MxMIndia

Category: ADVERTISING

  • The Adclub database has names from the domains of Advertising, Media, Marketing, Research, PR/Communication and Digital

    Ad Club attains a new milestone

    Being backed by a host of leaders and members from the ad industry, The Advertising Club attained another milestone as it announced about 825 out of 1300 members being registered as Life Members.

     

    Bipin R Pandit

    Bipin R Pandit, COO, The Adclub shared, “The Adclub Secretariat has its sight set on maximizing the count of Life Members. It is focussed and religiously follows a system that helps us to identify potential members from the industry. Post that we send out an email to them communicating about Adclub, its activities and benefits of enrollment.”

     

    While most of them immediately send their forms, in a few cases the Club has to be relentless in its pursuit, he noted.

     

    Today, the Adclub database has names from the domains of Advertising, Media, Marketing, Research, PR/Communication and Digital.

     

  • The campaign will see Himalaya passively adopt dogs sheltered at CUPA and take care of their food, shelter, medicines and other needs

    Himalaya unveils digital campaign on pet adoption

    By a correspondent

     

    Through its campaign, Build a Bond, Himalaya Animal Health has partnered with CUPA (Compassion Unlimited Plus Action), Bangalore, India, to sensitize people towards pet adoption.

     

    The campaign will see Himalaya passively adopt dogs sheltered at CUPA and take care of their food, shelter, medicines and other needs.

     

    Praveen Kala, Business Head – Animal Health Division, The Himalaya Drug Company shared, “Unfortunately, animal welfare is seen as the poor cousin to human welfare. We understand that the scale of the problem is huge. Our campaign is just a start. We have to collectively address the issue. This year, we have partnered with CUPA in Bangalore. In the coming years, we are hopeful of partnering with organizations across India and changing attitudes towards issues like pet adoption.”

     

    Through an app on the Companion Care page on Facebook, Himalaya is urging people to come forward and take a “pledge” for animals. For every pledge, Himalaya contributes one rupee to the CUPA Second Chance Adoption Centre in Bangalore, India. The idea behind a pledge is to let users take action and show commitment to the cause.

     

    Added Kala, “These are long-term initiatives through which we hope to sensitize people towards animal welfare. Today, we can add our voice to a growing group of experts and advocates in the field and give momentum to various causes. By partnering with animal welfare organizations, animal lovers, influencers in print and social media, we hope to spread the word and bring issues to the forefront.”

     

  • GroupM has announced the new members of its Youth Committee (YCO) for 2014-15

    GroupM unveils new YCO for 2014-15

    GroupM has announced new members of its YCO (youth committee) for 2014-15. “This group of the brightest stars under 30 across GroupM agencies and specialist units work together with the GroupM senior leadership on key initiatives that are helping us transform into a digitally centric marketing network,” notes a communiqué.

     

     

    GroupM YCO 2014

    Ashima Chetan

    Chinmay Kelkar

    Dany Coutinho

    Divya Nair

    Farah Siddiqui

    Farzeen Udwadia

    Manoj Kumar

    Manvi Singh

    Mohit Sharma

    Nakul Agarwal

    Parul Pandhoh

    Ruth Alice Noranho

    Sangeetha Mahadevan

    Subhamoy Das

    Vaibhav Choudhari

     
    CVL Srinivas

    Speaking on the announcement, CVL Srinivas, CEO, GroupM South Asia said, “We launched several new initiatives in 2013 as part of our New Me roadmap – which is helping us transform to a digitally centric marketing communications network from just a media agency. YCO was one such initiative in the talent space. We wanted to harness the knowledge, energy and enthusiasm that exists at the junior levels of the organization and give them a platform where they could add value to our network. The YCO worked closely with the senior leadership team (EXCO) through the year in three areas – digital transformation, talent retention and internal & external communication programs. We got a lot of rich and valuable insights from YCO in all these areas and have made several changes to the way we used to operate”

     

    Commenting on the new YCO team, Gaurav Hirey, Chief Talent Officer, GroupM South Asia said, “The YCO initiative has been tremendously successful at GroupM. This year we have integrated a reverse mentoring element into the program where YCO members will mentor an EXCO member helping them sharpen or develop new skills. We believe that this initiative just like many others in GroupM will help us to be future ready and deliver client delight.”

     

     

  • The new TVC captures a woman's multiple attempts at addressing hair fall

    Soho Square unveils new campaign for Himalaya

    The Himalaya Drug Company has unveiled a new TVC for its anti-hair fall shampoo. The new TVC captures a woman’s multiple attempts at addressing hair fall before arriving at a definite solution.

     

    SarfrazRumane, Category Manager, The Himalaya Drug Company said, “Today’s lifestyle has resulted in more women and men experiencing hair fall at a much younger age. This is definitely a growing concern. Given that consumers have access to a great deal of information, there is confusion when it comes to choosing the right product. Himalaya has a strong equity in the problem-solution space, and our product provides an effective solution to hair fall. Through our communication we want to help customers make the right choice.”

