepsi.
With a campaign that touches upon the various forms of love and diverse family life, Gap is out with work that features Michael J, Fox and Tracy Pollan, musician Rufus Wainright and artist Jorn Weisbrodt, rapper Nas and his dad, the Atomics, Gia Coppola and Nathalie Love and others.
Created by Minneapolis-based Peterson Mills Hooks, the work aims to tout the brand’s “love comes in every shade” campaign. The colorful and upbeat delivery is decidedly more low key and less in your face than, perhaps, Bennetton might approach the topic but that’s Gap; non-controversial clothing for everyone.
In Japan, Honda is marketing a pink Fit called Honda Fit She’s (apostrophe is a heart) that promises to prevent wrinkles with its “plasmacluster” AC system. Of course, this gender specific stuff still works great in Japan where, apparently, they aren’t so hung up on the fact that men are men and women are women.
Going for “adult cute,” it would seem Honda might want to team with Bic and co-marketing their Bic For Her pen along with the car.
This is site is run by Sascha Endlicher, M.A., during ungodly late night hours. Wanna know more about him? Connect via Social Media by jumping to about.me/sascha.endlicher.
Well, at least they’re keeping it within family. We’ve been told by sources familiar with the matter that Arnold Worldwide–we hear specifically the Boston office–will take over on the North American unit of Volvo’s portion of digital duties for its parent company, Havas, which has technically worked on the automaker’s biz 
