Taxi-Viagra commercial

As uncomfortable and awkward as these commercials may be for some people, you know what... Viagra really doesn't care, we are not the target market! As an older gentleman or an older lady, there is no shame at all in using such a product. In fact, by using Viagra, life can only get better. I think Taxi does a great job adding some wit and humor to a target market that is not often advertised to in such a way. After all, after a certain age, advertising geared towards you may tend to be depressing, and almost insulting. These are cheerful, funny ads with a clear message: enjoy yourself, take Viagra! Well done to Taxi for executing such a creative campaign.

72 and Sunny-Discovery Channel

There are many people today, who don't have much of an interest in the world we live in, nothing wrong with that. I too, tend to have similar feelings when it comes to nature and "outdoorsy" activities, but after watching this ad created by Mother for the Discovery Channel, this beautiful compilation of everything our Planet has to offer, it makes me want to explore. To me, this is one of the best ads I have seen all semester in terms of its message. Again, not necessarily promoting the channel, but just making a statement that the world around us is so vast; go out and see for yourself. It definitely makes me want to see some of the most unique parts of nature, and really appreciate all the world has to offer. So, well done Mother and the Discovery Channel, you got my backing.

Droga5-UNICEF Tap Project

As I mentioned earlier in my blog, I am just amazed by the organization and commitment from Droga5 and its partners to launch such a successful campaign. Having just recently seen the making of the project, and the enormous results it generated, this is an example of a socially responsible ad which has taken responsibility to a new level by quantifying it. Not only are they sending out a good message, but children around the world are being taken care off, and even saved. A great campaign and an excellent message.

Strawberry Frog-Heineken commercial

After going through Strawberry Frog's website, I have to say, out of all the agencies we have studied, the work from Strawberry Frog is some of my favorite. The Sprint campaign, all the Heineken ads, even their work for clients in financial services, such a Morgan Stanley, were all extremely creative, but completely to the point. In fact, I was really impressed to see on their website, Strawberry Frog even has some results from certain campaigns. However, my favorite of the bunch was obviously the Heineken ad I have attached. Clever, witty, and again, I had no idea what the product was till the very end, but was desperate to find out. Overall, I would say just a great agency, with some really neat work for an array of clients, and I will definitely be keeping a tab on them in the future.

Mother-Stella Artois commercial

Very, very different from your "wazaaa", swear jar and "dude" beer ads seen here in the US. It fascinates me how virtually the same product can be marketed so differently across countries. For instance, if this ad (which ran in London), ran in the US, would it be the same? If so, why? If not, why not? A lot of intriguing questions to look at when comparing international advertising. However, for this particular spot, to me the main observation was that a large portion of this ad is in French, yet the ad ran in London. I find this incredibly impressive because it means the ad was well directed and strategic to the point where verbal communication was unnecessary. There is no need to talk about the beer or anything else. We all know once that when "Mr. Piano" saves the day, he wants to relax with a nice Stella Artois: simple as that, no language necessary.

Secret Weapon Marketing-Jack in the Box

A completely clean and funny ad, with some obvious connotations: nothing wrong with that, especially not if you consider your target audience, because I am SURE they would find this commercial funny. The only people I really know that go to Jack in the Box and ENJOY it are young college males whose number one priority is cheap food and number two is food available at all times. This just happens to be exactly what Jack in the Box caters to. While this isn't necessarily my favorite Jack in the Box commercial, it shows a different side to Fast Food advertising, which reiterates the close-knit relationship so many consumers have with "Jack".

Rethink- Playland

Having never heard of Playland till the other day, it is difficult to understand to fully understand the product. However, I think this commercial does a pretty good job for its intended target. I am just making a wise guess, but I assume people who enjoy theme parks don't mind some being silly once in a while, and certainly know what they are getting in to (at least they should!). This ad, humorously, yet effectively shows people's reactions after riding on Playland rides. Personally, I am no fan of amusement parks so I found it a bit silly, but I know that if I went on rides and were willing to let a roller coaster control my vision, I would definitely see the excitement in Playland attractions.

