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Creative Excellence Fridays - beverage spots from the UK

noreply@blogger.com (Tim.McLarty) — Fri, 18 May 2012 17:36:00 +0000

Like many, I have long admired the dry British humour. With a long weekend approaching the first commercial this week salutes a common past time, the consumption of cold beverages with friends. This commercial for Strongbow is produced by St. Luke's Communications in London. It's beautifully shot and has strong ties to big budget indie influenced directors like Guy Ritchie.

Staying with Lt. Luke's, here's a beverage commercial that rewards those who choose to take a chance and see something new and different. What would you do if a complete stranger tried to talk you into going into a bar with a free ticket to see "my friend's band"? In this case, the payoff was quite satisfying when the band is revealed.

As always, your ideas and feedback are welcome and encouraged. Have a safe weekend.

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Great commercial from Publicis NL

noreply@blogger.com (Tim.McLarty) — Wed, 16 May 2012 13:17:00 +0000

Ad Critic shared this exceptional spot from Publicis this morning. It's out of the Netherlands and very well done.
It's a precursor to this Friday's Creative Excellence Friday.

Enjoy

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Creative Excellence Fridays - Job search companies

noreply@blogger.com (Tim.McLarty) — Fri, 11 May 2012 14:37:00 +0000

The job placement companies have been raising the bar more and more since the widespread use of viral video.
This week on Creative Excellence Fridays, jobsites, job companies, and how they crack through.
Let's face it, we're inclined to think, they're all alike. You go to the site, register an account, and keep your fingers crossed they'll find you the dream job you've always wanted.
So which one do you choose? It's a lot like choosing a mobile carrier. There are claims of we do this and we have that, but at the end of the day, it's the one that meshes best with your personal perception of you. In other words, these guys seem cool, and fun, I'll pick them.

This first commercial is by Zomajobs, produced by Draft FCB. Zoma bills themselves as the leader in jobs and job opportunities in Latin America. The ad is truly a standout. The production values are stellar, subject matter a bit edgy and overall an amazing commercial. And best of all, the humour is based on their category and main emotional trigger, so you don't get lost in the story, and forget what they're advertising

Next up, a leader in the branded humour approach, Monster.com and Monster.ca. BBDO New York was challenged with the task of
communicating Monster.com's new precision job search feature. Answer? The violin playing beaver. And yes he even gets the girl in the end.

Finally, Workopolis wanted to stress that they help potential candidates find better employers, with more flexibility to meet their employees needs.
And I agree, a team player who makes cookies for the staff should be a must on all resumes.

Workopolis works with Ranscombe and Zulu Alpha Kilo.

That's it for this week. Have a great weekend, and please feel free to comment away. Suggestions for future Friday themes are always welcome.

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Best Brand Reputation announcement for 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Tim.McLarty) — Thu, 10 May 2012 12:33:00 +0000

Marketing Magazine and Leger Marketing do an annual Corporate Reputation Survey.
Heinz leveraged it's 100 year old history along with some good solid contemporary branding to take the number one position. Here is the full article

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Fabreze people are real, according to NY Times

noreply@blogger.com (Tim.McLarty) — Wed, 09 May 2012 12:44:00 +0000

Happy Wednesday. Fabreze has an interesting campaign on right now which has raised a lot of questions; the most important one being, are the people real?

According to this article in the NYTimes, they are. And Fabreze and Grey Advertising went to a lot of trouble to pull this off.

New York Times

Here's the background information from Creativity online.

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Rona - doin' it wrong guy

noreply@blogger.com (Tim.McLarty) — Tue, 08 May 2012 13:19:00 +0000

Here's a teaser for the theme for this Friday's Creative Excellence Fridays. Home renovation commercials.

From Syd Lee, The Rona "Doin' it wrong guy."

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Transit motion advertising boards - the future of engagement advertising

noreply@blogger.com (Tim.McLarty) — Mon, 07 May 2012 13:52:00 +0000

Reading Mashable this morning I noticed a unique use of video and creativity. At London's Euston Station, they have several video billboards all integrated to create one campaign. The point of it all is to raise awareness for battered partners and what can be done about it. You see a giant screen with a man berating a woman verbally and with violent gestures. She is obviously over her head. Then a caption pops up and gives you to option to type a web address into your smart phone and use your thumb to drag the abuser away from the abused. It's clever, and engaging. We'll see a lot more of this in future, I'm sure.

