I’ve written several posts discussing Web 2.0 and the evolution of media across all platforms. Any person, business, organization, etc. that fails to recognize the participatory nature of today’s media and refuses to get involved, will fall way behind in the areas of marketing, advertising and public exposure. I came across this great video today by Niko Pereira, featuring Henry Jenkins of MIT, who discusses how media is changing. Worth watching.
This spot from Lexus, called “Hydrant,” began airing several weeks ago and I thought I would share it as another example of great advertising.
There are several reasons why this spot works:
1. The visuals tell the story. Everyone wishes they could have a “do-over” button in their lives and this spot appeals to that desire. As soon as the set begins to change into a more peaceful setting, the viewer understands the point. This makes the ad relatable and relevant.
2. The visuals are compelling. The moving set pieces and the efficient coordination of the entire spot make the viewer ask, “How did they do that?” I find myself stopping to watch this commercial each time it airs because I always seem to catch something new. That’s what makes this ad great. The visuals compel the viewer to watch again and again.
3. It’s simple. No loud voice-overs here, spouting off all kinds of information. No heavy graphics. No overstimulation. Just a simple and concise story.
4. It’s clever. How many other ads do you see on TV right now similar to this one? I couldn’t think of one either. We’ve all seen car spots with the vehicle traveling down a scenic, winding country road, but this one is completely different, and that’s why it stands out.
The third installment of the Pirates of the Caribbean series will be released May 25 and Cinematical reports that the preview trailer is now available online for your viewing pleasure. I have to be honest and say that I am less than thrilled about the release of this film, after the disappointing Dead Man’s Chest attempt. Take a look at the trailer and tell me what you think.
I saw the premiere of this commercial during this year’s Super Bowl. I believe it’s effective because it immediately grabs the attention of its target audience by spoofing a well-known video game - Grand Theft Auto. Also, it puts the product in a very positive light. Just listen to the lyrics of the song.
So it wouldn’t be fair if I posted a link to all the bad Super Bowl ads without posting a link to some of the great ones. This article, also from MSNBC, highlights the 10 best Super Bowl ads, why they worked, and the impact the spots had on the product.
In a recent post, we showcased an incredible 2-minute commercial, known as the “Honda Cog.” The entire spot was shot in one take and shows various parts from a Honda vehicle running into each other, creating an impressive domino effect. Now, get a behind-the-scenes look at how this commercial became a reality.
We’ve started a series on “Great Ads” in hopes that some of the ads we post here will inspire you in your business to create something exciting, inspirational, humorous - just down right awesome. This commercial, from Honda, features actual Honda parts knocking into each other causing an intricate domino effect. Keep in mind that there are no computerized special effects in this commercial. It’s all physical, and took four days to get it right. Enjoy.
The famous scream you have heard hundreds of times in movies comes from the 1953 film The Charge at Feather River. It is known as the “Wilhelm Scream,” taken from the name of the character who is shot by an arrow and screams as he falls from his horse. Since then, this scream has been used in such famous movies as: Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Aladdin, Toy Story, Beauty and the Beast, and Lethal Weapon 4.
For anyone interested in film history and the birth of American cinema, may I recommend a 4-disc box set entitled, Edison - The Invention of the Movies: 1891-1918. This video collection (released February 2005) is available on www.amazon.com and contains 140 of the first films ever made.
