1. Dentsu
Dentsu is big. I mean really big. And for that reason I had a hell of a lot of trouble finding a commercial on their website. In fact, I gave up trying to find any on their international website because it seemed all the content was about investors and their vast array of services they offer. So I had to go to their USA website to actually see their work. The USA website is actually really cool and has this awesome welcome page with tons of changing colors and shadows of coy fish that make the screen look like a tie die coy pond. All together Dentsu is very much a mystery to me. It's an international agency but most the agencies work is done in asia. I like this spot, it's funny and creative and I was surprised to see it was from Dentsu. I'm not a huge fan of using celebrities to market products and I'm kind of wondering why the camera industry is so big into it. (Ashton Kutcher with Nikon and Maria Sharapova for Cannon). Regardless this commercial is cute and it works with the product. I think Dentsu and camera companies in general should ease up on the celebrity endorsements in the future because it can get old really fast and is kind of shameful. Im curious to see what else Dentsu does in the future in the American market.
2. Weiden+Kennedy
This is everyone in the advertising business' dream agency. And if your reading this and disagree with me than your lying to yourself, and you know it. I mean c'mon W+K is just cool. Everything they do is fresh and new and they really set the standard in the industry today. They have the coolest and most interactive agency website ive seen thus far (you can litterally scroll through the work they've done for brands since their inception). I choose this spot first off because W+K is responsible for making Nike what it is today, turning it from a small unknown shoe company into the internationally recognized powerhouse athletic apparel company it is today. I mean Dan Weiden came up with the slogan "just do it" himself. I also choose this video becaue it's an example of classic W+K. Theyre spots are dark, ominious, even scary. They have a distinct portland flavor and they never fall short of challenging and impressing the consumer. This spot is seamless. Top notch athletes wearing scary masks and looking so imposing that they might jump out of the screen and beat the crap out of you. I do however get frustrated sometimes when it seems all W+K ever does anymore is sell sports. Regardless I would love to work for this agency some day, just not in it's Portland office. It rains too much up there, maybe New York...
3. Bartle Bogle Hegarty
BBH's slogan is "when the world zigs, zag." I think that just about summs up this agency perfectly. They are very unconventional, and do truely original work. Their client list is impressive and by the look of their work, they really do something different and special. I think Johnnie Walker would be a dream account, and I think there are a lot of different ways they could have gone with marketing the worlds best scotch whiskey to consumers. But the road BBH has chosen to take is second to none. They are holding up to the brands reputation and not cheapening the product. They are making Johnnie Walker intellegent, tasteful, original yet still the packleader. This spot is incredible and the art direction is perfect for the copy. "Keep Walking" has also got to be one of my favorite tag lines of all time. BBH has really stuck out in my mind, and I hope they get more credit for the good work they do in the future.
4. The Richards Group
Ah the Richards Group...I've waited a long time to blog about our friendly neighbors across the 75. I mean you can practically see their headquarters from SMU, which provides Temerlin Advertising Institute a unique opportunity to see the largest independently owned ad agency in the US close up. I can tell you, our school takes full advantage of it, in fact two Richards Group Media Planners just spoke to my advertising media class this past wednesday. Richards Group is a cool agency, and an interesting mix of a business mentality mixed with good creative. They have a dream list of loyal clients and always seem to be making their billings quite easily. I think they do a good job of keeping their accounts happy. I have even interviewed with Richards Group a couple times for Brand Management internships and they are always very nice people and interesting to talk to. Both times I actually came very close to getting the job and was put on the on-hire list but was either too young or had a scheduling issue. Regardless I hold no grudge and hope to apply their again this coming Summer. They should know me by now. Anyway I choose this spot because I know they recently lost the Hyundai account which I assume is a major blow to the agency. I wonder tho, why they lost it because it this is the work they were doing, than they were doing a hell of a good job. Regardless, I love this spot and I think it's about as fresh and new as you can get for selling a car. I think we can all admit this kills the usual annoying car commercials on TV. The shadow play is incredible and these gymnast people or who ever they are are very talented. I look forward to seeing the Richards Group people more often and I know they love to recruit out of SMU.