Doner-DelTaco commercial

To me, this appears to be a very average, normal fast-food product ad. From the kick in the private parts, to the typical tag line at the end, there wasn't much to rave about for this particular spot. Again, in a highly cluttered market, unfortunately Doner isn't helping Del Taco stand out anymore than it should. Also, for the target market (I'm guessing young adult males), would anyone not even remotely react when being kicked in that area? I would assume so, yet in the ad, the character is so caught up with this Taco that he doesn't seem to mind. Interesting... I would if I eat something so spicy I would lose my sense of pain too. Guess I'll have to try some Del Taco chicken tacos!

BBH-Lynx commercial

I like this spot for several reasons. First of all, there is no clear socially irresponsible message here. I'm sure there could be debates over the grocery store incident, but on the surface, there is nothing too inappropriate. Secondly, compared to other Axe/Lynx ads where women literally flock towards a man spraying an obscene amount of deodorant just to 'get some', in this ad, there is almost a subtle romantic feel to the spot, which is not only a refreshing change, but it is actually quite sweet. The third thing, the message is technically referring to the fact that Lynx is a 24 hour deodorant. So, if children are watching this, or anyone uncomfortable with clear sex appeals in commercials, this was created in a far more subtle, appropriate and even clever way.

Richards Group-HEB commercial

I think this is an excellent commercial, not because of any colorful art direction or savvy copy, but simply because this is an ad that ran in Texas, FOR Texans. If a normal consumer in Texas is watching TV (I'm assuming these also ran during the NBA playoffs) and during the commercials, out of nowhere, pops up Manu Ginobli, Tim Duncan and Bruce Bowen, he or she will be captivated. Additionally, the Richards Group did a good job adding some humor to the spot, because often times the risk of having sports endorsers is that they seem out of place and a little awkward. I'm not saying their performances are Oscar nominees, however, the three Spurs players in this spot did their job in selling the product and remaining consistent with the strategy.

Wieden+Kennedy- Nike "If you let me play" campaign

One of the most famous Nike ads in the past 20 years, especially considering there is no product feature or even any Nike statement. Similar to the Dove "Real Beauty" campaign, Nike's objective here is not to sell apparel or to even name their claim over competitors, but simply to send out a morally just, and healthy message to the rest of society, particularly young women. Traditionally sports advertising and marketing has been very male oriented and has displayed either a male professional athlete or a model to flex his muscles and show off his skill. However, this spot, created in 1995, was the beginning of a new generation of sports advertising which not only included women, but children, physically challenged and philanthropic messages as well. Once again, Wieden + Kennedy and Nike set great examples for the rest of us to follow.

3 socially responsible ads

1) Ogilvy & Mather's "Real Beauty" campaign for Dove
One of the most well-known ad campaigns, and as far as I have seen, has some of more viewed videos on youtube than any commercial. This campaign is almost 'counter-advertising' in terms of its message for young women in our society. Real beauty IS on the inside, and in the commercial and materialistic world we live in, this is often difficult to see. Additionally, from a PR perspective, I can't imagine ANY negative publicity received from this campaign for either Ogilvy or Dove. Makes you wonder why truly good messages aren't seen more...
2) Droga5's "Tap Project" for UNICEF
Having just recently seen the making of the project, and the enormous results it generated, this is an example of a socially responsible ad which has taken responsibility to a new level by quantifying it. Not only are they sending out a good message, but children around the world are being taken care off, and even saved. A great campaign and an excellent message.
3) Arnold and Crispin Porter Bogusky's "Truth Campaign"
While I personally dislike these ads, and find them a little too extreme, the sentiment is good. Smoking is bad, and while everyone knows this, I think the target for this particular campaign is younger children before they enter the treacherous world of tobacco and nicotine. So, although I personally think the execution behind the campaign isn't the best, it is is still socially responsible advertising.

Dentsu-Toyota commercial

What I really like about Dentsu's ad created for Toyota is the positive message. Rather than talking about the car's specific attributes, and rather than even creating an emotional connection with the car itself, this spot focuses on future developments for the car industry. Another interesting observation about this spot is that there is no specific product even featured. It is simply a Toyota corporate brand message, essentially saying "by purchasing a Toyota you are helping the future of the automobile industry". After all, who wouldn't want to help out?

Kirshenbaum Bond-BMW interactive campaign

What I found most interesting about Kirshenbaum Bond after looking at their website was the amount of interactive work they specialize in. For BMW, they created a campaign called the 'M Experience', which is an online software that allows current BMW customers as well as prospective customers to create their own virtual vehicle and even test drive it against others. Similar to R/GA's NikeId, Kirshenbaum has done a great job increasing traffic to BMW's website and providing an exciting element to the BMW brand.