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Creative Excellence Fridays - A salute to the East

noreply@blogger.com (Tim.McLarty) — Fri, 04 May 2012 19:57:00 +0000

This week on Creative Excellence Fridays, we look to the East for our commercial spotlight.
This first commercial is an old gag reworked nicely for this sushi product. One might argue that the sushi doesn't really enter into the equation until the very end, but this is a commercial you'll talk about. The advertiser can only hope it gets enough viral forwards that it translates into brand impressions for the sushi.

Next up, an very popular spot done a few years back by Japanese agency, Dentsu. You may feel a bit of a trend here.

And finally, from Thailand, a commercial that would definitely create some raised eyebrows if produced and aired in North America. Produced by Y&R Thailand

That's it for this week. Have a great week, and may all your creative be excellent.

Ontrackblog is a division of OntrackCommunications Inc.

Jeep's new campaign missed it by this much.

noreply@blogger.com (Tim.McLarty) — Wed, 02 May 2012 13:15:00 +0000

Jeep has just released a print campaign that doesn't work, well for me at least. Perhaps it's the execution. The idea was to have animals from nature indicating with their hands how much room you have left between you and another car as you parallel park. There, I've ruined the pay off.

But, have a look at this image.

Doesn't it look like the bear is in some zen tai chi move?

It was a clever idea. But the visuals just didn't work. Don't get me wrong. In defence of the art director, this is an idea that would seem brilliant in concept, but the writer is the star and the art director is left to be the goat. The goat, holding up his hooves this far apart.

Creative Excellence Fridays - A salute to Mullen advertising and Charlie Sheen on the beer wagon

noreply@blogger.com (Tim.McLarty) — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 20:29:00 +0000

Just when I think it's going to be a slow day in the blog business, Charlie Sheen rises back to the surface. Bavarian beer is based out of the Netherlands, but they are making a push for the North American market with their non-alcoholic beer. Who better than Charlie Sheen to be the spokesperson. Agency is Rempen GmbH out of Germany. Ontrackblog is a division of OntrackCommunications Inc. Next up, a mini-spotlight on US agency Mullen, based out of Boston. One of its more notable campaigns was creating the Monster.com Super Bowl commercial When I Grow Up. Mullen was founded in 1970 by Jim Mullen along with Paul Silverman, who passed on in 2009 along with Joe Grimaldi. Over the years, the company grew steadily into the 22nd largest agency in the United States. Mullen is part of the Interpublic Group (IPG) of Companies. In 2011 the agency was named to Ad Age's A list as the third best agency in the country. In the same year, Fast Company named Mullen to its top 10 innovative marketing and advertising companies. Here are two spots that are real show stoppers. First up, a gorgeous piece of editing for "iRobot, do you?" Product, the robot vacuum. What better way to spotlight the product, then to reverse the tables and turn the owners into robots. I love the edit segment of the older bald actor when his head shifts up and down to the short beat of the drums. Next, a commercial for Fage Yogurt. A thing of beauty to watch. That's it for this week. Comments? We're all ears, and occasionally thumbs. Send 'em our way. And may all your creative be excellent.

New handheld stabilizer for shooting better iPhone video

noreply@blogger.com (Tim.McLarty) — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Even though we produce high quality video for social media, we realize the need and demand for do it yourself video.
I was encouraged to see a new product featured on Mashable. The Slingshot mobile phone stabilizer enables you to use your mobile phone camera in a much more productive way.

How many times have you watched mobile video shaking and jumping about and making you feel like you're watching some sort of indie project at film school.

The Slingshot is one of the first in what I'm sure will be many products made to assist the amateur video user.

Details are here
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Creative Excellence Fridays - Top Virals from Britain

noreply@blogger.com (Tim.McLarty) — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 13:52:00 +0000

I was searching for interesting creative to post in this column and stumbled into some unique virals out of the UK. Britain, the land of Monty Python and Ricky Gervais can often have humour that is inaccessible to a certain North American sensibilities. But this commercial is brilliant. It's done by London's Man + Hatchet. A combination of stock footage with an animation overlay really brings the nuclear silos to life, well just before they die.

