Sunday, September 27, 2009

INTERPUBLIC

McCann Erickson


McCann Erickson
Saab – “Turbine”

I’m not sure why Saab insists on trying to sell it’s automobiles by telling people they used to make jet engines, BMW used to too. What are you doing now is the real question. The BMW emblem is a constant reminder that BMW used to make jet engines, but they have moved on while remembering their heritage. But for Saab, they just won’t stop talking about it. All of that aside, the ad is absolutely beautiful. The scale of the jet and the car next to each other is awesome and the colors look great. It looks classic and expensive and the font is nice too. It looks destined for a Robb Report magazine or maybe TIME. I would certainly stop on the page and take a look, but I’m not sure if saying that Saabs are “Born from Jets” is enough to make me take a trip to the dealership.

The Martin Agency


The Martin Agency – Richmond
Mercedes – E Class in Igloo

I’m so glad that I stumbled upon this Mercedes ad from 1997. It’s cool to look at old car ads because although the technology might be older and the cars look dated, they are still basically trying to say the same things. In this ad you see an E class in a “garage” next to an Igloo. The copy at the bottom reads “The E-class with traction control”. What the implied meaning is “The E-class with traction control is at home even in the most challenging of conditions.” It’s so simple and thought provoking, reminds me of DDB’s Lemon ad for the VW Beetle -- Light copy, deeper meaning. This ad also was featured in the One Show Volume 19 and was a print finalist.

TM Advertising



TM Advertising – Dallas, TX (Irving)
Nationwide Insurance – “Coops Wallscape”

Outdoor, non-traditional ads are by far my favorite ads to look at. The advertising industry has broken the mold and has become very fluid and will only continue to do so even more. It takes advantage of public space and uses it in a way that is most often pleasing and very challenging to the viewer. This one done for Nationwide is just that. “Life comes at you fast” is one of Nationwide’s current slogans and is a nice way of explaining the purpose of insurance. In this photo you can see that they took the ad a lot further than just a banner on a building, or even 3 buildings. TM has taken the green paint all the way to the pavement and even painted 2 cars and a parking booth. It’s safe to say that everyone in the neighborhood stopped by this building after they heard about it, and I’m sure the local and maybe national media covered it too.


T.A.G.SF



T.A.G. – San Fran
Halo 3 – Official TV Ad

INTENSE! Wow this ad for Halo 3 is so intense and cinematic that they even had to put an “ADVERTISEMENT” disclaimer at the bottom in multiple parts! Halo and Xbox fans are pretty die hard and so this commercial coming out is pretty much equivalent to a new Twilight trailer coming out these days. If I were TAG I would be scared to death. The Ad doesn’t really show any game play, but it’s the 3rd Halo to come out so people know they can only expect bigger and better things. I think its excellent and money well spent. I think although the entire thing could have looked pretty realistic in CGI, having real footage reminds you that you are playing an intense action game that mimics human fighting. It really pumps you up and makes you want to play.




Draft FCB



Draft FCB – France
Ripolin paint – “Your walls deserve a paint which will age well”

Ok, so it’s a little grotesque, but why not? Its an amazing way to explain that paint ages too and you should choose a paint that can stand the tests of time. People take care of themselves extremely well so I think this is a great way to show people to care for their walls too. The variations in color and the lifelike textures are great and FORCE you to read the copy to find out just what the heck is going on. Reminds me of Y&R’s print ad for the deep moisturizing lotion where the people’s hands are sticking into their skin. It’s a little strange to look at, but it gets the point across and grabs your attention without being foul or distasteful.



Lowe


Lowe – Publicidad Comercial Lowe & Partners – San Pedro Sula, Honduras
RCA – Sound for Real


I can’t remember who the ad was for that this reminds me of! It’s the one with the bloody Q-tip and then has the brand of speakers below it. RCA isn’t exactly saying they’re going to blow your eardrums, they are saying that the sound is going to be like its coming from right inside your ear.

