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.
Likely, you’ve seen the commercials on TV already. The Arby’s commercials claiming Subway doesn’t slice its meat in the back of the store but in a warehouse far, far away. Yesterday, the brand launched a five minute, CP+B created, Larry Charles-directed video featuring retired NYPD detective Bo Dietl.
In the video, Dietl, who, we are told, was hired by Arby’s, sets out to find just where “the back” of Subway is located. ALong the way, we are regaled with stories of Dietl’s work for the NYPD, how he’s all about determining truth and the first time he ate at an Arby’s in 1969.
Sadly, we don’t really get to see where Subway slices its meat. One assumes it’s inside the big white warehouse to which Dietl delivers us but it woulf have been nice to have seen Dietl actually infiltrate the place with a hidden camera scenario. Alas, most ad agencies aren’t like PETA and don’t go that extra mile when creating commercial documentaries.
I was recently at a conference and no less than four of the presenters used the term “ladder up” as some kind of fancy buzzword bingo for ramping things up. At least I think that’s what they meant. At the end of the day. Bigger picture. Ripple effect. Halo effect. 360 degree view. These and other “make me sound smart” lines of bullshit spew forth from the mouths of marketing execs like verbal diarrea on steroids.
Bundaberg Rum, the brand that had all kinds of fun blowing up an alligator on a golf course…and then apologizing for it…is out with a new commercial that, well, blows up the true history of how Bundaberg Rum came to be.
Directed by Mike McGuire, the story of Bundaberg Rum having been born out of a surplus of molasses in 1885 shifts over the years, as is the case with many historical retellings, into a story filled with wonder and grandeur. Watch here as the brand has disabled embedding.
A new campaign from the brand whose sole mission is to make women’s boobs look bigger than they really are, Wonderbra, is out with a new Digitas-created campaign. Print and outdoor ads, which debut tomorrow, will feature a fully clothed Adriana Cernanova. An app, entitled The Wonderbra Decoder, will detect a QR code on the ad and reveal what she is wearing underneath. All the usual social sharing options will be present as well.
Of the campaign, Wonderbra UK Marketing Manager Martina Alexander said, “We are showing Adriana in her clothes, including simple jeans and T-shirt, and through our new and unique app consumers can reveal the Wonderbra behind the look. It’s really female friendly and links to the outfit which was important to us.”
Martina, we’re quite sure this app will be very male friendly as well.
Well if only batteries could actually achieve what San Francisco 49ers pro linebacker Patrick Willis achieved. Powerful new work from Saatchi & Saatchi NY, Trust Your Power, offers a moving portrait of Willis, the challenges he faced growing up and his drive to overcome them.
Narrated by Patrick, himself, the two minute video examines Willis’ life. In a voiceover, Will says, “Looking back on it…on how I got to where I am, I don’t know if it was because I was running towards something or whether I was running away from it. But that didn’t matter. What I did know is when you run into something something bigger, something meaner, something with the power to knock you down, you have to trust yourself, trust that you can get up and not give in. Ever. Because power isn’t just about going forward. It’s about not letting anything hold you back. You find that in yourself, you can go anywhere you want.”
It’s a very personal piece and one that’s interesting in its own right despite the fact it’s branded content. We’d like to see more brands adopt this approach. Not necessarily with pro athletes all the time. There are plenty of regular human beings out there who have their own very power stories of achievement to tell.
Last year, UK-based JD Sports reached out to its audience and sought fresh faces for its ad campaign. This year, the brand is at it again and they are out with a video sharing how the lives of last year’s chosen ones have changed.
If you think you’ve got what it takes to be the next face of JD, head of to their website, submit your own photo or just vote for those already entered.
Urban Outfitters, as they have for years, is once again pushing buttons. This time it’s moms who aren’t too happy the clothing brand is out with a line of t-shirts that, it would seem, advocates drinking.
Four new t-shirts read, “USA Drinking Team,” “Vote for Vodka,” “Misery Loves Alcohol” ands one with blurry letters that read “I Drink You’re Cute.”
Mothers Against Drunk Driving President Jan Withers told the New York Times, “As a mother, these shirts are not acceptable for children under the age of 21. If they’re targeting that audience, then they’re sending the message that it’s cool to drink. We know of the dangers of underage drinking and the fact that it’s just downright illegal.”
With Urban Outfitters customer base mostly 18-24, much of this outrage may be warranted. Is this just harmless fun or does Urban Outfitters need a good spanking?
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 since the early ’90s via Euro NY.We’ve been told that this is traditional digital work, not the other tidbits including social, etc..
