It’s a natural tie-in of course. Bananas and monkeys. 

However, it still caught me off guard that there was an ad on my banana. Though it is in the form and size of the Chiquita stickers I’m used to seeing, it definitely stood out. Now, I can’t reference research concluding that video gamers are highly likely to eat bananas. But, this was a great reminder that  when you think outside the traditional advertising vehicles, opportunities to reach your target are everywhere. 

- Lynaia

It’s a  ”Big Week” here in Arlington, in more ways than one.  We’re busy finalizing client campaigns related to the Super Bowl. And, while we thought we’d have trouble commuting to the office with all the out of town traffic, turns out the weather is our commuting foe. With the big game venue located in our backyard, it’s been interesting to be at the epicenter of advertising for the big game or, as most of us in the ad business call it, “advertising bowl.”  We can’t wait for those commercials and the proverbial Monday de-brief session about the best and worst. In thinking about that, I came across this great article about the celebrity endorsement. Several great points here:

1. Consumers are actually getting smarter. They old tactic of throwing a celebrity on an ad and expecting people to come in droves is really over. 

2. Relevance is key. Check out the stats and examples in the article. If what you’re advertising isn’t applicable to the audience, or if the audience has no idea what you’re selling, no celebrity talking head (or shaking booty) will help to increase your sales.

3. Celebrity endorsement is not a substitute for good creative. If the ad is memorable, creative and on-message, it generates response. If it’s a flashy celebrity endorsement with no obvious tie-in to the brand, then it won’t. 

- Ashley

thedailywhat:

Print Ad Campaign of the Day: Taco Bell responds to an Alabama law firm’s class-action lawsuit alleging their “meat mixture” is only 35% actual beef with a full-page ad in today’s Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and New York Times, thanking their critics for suing them.

[huffpo.]

Pretty genius if you ask me. I’ve never been a fan of people making lawsuits about fast food not being good for them. Really? That beef quesadilla won’t supply me with all my necessary nutrients for the day? Haberdashery I say! The whole situation almost makes me want to buy a bunch of beef & potato burritos and stuff my face just out of pure spite. You should read the comments from the original post of The Daily What, pretty amusing and filled with common-sense points. But hey, I might be a little biased; I had some pretty tough times in college and Taco Bell saw me through. With 5 bucks in my bank account, I ate like a king. A king who enjoyed cheap, processed ground beef.

Anyway, at the very least it’s a pretty bold tactic from Taco Bell. Face ‘em head on. I’m not saying they’re heroes or anything, but I do enjoy watching companies address criticisms as opposed to hiding behind “no comments”. I have a feeling this isn’t the last of our “beef isn’t real” saga. What are your thoughts?

-Alex

(Source: thedailywhat)

Intel Presents: “The Chase”

And no, I’m not talking about that mediocre show on Fox. Intel is actually promoting their second generation of i5 processors in a short film that demonstrates its performance:

“To build excitement around the 2nd Generation Intel® Core™ i5 processor, Intel is launching an action-adventure video titled “The Chase.” The spot demonstrates the performance capabilities of the new processors by creating an action-movie style chase sequence that takes place through a wide variety of program windows on a computer desktop.”

This was certainly fun to watch. And although it was just a short film, there was definitely an “interactive” feel to it.

-Alex

AXE Presents: The Teleporter

Another interactive YouTube “choose your own destiny” type adventure from AXE. Great production values, hilarious plot and dialogue, and best of all, they found a way of promoting axe without hitting people over the head with it. I can’t speak for everyone, but currently as the target demographic they’re hitting with this gold, all I can say is bullseye.

You’ll be faced with three paths, so once you’ve completed one, try out the other two. Trust me, they’re all equally EPIC.

The geniuses behind it all? The dynamic trio Chad, Matt & Rob. You can visit their site here to view other insanely funny work. For more info on the video and cast just visit the featured video on the AXE channel or look at the “more info” on any of the videos.

On a personal level, I’m extremely envious because this would be the kind of thing I would love to write and produce. Here’s hoping the opportunity pops up folks *crossing fingers*
-Alex

Stray observation: Fictional Rob, if you’re coming home to that, I would put a ring on it. Just saying. She might purchase contacts.

(Source: BuzzFeed)

the agency conference room starts to look like this.

– Lynaia

YouTube’s Ad of the Year Winner.

Amazing. Absolutely stunning. Check out this U.K. ad for safer driving in Sussex (county?) created by Alexander Commercials titled “Embrace Life”. The video beat out the now globally famous Old Spice ads. I have a hard time believing sincerity in any form of advertising, which is why I scoff at most attempts…but uh, yea. Bar. Set.

-Alex

(Source: Copyranter)

Introducing the winner of the TTI search …

Thanks to all who voted in the campaign!

- Sara

The search for the TTI spokesmodel continues and the final three candidates have been selected. Now it’s your turn to get involved and cast your vote! http://www.ttiinc.com/page/thebigjob

- Gary