Dell, Y&R New York Show Brothers Can Get Along with Proper Technology

What would it look like if J.K. Rowling was sleepy and directed a Dell commercial? That’s mostly a compliment for “Brothers,” a cutesy spot that doesn’t draw attention to itself, but could’ve done so a little more, considering it’s going to run during the Olympics. With whimsical storytelling and a few colorful scenes, there’s enough material to hold your attention for the time being.

The story focuses on two brothers, the Kavanaughs, who have a strong connection, even as children. They grow up to start a business together, Kavanaugh & Kavanaugh, not to be confused with Kavanagh & Kavanagh, a real law firm in Millville, NJ, I found on Google after watching. The Kavanaugh brothers, who have never been separated, know that they must for their business to succeed. So, one brother heads to Asia to globalize the company. How do they do this? With Dell products and with tablets that aren’t affected by blackouts. There’s a good story here, and I must give credit for the lack of overbearing product placement, but this spot could use a bit more verve. Credits after the jump.

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Y&R, VML Unveil New ‘Beginnings’ for Dell

Tonight, Y&R is launching a new multimedia campaign for Dell called “Beginnings” that “celebrates the reawakening of the entrepreneurial spirit upon which the company was founded.” The campaign, created in conjunction with WPP sibling VML along with Dell, will include broadcast, digital, OOH and print work and is the first major effort for the brand since it officially went private a couple of months ago.

“Beginnings” is an homage to the “modest starts of some of Dell’s most notable corporate customers,” including Whole Foods, Under Armour, Skype, TripAdvisor, and Shutterfly. The campaign kicks off tonight with a TV spot celebrating the dreamers who recognize that innovation starts with new ideas. Set to a cover of “This Magic Moment” by The Felice Brothers, the ad goes through the humble beginnings of these and other successful corporate customers before likening them to Dell’s own humble beginnings, in a dorm room in 1984. The spot’s unfettered optimism seems appropriate for the start of a new year, and it only makes sense for the company to look back at its history, given its recent leveraged buyout.

The full 60 second ad will be followed by both the full version and a 30 second abridged version airing across broadcast and cable networks for the next several weeks, including during the 2014 Winter Olympics in February.

The television campaign will be accompanied by “high-impact digital and OOH billboards…in Times Square, with the TV spot and banners viewable on Taxi TV in cabs throughout the city.” There will also be a “mix of traditional and digital billboards” at the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Austin, Texas. Credits after the jump. continued…

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