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

WPP

Ogilvy & Mather



Ogilvy & Mather – Paris
Perrier – Melting

In this ad for Perrier, everything around this woman is melting. I’m not sure when the commercial was made, I couldn’t find the date, but something makes me think it was at least a few years ago. The “melting” looks OK but doesn’t look perfect. And you would expect some things to burst into flames instead of melting. I guess I need to suspend reality while watching this one. Also, not all commercials are made where they are shown, and this one doesn’t seem very French to me. It seems like it caters more to Americans of people from South America and Mexico. I’m trying to think what this ad reminds me of, but I can’t seem to put my finger on it.


Y&R



Y&R – Chicago
Hotels.com – Claymation

Personally, I like claymation. I think it’s something new to look at and its refreshing and simple. The special that hotels.com is trying to advertise is clearly explained and they use good visuals to help out too. It certainly doesn’t challenge the viewer, but its nice to see someone do something different in the basics arena every now and then, even if it is simple.

JWT



JWT – Japan
Haagen-Daz – “Dye Vibrantly”

Haagen Daz is probably considered the most popular entry level premium ice cream. People are paying extra money for Haagen-Daz and you want them to get what they pay for. This commercial does exactly that. It reaffirms that when you are eating Haagen-Daz ice cream you are indulging – experiencing something luxurious. I think this commercial brings up the very important aspect of branding. You need to keep your brand fresh but also stay true to who you are. This is a modern ad but certainly in keeping with Haagen-Daz’s heritage of being a premium ice cream brand. This is a brand where careful planning and research goes into how this brand is currently perceived and how it will be perceived after the ad is viewed.


Grey


Grey
E*Trade – Babies

I am sooo sick of these ads. But, apparently everyone else isn’t. I was sitting on the couch with my Dad and some other family members watching TV recently, and this ad came on and as I rolled my eyes, the people around me were rolling with laughter. I guess to some this idea hasn’t lost its appeal. It was definitely funny to me when it first came out, but I’m tired. It’s effective in saying the same thing Geico says, “so easy a caveman can do it”.

Thursday, September 3, 2009

OMNICOM

GSD&M Idea City



GSD&M – Austin
BMW 3 Series – Glass Road

I saw how they made this film in a multi-page article in BMW magazine. When I read it, I was absolutely blown away. They filmed it in a giant white bubble in a massive hanger. It was lit from all sides and the vehicle was suspended in air so that they could move the camera under it at any moment. The details were astonishing. However, when I see the ad, it doesn’t look like it took near that much work. It looks cool, and clean, but not groundbreaking. It looks like it could be real, could be CGI. I’m usually a big fan of BMW ads and this one isn’t bad but for all the money and time, I think it was a waste of resources. Maybe I just don’t know enough about production to understand why this was new and remarkable.

Dieste Harmel & Partners



Dieste – Dallas
Gatorade – Skyscraper

Even though Gatorade has been doing the commercials with the colored sweat for awhile now, I’m fine with it. I think it’s pretty cool, and reminds you why you need to drink Gatorade while you’re playing sports. This ad was shot on top of a 54 story building in downtown Sao Paulo, Brazil. If the game itself weren’t interesting enough, the grass starts to grow from the cement as they move too. It’s not great but I think it’s perfect for Gatorade.

LatinWorks



Latin Works
Stubbs BBQ – Cow

This commercial shares a lot of elements that are pretty common right now in commercials and other media. Maybe I’ll call it the “Napoleon Dynamite Effect”. Awkward kids in awkward scenes doing awkward stuff. It is still pretty funny though. I like how the kid looks back at the cow multiple times before he makes his final decision. I also like how at the end you are surprised by the product, but then it all makes sense. I’m ok with not knowing what the product is until the end as long as it pulls everything together.

Martin | Williams



Martin Williams
H1N1 Flu viral video – Fire the Flu

I think it’s really cool that Martin Williams decided to make this video. People respond to visuals and especially videos. I think, however, that this video is a little stale. I think they were trying to be witty and get there point across at the same time, but I was absolutely bored. The illustrations are good, if not a little purposefully nostalgic, but they aren’t very entertaining. They made what could have been fun and funny and viral, into a 4 minute PSA.