Spacebarspeeds

Okay I admit it. The sight of another red rose or pink advert might make me want to die a slow, painful death. Yes, it’s Valentine’s Day. No, it’s not an excuse to throw every single cliche  known to man onto a poster. So thank you Droga5 for Puma Hardchorus. This hilarious piece of digital marketing gives blokes all over the country the chance to send an apology to their lover, just in case they have to forgo their celebration for – you guessed it, football. In short, it is Savage Garden’s ‘Truly, Madly, Deeply’ performed by a group of tough looking football fans. It’s smart, simple and for a lad’s lad, relatively sincere. And as a girl, notice that I’m commenting on this, not the latest brand to shove a hot guy on a baby pink background. Lovely.

I recently indulged in a performance of Matthew Bourne’s take on the monumental classic – Swan Lake – at Sadler’s Wells Theatre. A roller coaster of emotions, this modern take on the well-known tale turns Swan Lake on its head, gives it a sex change and offers some of the best performances I’ve ever seen on a ballet stage.

From the opening note I recognised the very familiar music, but it is given new life through the brilliant choreography. It is funny, dramatic, exuberant and moving. Bourne’s imaginative use of male dancers as swans is initially inspiring but, once you have seen it, it seems so obviously right.

The swans were undoubtedly the highlight of the night, their fluid movements a joy to watch. When they were offstage I found myself longing for their next appearance.

At times we struggled to completely understand his take on the original story, but who cares? The direction, costumes, sets and choreography were so full of wit and imagination, it felt like a ballet for real people.  If you’ve never seen a ballet before you won’t be disappointed, in fact, I think it’s safe to say you’ll be hooked.

As a Copywriter, I think it is my duty to comment on the latest adverts from Dixons. I adore them. By openly acknowledging Dixons as ‘The last place you want to go’ in the strapline, it cleverly echoes consumers’ perceptions. As the meaning of the ad sinks in, you first feel guilty for your negative attitude toward the brand, then admiration, for such honesty is a brave and bold move. Lastly you smile at their astuteness, realising the value of the store has once again been highlighted in your mind.

It is always refreshing to see a brand that completely understands the way they are perceived by the public. Dixons know this, and are cunning enough to play toward it. Sometimes honesty really is the best policy.

When I was a student at university I would constantly dream of getting my first advert published in a magazine. I was so excited about the prospect of seeing my own ideas and words in ink, I didn’t even consider how advanced media technologies would be by then.

The first ever video advertisement will be published in a magazine in September and I’m sure it won’t be long before this unique technology flies over the continent to media land in the UK. And with 40 minutes of video memory, there’s plenty of time to tell a brand story.

A defining moment in the history of advertising and a sure sign that in this increasingly competitive market, advertisers have realised that it is more important than ever to create attention for their product.

Er…the best way to sell cheese ever?!? Wisconsin cheese have done themselves proud with this beautifully crafted site. We all love cheese on burgers, so take your pick from 30 different patties and combinations of mouth-watering cheese and i challenge you not to drool on your keyboard!

http://www.cheeseandburger.com/sheboygan