And Britain shares something in common with North America, and most of the free world; a love for the Muppets. Here milk producer Cravendale does a promotional tie in with the Muppets movie. Done by Outsideline.

I love love love this piece for T Mobile called "What Britain Loves".
It's twisted and bizarre, which makes for a perfect viral. It was written by Dan Warner, art directed by Andy Vasey, and directed and produced by Traktor for Saatchi and Saatchi UK.

That's it for this week. See something inspiring? Please pass it along and we'll share and share alike here. Have a great week, and may all your creative be excellent.

Ontrackblog is a division of OntrackCommunications Inc.

Social, Mobile Video Sharing App Klip uses visual effects

noreply@blogger.com (Tim.McLarty) — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 13:28:00 +0000

The world is looking more to handheld devices to keep them connected when they're away from home or office. And video is an important part of that. There's a new video sharing site on the scene with strong roots in mobile uploading. They are described as a mobile app that allows users to capture, share, discover and view videos. They have just released a new version of their iOS app that allows users to shoot videos with visual effects and filters in real-time. Klip has also added seven new video effects to the app.

Klip has been steadily updating their app since their launch last year, including SMS functionality. Watch for more video and mobile hybrids.

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Creative Excellence Fridays - a salute to ol' blue eyes

noreply@blogger.com (Tim.McLarty) — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 14:06:00 +0000

I'm going to see Jerry Lewis at Casino Rama tonight. One might think Jerry's performing days are a decade or so behind him. Perhaps that's the case. But I'm going for the experience. The experience of spending time with a friend I've known for 30 years, and the experience of soaking it all in. Lewis is a performer who came up in a golden era of nightclub legends. The stories alone are worth the price of admission. At 86 I'm not expecting him to do cartwheels across the stage, but if he tells one story about the golden age of Vegas performers, I'll feel it's worth it. The king of all Vegas performers of course was Sinatra. Many might argue Elvis was "the man" but he wasn't really part of the Vegas scene until the waining years of his career.
This is my long segue into this week's theme, commercials from ol' blue eyes.

Sinatra worked hard at his craft, but he also played hard. And to play hard you need a lot of "cheese". So he was not adverse to lending his name and talents to a variety of advertisers over his long career.

Here's a classic spot, and a long one starring Sinatra and professional sidekick and pitchman Ed McMahon.

Even as late as 1988 Sinatra's name carried enough weight for a major beer company to make him the showcase of their campaign.

And, given it is Jerry Lewis I'm going to see tonight, it's only fair to feature one of his commercials. A 711 commercial from 1980.

Whaaaaeeeee Dean. That's it for this week. May all your creative be excellent.

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Rockers roll for Madison Avenue

noreply@blogger.com (Tim.McLarty) — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 15:53:00 +0000

On last week's MadMen, one of the story lines was the pursuit of the Rolling Stones to sing a jingle on behalf of one of the agencies clients. Watching a background interview with creator Mathew Weiner, he mentioned how the plot line was tied in a real life event. The Rolling Stones, in fact, recorded a song for Rice Crispies in 1963. The anti-establishment movement took a toll on pop artists singing for "the man" but this song was clearly in advance of that time.

And in 1995, Bill Gates cut a check for the use of "Start me Up" for Windows 95. Get ready for some flashbacks when you see the large, clunky monitors and CD's sliding into trays.

The Rolling Stones have never had an issue with separating their art with their love of the almighty dollar. Here the Stones sing the song Charmed Life on behalf of Dell Computers.

Next week, as we continue our look at heritage advertising, from the age of the 60 second plus commercial, Frank Sinatra on his favourite beer. Until then, may all your creative be excellent.

Ontrackblog is a division of OntrackCommunications Inc.

Diligence pays off for entrepreneurs

noreply@blogger.com (Tim.McLarty) — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 13:32:00 +0000

I was recently elated to read that the company that founded the highly popular (and profitable) game "Angry Birds" did so after 57 previous attempts. And it's one of those on the brink of going bankrupt stories.

It always takes me back to something I realized years ago; it's not always the best product that wins, but a competent product with the best sales force. Great products can still fail if they don't have the untiring warriors who keep going out to battle every day, waving the banner of survival. On that banner are the words "I'm still here, I'm not going anywhere, I have a good product, and you should have it."
And let's be honest, how many times have you chosen a supplier, vendor, or product because it was the new shiny apple in the basket, and the basket disappeared, or didn't return phone calls, or had no customer service.

