At a time in which every person can choose exactly what sort of entertainment he or she wants to consume every minute of the day, one of the best ways to make sure people watch your commercials it to make them ironic, self-referential, and wildly entertaining. Continue reading
Midnight in Paris is a one-note song. You might say, “yes, but it’s a Cole Porter song.” But I would remind you that Cole Porter never wrote a one-note song. Continue reading
So George Lois, the famous designer and art director who has taken credit for such groundbreaking campaigns of the Sixties Creative Revolution as “I Want My Maypo” and Volkswagen’s “Think Small” ad, hates Mad Men. In an interview in Playboy a few months back–an issue that, ironically, seems to be all about celebrating Mad Men and features a pictorial of one of the show’s minor players–Lois heaps disdain on the series. Here, in part, is what Lois had to say: Mad Men misrepresents the advertising industry by ignoring the revolution that changed the world of communications forever. That mortal sin … Continue reading
Some TV spots just stay with you forever. We were lucky enough to see this spot years ago, back in the ’80s, when it was on some monthly “best of” reel we subscribed to for inspiration. Back then, we thought it was the greatest TV spot ever. Looking at it today, we’re not sure we were wrong. If this doesn’t bring a smile to your face and a tear to your eye–well, watch it again. You can’t wear it out.
Here’s a classic from Heineken. Note that humor carries the day, with nary a feature or benefit to be seen until the final billboard–and what a benefit. It makes us think about how increasingly important–and difficult–it is these days to just capture someone’s attention. This particular riff on My Fair Lady is certainly out of date. But it points up the resonance of story in advertising. The situation here is certainly outrageous and silly–but it’s not just outrageous and silly. It’s a story that connects with another cultural touchstone–and, thus, with the audience. And even if you don’t connect it … Continue reading
We recently worked with Peyton Manning to create this video for Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at St.Vincent. The good work that happens there, and all the dedicated doctors, nurses, and associates, makes us proud to be part of it. Continue reading