5. Doner
I love this spot and sincerely had been wondering who made it. I mean seriously, it takes some major creativity to take a juice account and turn it into something funny, catchy, and almost dirty like this. I don't know much about Doner and from the looks of their website thats still under construction, ill have to wait a bit longer. They have some great accounts and I can't believe how funny their work is. I look forward to seeing what else they do for Minute Maid. The actors in this spot are perfect and the message is lound and clear: drink your juice and you'll stay sharp. Damn good commercial Doner party.
6. Cramer-Krasselt
Much like Doner, I didn't know much about C-K as an agency. And Wow am I impressed. I mean taking those boring pharmecutical drug commercials and coming out with something innovative and creative like this, bravo. I like what they have done because not only is it incredibly creative and funny, but it still gives you the information and doctorish stuff you would wanna know if your having trouble sleeping but are worried about getting addicted to sleeping pills. And for that matter, their website is very straight forward too, getting you to their work and skipping all the jazzy hooplah agencies love to put on their websites these days. It's always so interesting seeing what some agencies can do with what most people would think are boring accounts.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Havas
1. Arnold Worldwide (Boston)
I was not impressed with Arnold's website. It was nothing impressive and it was extremely hard to watch their work, becaue all of the tv spots were either too slow to load or just didn't work. I was impressed at how many big clients they have and I really expected it because I know Arnold is a talented agency thats put out some great stuff in the past. I also didn't want to go with a spot that we have already seen a million times, like their progressive, cranberry ocean spray, or truth campaign stuff. I decided to go with the Carnival cruise lines account because it presents a very interesting challenge. Cruise line vacation sales have been going way down in recent years and the entire market seems very risky, so I was extremely impressed when I saw this fun spot. This spot is exactly what advertisers for cruise lines should be doing. It's about taking a break, a vacation. About unbuttoning your belt and loosenning your tie. Maybe even running out of the office frantically trying to get a shot at the giant beach ball. Whatever it may be it's about letting yourself relax and have fun. It's a big ensemble piece with a guerrilla marketing feel. I approve.
2. EuroRSCG
First off EuroRSCG's has the handsdown weirdest website i've ever been to. I hated it. It's strange, slow, and has this dumb cartoon story at the beginning that makes no sense and I'm not sure pertains to advertising. However, they are a good agency and have some impressive accounts. For example Dos Equis beer. I think these spots should win some kind of an award (if they havent already). They are funny, extremely clever, and damnit just make you wanna have a beer and be as cool as this guys pinky. I think the copy is wonderful and it pairs perfectly with the art directors vision of what the "most interesting man in the world" would be doing/look like. I always laugh when I see these spots and it happens a lot so they must be buying a lot of media time. These commercials are popular and their for good reason. Its also interesting to see that they hold both the Michelob Ultra and the Dos Equis accounts. I would think theres a little conflict of interest going on at EuroRSCG.
3. McKinney
This spot is okay. And I mean just okay. The art direction get a little repetative but thankfully the copy is good and carries the spot. It's sort of a boring account and I imagine the creatives at McKinney were not thrilled when they learned they would be working on the Caldwell Banker account. I absolutely hate McKinney's website though. It litterally was soo hard to click the little floating icons I wanted to punch my own computer. They also do not have an impressive list of clients and many of their spots I have never seen before. Makes me wonder how much media they are buying at this so called "full service" agency. Eh, not for me.
I was not impressed with Arnold's website. It was nothing impressive and it was extremely hard to watch their work, becaue all of the tv spots were either too slow to load or just didn't work. I was impressed at how many big clients they have and I really expected it because I know Arnold is a talented agency thats put out some great stuff in the past. I also didn't want to go with a spot that we have already seen a million times, like their progressive, cranberry ocean spray, or truth campaign stuff. I decided to go with the Carnival cruise lines account because it presents a very interesting challenge. Cruise line vacation sales have been going way down in recent years and the entire market seems very risky, so I was extremely impressed when I saw this fun spot. This spot is exactly what advertisers for cruise lines should be doing. It's about taking a break, a vacation. About unbuttoning your belt and loosenning your tie. Maybe even running out of the office frantically trying to get a shot at the giant beach ball. Whatever it may be it's about letting yourself relax and have fun. It's a big ensemble piece with a guerrilla marketing feel. I approve.
