BEST TVA slightly disappointing collection of TV ads. I'm usually a fan of
spokesman-walking-and-talking-to-camera-while-funny-things-happen scripts.
And I do like this
Old Spice script. Maybe it's the high bar that's been set for the brand or maybe it's just some of the executional decisions and effects but something's amiss.
The
Sony ad has a nice concept: you're not getting the whole story if you're not viewing a panoramic. I think this execution would make a good print ad or web banner but as TV it comes off a little flat, like an animatic. The "Marilyn" ad from the campaign works a little better.
The rest of the work is a bit shallow employing cliches, cuteness and easy jokes. So I guess it's a toss up between Old Spice and Sony - both are really nice, smart ideas that just come up a little short.
BEST PRINTAre
Lego ads the new condom ads? It seems like Lego has more Agencies of Record than Unilever. That said, these are really nice and the best of this week's print. They feature a simple truth: we can make other amazing things out of a Lego set - something always encouraged but never advertised by Lego. It's a really nice way to reinforce Lego's position as inspirers of imagination.
The Ondazul and Toronto Crime Stoppers ads are simple with strong telegraphic visuals. The Bonux ad is nice but reminds me of the Tide print from a few years ago - more fabric violence.
BEST OUTDOORThis week featured a range of traditional and nontraditional out of home media. I liked
'Drunk Valet' as a memorable stunt and expect it made an impact on the few people who encountered him. I'll say it's the best of the bunch despite its limited range.
I also like the
Clean Plus poster - it tells the truth in a simple, dramatic way. But I liked it better when JWT did it a few years ago with an even more pointed visual revealing polluted lungs. I've recently seen several concepts employing this technique and like reverse graffiti I see it as a new medium (rather than itself the idea) that we'll see more of. Let's hope it's used in increasingly dramatic or inventive ways.
BEST INTERACTIVEThis week it's the
Reebok Promise Keeper. This concept is built around a great human insight. What motivates us to act? Internal pressure is often not enough. We are often more motivated by what others think. Combine that insight with our compulsion to broadcast even our smallest accomplishments as status updates and you've got a nice little motivational tool for aspiring runners.
An honorable mention goes to
The Shelter Pet Project - Doggie Double. While there are plenty of face recognition concepts out there - and the "insight" that people look like their pets is a common ad concept - this idea is an intuitive pairing of those two things. It's an irresistible solicitation which engages people long enough to consider the proposition. I foresee a similar campaign opportunity for whozthedaddy.com
This week's guest judge is Galen Graham, creative director, 180 Amsterdam
Galen is one of 180 Amsterdam's most recent acquisitions; he joined last year as creative director. He comes from an art director background, and is currently overseeing 180's global DHL account as creative director and is also working on various pieces of new business. He has a great eye and attention to detail as well as a very sharp sense of humour and tone.
Galen came to 180 by way of DDB Chicago where he worked on the agency's flagship accounts: Budweiser, Bud Light and McDonalds.
Galen's work has been honored in numerous award shows including Cannes, D&AD, AICP, Clios, CA and the Emmys. Additionally, Galen's friends on facebook have ranked him 2nd 'Most Artistic', 4th 'Best Hair' and 109th 'Most Likely to Win in a Fight'.