Here's the article on Angry Birds.

Have a great Thursday!

Ontrackblog is a division of OntrackCommunications Inc.

Tire commercials keep 'em rolling in the aisles - Creative Excellence Fridays

noreply@blogger.com (Tim.McLarty) — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 19:43:00 +0000

Welcome back to our weekly salute to creative excellence in television, video and all things creative. This week, rolling with tire commercials. The tire category has always been a competitive one. From the starting line, pun intended, tires have marketed two ways; superior technology, or superior marketing. The smart ones have both. Here's a vintage commercial from the mid sixties which would make the Madmen proud with their.. "When there's No Man Around Campaign".

Bridgestone tires cut through the clutter with memorable commercials that are truly viral worthy, and non offensive.

Enjoy these three commercials, including a deer in headlights Richard Simmons.

That's it for this week. May all your creative be Excellent.

Ontrackblog is a division of OntrackCommunications Inc.

Madmen melts into the sixties

noreply@blogger.com (Tim.McLarty) — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 12:40:00 +0000

After 17 months in hiatus due to contract disputes, Madmen had an uphill battle in reestablishing itself. The three time emmy award winner appears to be setting itself up to tackle the turbulent issues of the sixties book ending last night's two hour premiere with a racial theme at beginning and close.

And there's something afoot with Don Draper. Peggy cast the seed of doubt with her line, "he's too happy, too kind". A new marriage will do that to you. But throwing a surprise 40th birthday party for a man who,as Peggy observed, hates surprises can be a gamble at best. His new wife Megan had his best interests at heart, but it almost felt like one of those generational episodes when she was visiting with the "hipsters" she had invited to Don's party, while he looked on perplexed.

The competitive rancour between Roger Sterling and Pete Campbell is foreshadowing a loggerhead to come.

One can't help but think that Don and Megan will be a short lived union, as she represents the openness of the sixties, and Don is about the walls that he has lived behind for most of his adult life.

As the marijuana and martinis attempt to live in harmony at Don's birthday party, one can't help but think that the generations that have lived together at the two agencies, will start to drift apart in dramatic fashion.

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Google rebrand-Creative Excellence Fridays

noreply@blogger.com (Tim.McLarty) — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 10:00:00 +0000

Google has reinvented itself several times as market conditions and technology opportunities present themselves. Now, Google attempts to win some of the market Apple's Itunes has owned for the last few years with Google Play. Google Play is not new, it's simply a new name. Sometimes a fresh face can give a product the jumpstart it needs to take hold. Google is not without their failures, but they do not give up without a fight.

Google has the extremely tricky task of selling several products simultaneously. One might ask, which product is most important for Google to win with. The answer. All of them.

Selling tech lifestyle can be easy, if you properly communicate how much better your life can be by using "their" product. But drilling down the best assets of a tech entity, and then figuring out how to insert "human" into it is the real quandary. Google is no Apple when it comes to marketing. But they're certainly no rank amateurs either.

Next week - alcohol marketing. Pushing booze ethically.
Have a great weekend. And may all your creative be excellent.

Ontrackblog is a division of OntrackCommunications Inc.

Agencies and apps - Taxi potholes

noreply@blogger.com (Tim.McLarty) — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 12:22:00 +0000

The days of planning a tv campaign, some print, a home mailer, and some radio and calling yourself and agency are over.
In the battlefield of client services today your tech team play as important a role as your creative team. And the two departments need to work together to dazzle and tantalize the mobile set.
Taxi made a big splash with their pothole spotting app.

It really does come down to listening, and keeping your mind completely open to creative ways to service your base through creative apps that actually are of use.

We provided a web application for Prudent Value Cars, a quality car and finance company, that integrated their inventory into both a custom designed digital signage solution and their website inventory page simultaneously. The client was thrilled, and let's face it, that's what it's all about isn't it?

My much missed late friend James Graham got me reading Popular Mechanics, a hundred year old magazine that is still very in tune with the geek in all of us. I read it faithfully each month. Thanks James.