Vitro Robertson-Asics commercial

Trying to break into the sports market and compete with Nike, Adidas and maybe Reebok is almost an impossible goal (although Adidas would disagree!). This is what I admire about the work Vitro Robertson has done for Asics. Whether it is through print ads or TV spots, Asics' whole brand identity revolves around health and individual wellness rather than being a sports star. In fact, Asics do not even have any athlete endorsers. Probably because they don't have the budget, but nonetheless, Asics has done a great job positioning themselves not as a competitor to these big boys, but as an alternate shoe, which really focuses on running, on health, and on personal satisfaction. Who knows, perhaps they will expand their market share and one day be the new Nike?

AMV/BBDO-The Economist

When someone thinks of a non-traditional or a clever outdoor ad, it's normally not for a magazine or news publication. However, the work AMV/BBDO has done for the Economist is brilliant, and is as witty as it's readers. Obviously, the target market for such a publication will not be as universal as Burger King, making it far less extravagant of a campaign, but I think the account planners for this particular project definitely did their homework in terms of reaching the consumer. Personally, I read the Economist once in a while, and as a student interested in the world around me, I would say I am not far off the Economist's target customer. And as a consumer, these outdoor, print and 'light bulb' ads (perhaps a combination between outdoor and non-traditional??), position the brand well in my mind. Well done AMV/BBDO, you understand the target audience... far easier said than done.

McKinney-Gold's Gym commercial

The amount of DECEPTIVE gym and workout advertising I see actually disgusts me. Whether it is a membership to Bally Fitness, a Bowflex or an ab machine that makes sure "you have 6 pack abs in no time!!!", this commercial created by McKinney for Gold's Gym doesn't have any promises, doesn't even describe the features of the product. All it says is go to the gym and challenge yourself. Also, at least when I think of a gym, I think of motivation. Some of these other workout commercials are completely counterproductive. They make it seem as though losing weight/becoming strong is easy as pie and that all you need is 20 minutes 3 times a week. Well, from personal experience, I call BS. Gold's Gym doesn't say any of this, it says work hard, and by watching the woman firing away doing her sit ups, it is a motivational tool to get off your lazy butt and go work out... be the best you can be!

Cliff Freeman & Partners-Little Caesar's "Pizza Pizza" campaign

Fast food advertising is the easiest category to get lost in the clutter, but Cliff Freeman & Partners did a terrific job establishing Little Caesar's as the cheesiest and most affordable pizza, in addition to an unforgettable slogan in "pizza pizza!". Unfortunately, I was unable to find the particular spots which I think are the most effective and that are my personal favorite. These are the spots from (I'm guessing???) the 80s where someone pulls a slice of pizza and the cheese follows them. This blatant puffery and universal humor really positions the brand well, separating it from any of its competitors. Personally, I never had Little Caesar's pizza growing up, because I lived in Europe at the time, however, the "pizza pizza" campaign is truly unlike any other pizza or even fast food advertising I have ever seen. RIP Cliff Freeman, you will be missed.

Crispin Porter + Bogusky-Coke Zero

For how good Coke advertising is, and the brand identity it has created, Coke Zero cannot even compare. This is probably the worst soft drink commercial I have ever seen. There is absolutely no relation to the product, no brand identity created, and the overall concept of the ad has no objective. It is an exaggerated concept, with absolutely no focus, and the only funny element about it is that this 'sly guy' somehow escapes the SWAT team?! The only explanation I can possibly think of is that Coke purposely wanted to test a new campaign for a new product, Coke Zero. Whatever the reasoning was behind it, nothing surprises me about Crispin Porter + Bogusky...

Arnold-Jack Daniel's campaign

Most alcohol advertising essentially conveys messages like "drink this and you get women" or "drink this and you impress the boys", however, Arnold's campaign for Jack Daniel's has a slightly different strategy. This campaign actually does talk about the whiskey, the journey through which it was made, and even compares its taste to other alcohols. However, it ties it all to these factors to the "Tennessee way", which is the emotional appeal to Jack Daniels. The brand positions itself not as an American bourbon, and not as a fashion statement, but as a legacy and a proud tradition that has never left its original roots. I think it is this that truly positions Jack Daniel's as a whiskey a man should be proud to drink.