2. EuroRSCG
First off EuroRSCG's has the handsdown weirdest website i've ever been to. I hated it. It's strange, slow, and has this dumb cartoon story at the beginning that makes no sense and I'm not sure pertains to advertising. However, they are a good agency and have some impressive accounts. For example Dos Equis beer. I think these spots should win some kind of an award (if they havent already). They are funny, extremely clever, and damnit just make you wanna have a beer and be as cool as this guys pinky. I think the copy is wonderful and it pairs perfectly with the art directors vision of what the "most interesting man in the world" would be doing/look like. I always laugh when I see these spots and it happens a lot so they must be buying a lot of media time. These commercials are popular and their for good reason. Its also interesting to see that they hold both the Michelob Ultra and the Dos Equis accounts. I would think theres a little conflict of interest going on at EuroRSCG.
3. McKinney
This spot is okay. And I mean just okay. The art direction get a little repetative but thankfully the copy is good and carries the spot. It's sort of a boring account and I imagine the creatives at McKinney were not thrilled when they learned they would be working on the Caldwell Banker account. I absolutely hate McKinney's website though. It litterally was soo hard to click the little floating icons I wanted to punch my own computer. They also do not have an impressive list of clients and many of their spots I have never seen before. Makes me wonder how much media they are buying at this so called "full service" agency. Eh, not for me.
MDC
1. Crispin Porter + Bogusky (Miami+Boulder)
This commercial is pretty funny and in true CP+B fashion a bit risky as well. Crispin Porter + Bogusky has always taken chances as is known for pushing the creative envelope and this spot is a perfect example. I'm not even sure this spot has actually ever run on TV to be honest. I really like what they have done for branding Burger King and the "Wake up with the king" breakfeast spots. Regardless their Dominos work is funny, creative and get's the you've got 30 minutes branding concept across nicely. I do have to say that Im not a fan of the CP+B website. I don't like how it's formated like a blog and I especially found it hard to see the work they've done for their clients because theirs so much clutter it slows your computer. Regardless this agency is going in the right direction and behind the creative risk taking leadership of Alex Bogusky I'm sure were going to have much more to talk about from them in the future.
2. Kirshenbaum Bond & Partners (New York)
I like this commercial a lot. I really appreciate when commercials can be both funny and informative. I think this brands Snapple White Tea perfectly and educates the target audience while still remaining light and entertaining. I was very surprised by the Kirshenbaum Bond website. It was a little more quirky and unprofessional than I expected, and honestly sometime I think these agencies go a little over the top with their websites. I was also surprised by how many clients they have and how few of them I have heard of. This spot however is perfect and I would like to see more stuff like this from all agencies. This spot makes me wanna learn more about tea.
3. VitroRobertson
I'm not trying to be biased but I love VitroRobertson. Now this may partially be because they are housed in my hometown of beautiful, sunny San Diego or that they are one of very few agencies not in New York, LA, or Chicago, but whatever it is, I love this agency. There website is clean and simple. It's hip and easy to use while still retaining that modern agency flare. I love there "Vitro Agency" section and all the quirky jokes they pull on the advertising industry itself. I like their motto too: "we listen.we plan.we steal.", and by steal they mean market share. Cool huh? Anyway I was also impressed with their diverse and long list of clients. They have accounts ranging Oasics shoes to IHOP eateries and even Taylor guitars and Newcastle Beer. The agencies work is phenominal and I especially like what they've done for rebranding Taylor guitars, which is now one of the top brands for guitar enthusiasts. This spot is good, and I mean real good. I like celebrity apperances in commercials at least when done tastefully and not cheesey. In this case it works and it helps to brand their new NFC/AFC french toast, which is a pretty cool idea in it of itself. The dialogue and catching graphics are flawless and I love that guy at the end who yells "Nice hands Larry". I would love to intern for this agency over the Summer.