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Creative Excellence Fridays - Johnny Walker

noreply@blogger.com (Tim.McLarty) — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 21:41:00 +0000

Thanks to Hal Roback for this excellent tribute to our Scottish friends. Johnnie Walker has created a series of creative commercials over the years, and this one is no exception.

Planning a commercial with one long take seems easy. Obviously it's just the opposite. All your post is live off the floor, or in this case, field, and it all has to be planned meticulously. As well, the talent has to be flawless and extremely well rehearsed.

Check this performance from actor Robert Carlyle as he narrates the story of Johnnie Walker. It shows off his incredible focus, as well as some brilliant Scottish countryside.

Long takes are not uncommon in Hollywood. Doing some research I came across this link from film enthusiasts Jordan Hoffman. Famous long takes in Hollywood. Enjoy.

We were in Montreal this week on a shoot so it's an abbreviated CEFriday this week. Have a great week and may all your creative be excellent.

Ontrackblog is a division of OntrackCommunications Inc.

Justin Anderson spotlight- Creative Excellence Fridays

noreply@blogger.com (Tim.McLarty) — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 15:28:00 +0000

The marketing of fashion took on a new look in 1980. That was the year young model and Studio 54 ingenue Brooke Shields started it all with her controversial Calvin Klein commercials.

They seem pretty tame by today's standards. An extremely racy commercial has just been released featuring Agent Provocateur lingerie. (see below)
It was produced by director Justin Anderson. Anderson has a history of well shot, beauty projects including this spot for Armani jeans.

Anderson pushes the limits with this vampire inspired theme for Agent Provocateur. You may not want to watch this in a work environment. (Loud music and sexual images alert)

Anderson's style is unique, but hints of Kubrick and Adrian Lyne are evident.
See this commercial inspired by Armani. A bit long, but definitely visual mind candy.

Gorgeous images. Watch for more from Justin Anderson. Until next Friday, may all your creative be excellent.

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Not just any hair stylist commercial - Justin Anderson

noreply@blogger.com (Tim.McLarty) — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 16:45:00 +0000

Coming up on this Friday's Creative Excellence Friday, we'll spotlight a controversial new commercial from European director Justin Anderson. Here's a teaser of his work.

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The 70 dollar android phone? It's coming.

noreply@blogger.com (Tim.McLarty) — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 13:50:00 +0000

The trend towards mobile technology has been dramatic as people take their offices and their lives with them wherever they go.
And with the Samsung phablet (half phone, half tablet) it seems to be a trend that will only become more prevalent.

Adding to this is news in the tech press this morning about android smart phones dropping in price. Within the next year, don't be surprised to see a smart phone available in the market place for as little as 70 dollars. This will have huge implications in smart phone transition for demographics across the board in North America and smart phone implementation in countries around the world.

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The art of Design - Ian Callum of Jaguar describes what makes a beautiful car on Creative Excellence Fridays

noreply@blogger.com (Tim.McLarty) — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 19:43:00 +0000

Ontrack Communications is a broadcast and design house. That means we have appreciation for all things design. I was like every teenage boy, appreciating the sleek lines of the muscle cars of the 60's and 70's. The 67 Camera, the 68 Cougar, the 71 Baracuda; all works of beauty and still are today.

Ian Callum wanted to be a car designer since he was a boy. He's a classic example of seeing his goal clearly in front of him and focusing on it until it's achieved. So when he saw his first Jaguar as a boy, he realized that's where he was headed. Fast forward ahead to 2012, and Ian Callum is one of the more respected designers in his field, designing one of the premiere brands.

Callum said in Popular Mechanics this month, "There are three heart lines, in the front fenders, roofline, and rear fenders that determine the success of every car's design."

One could argue advertising is structurally similar. You choose a course, a direction, a flavour if you will; if the design and feel is strong enough, people will recognize your ad a mile away. Through your personality, your visual branding, audio logos and general feel, people should be able to say "oh that's a (fill in the blank here) ad."

Washington Lottery follows with a common theme - "what will your money buy?".
Each commercial stays in line with the structure and follows a family friendly personality model.

Even some bad boy bikers have dreams.

And don't forget the "fund a precocious kid foundation".

That's it for this week. Have an idea for a Friday theme? Please share and share alike. May all your Creative be Excellent.

Ontrackblog is a division of OntrackCommunications Inc.