4. Cliff Freeman & Partners
RIP Cliff Freeman & Partners. You'll be missed. I wanted to go way back with Cliff Freeman and use a nostalgic old spot for this one. And honestly I wouldn't have been able to find many others because to my surprise their website has already been taken down. This is simply sad, and no matter how competetive the advertising industry is, no one ever wants to see another agency close it's doors and turn off it's lights for good. I selected this spot too because to me it represents something American and old fashioned about our industry. Cliff Freeman & Partner's stuff was always wacky, funny, quirky and off the norm. I liked that about them, but in the end that may have been what done them in. They were a niche agency and I guess the recent downturn in the economy just squeezed their billing too tight, who knows? Regardless this commercial is a classic. It's funny, heart-warming and gives us that little cesar's "pizza pizza" branding quality that is so familiar. This commercial for me represent the agency as a whole and we'll be sad to see them go.
This commercial is pretty funny and in true CP+B fashion a bit risky as well. Crispin Porter + Bogusky has always taken chances as is known for pushing the creative envelope and this spot is a perfect example. I'm not even sure this spot has actually ever run on TV to be honest. I really like what they have done for branding Burger King and the "Wake up with the king" breakfeast spots. Regardless their Dominos work is funny, creative and get's the you've got 30 minutes branding concept across nicely. I do have to say that Im not a fan of the CP+B website. I don't like how it's formated like a blog and I especially found it hard to see the work they've done for their clients because theirs so much clutter it slows your computer. Regardless this agency is going in the right direction and behind the creative risk taking leadership of Alex Bogusky I'm sure were going to have much more to talk about from them in the future.
2. Kirshenbaum Bond & Partners (New York)
I like this commercial a lot. I really appreciate when commercials can be both funny and informative. I think this brands Snapple White Tea perfectly and educates the target audience while still remaining light and entertaining. I was very surprised by the Kirshenbaum Bond website. It was a little more quirky and unprofessional than I expected, and honestly sometime I think these agencies go a little over the top with their websites. I was also surprised by how many clients they have and how few of them I have heard of. This spot however is perfect and I would like to see more stuff like this from all agencies. This spot makes me wanna learn more about tea.
3. VitroRobertson
I'm not trying to be biased but I love VitroRobertson. Now this may partially be because they are housed in my hometown of beautiful, sunny San Diego or that they are one of very few agencies not in New York, LA, or Chicago, but whatever it is, I love this agency. There website is clean and simple. It's hip and easy to use while still retaining that modern agency flare. I love there "Vitro Agency" section and all the quirky jokes they pull on the advertising industry itself. I like their motto too: "we listen.we plan.we steal.", and by steal they mean market share. Cool huh? Anyway I was also impressed with their diverse and long list of clients. They have accounts ranging Oasics shoes to IHOP eateries and even Taylor guitars and Newcastle Beer. The agencies work is phenominal and I especially like what they've done for rebranding Taylor guitars, which is now one of the top brands for guitar enthusiasts. This spot is good, and I mean real good. I like celebrity apperances in commercials at least when done tastefully and not cheesey. In this case it works and it helps to brand their new NFC/AFC french toast, which is a pretty cool idea in it of itself. The dialogue and catching graphics are flawless and I love that guy at the end who yells "Nice hands Larry". I would love to intern for this agency over the Summer.
4. Cliff Freeman & Partners
RIP Cliff Freeman & Partners. You'll be missed. I wanted to go way back with Cliff Freeman and use a nostalgic old spot for this one. And honestly I wouldn't have been able to find many others because to my surprise their website has already been taken down. This is simply sad, and no matter how competetive the advertising industry is, no one ever wants to see another agency close it's doors and turn off it's lights for good. I selected this spot too because to me it represents something American and old fashioned about our industry. Cliff Freeman & Partner's stuff was always wacky, funny, quirky and off the norm. I liked that about them, but in the end that may have been what done them in. They were a niche agency and I guess the recent downturn in the economy just squeezed their billing too tight, who knows? Regardless this commercial is a classic. It's funny, heart-warming and gives us that little cesar's "pizza pizza" branding quality that is so familiar. This commercial for me represent the agency as a whole and we'll be sad to see them go.
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