     

    The commercial rolls out at a college campus where the protagonist is complimented for her healthy and beautiful hair. She then goes on to narrate her hair fall experience sighting the challenge she faced every time she washed or brushed her hair. The TVC continues with the protagonist narrating how she was influenced by various shampoo advertisements and home remedies. Unsatisfied with several attempts the protagonist also trims her hair with the belief that hair fall may reduce. Finally, when recommended to try Himalaya’s Anti Hair Fall Shampoo, the voiceover highlights the benefits of the product – long and strong hair.

     

    The TVC ends with the protagonist, confidently walking out of her college campus flaunting her long and curly hair. She promises to stop experimenting with her hair and says, “Ab apnebaalokesaath koi galtinahi”.

     

    Rajesh Krishnamurthy, Business Head – Consumer Products Division, The Himalaya Drug Company, said “Hair care category is the one largest personal care category in India growing at 9 per cent and the estimated size of anti-hair fall segment is 1400cr. Himalaya Shampoos enjoy a strong equity in the South with 4.5per cent market share. We have relaunched the whole range of Himalaya Shampoos with an improved formula, and new packaging graphics. This new communication has been developed to support our key variant and build share in the Hair Fall problem segment. The communication is candid and very relatable. Hair Fall happens to be one of the biggest concerns and our product’s USP lies in problem-solution, the new communication helps showcase the effectiveness of our product rather clearly!”

     

    Creative Agency Head, Shenaz Bapooji, Soho Square added, “Consumer research revealed that hair fall is one of the biggest problems for women, and no product today has a ready solution at hand, for it. The message of the film is simple and very true to the Himalaya way of telling consumers to Try Himalaya Anti Hair Fall Shampoo first! …because you know it works”.

     

    Created by NativeWorks Productions, the TVC is directed by Shrisha Guha Thakurta, whose past work involves commercials for brands like Aircel, Mia by Tanishq, Britannia, Horlicks to name a few.

     

  • D&AD introduces 16 new sub-categories for 2015 edition of world-famous Awards

    D&AD opens call for entries for Annual Professional Awards

    Entries for the 53rd D&AD Annual Professional Awards have opened with a number of new sub-category additions in response to the evolving creative landscape.

     

    New media continues to play a large role in shaping creativity and with such adiversearray of outstanding campaigns continuing to emerge in this space; D&AD has created a new jury and category for Branded Film Content & Entertainment. TV, film, online and documentaries will be recognised at next year’s awards, in addition to a sub-category for Tactical Branded Film Content & Entertainment.

     

    Meanwhile, the White Pencil–Creativity for Good award has proved a good success at the D&AD Professional Awards. Since its launch in partnership with Unilever in 2012, the White Pencil has grown from a single brief to an entire movement, whilst producing two Black Pencil winning campaign sin 2014.

     

    With its popularity increasing with each year, the category has expanded from two to five sub- categories. With the ambition to encourage more entries from big businesses, the jury now distinguishes between work for NGOs and brands across both advertising & marketing communications and design. Service Innovation is also a new addition, introduced to recognise service products that seek to build brands and businesses by doing good.

     

    Innovation was richly represented in 2014, with the three new categories introduced across digital and integrated juries producing two Black Pencil sin ‘NS/Pro Rail’ and ‘The Most Powerful Arm’. To further celebrate those pushing the boundaries of technology, innovation sub-categories have been added to Packaging Design, Product Design and Radio Advertising. Innovation in media is also recognised through there vamped Integrated & Innovative Media jury.

     

    Also, the TV & Cinema Advertising category is renamed to Film Advertising and features a new Tactical sub-category for film advertising that features are al-time, rapid reaction to breaking news.There is also a new sub-category Casting for Film Advertising introduced within Film Advertising Crafts.

     

    Also, following its successful re-addition at the 2014 Awards, there are two new sub-categories introduced with in Music Videos. Direction and Production Design for Music Videos take the number of sub-categories available for entrants to seven.

     

    Tim Lindsay, CEO of D&AD commented, “There were two stand out themes at last year’s awards: innovation and creativity for good. Across the board we saw some exceptional demonstrations of the power of creativity to push boundaries through ideas that fundamentally change peoples’ behaviors for the better.”

     

    “In 2014, we saw White Pencil winners also awarded the ultimate accolade of a Black Pencil for the first time, but we don’t want to stop there. We want to see even more inspirational and innovative ideas that raise the bar even higher. Infact, one challenge I’d like to set is to see White Pencil winning work from brands, as well as NGOs and charities. Show us just how influential creativity can be by proving how you can do well by doing good, too.”

     

    All awarded work appears in the D&AD Annual, released annually in September and is available to purchase exclusively through D&AD.

     

    Work entered in to the 2015 D&AD Awards must have been commercially released between 1 January 2014 and 28 February 2015 and been produced in genuine response to a client brief. It must not have been entered in previous years. Submissions should be made in their original language by 18 February 2014. The Awards cost from just £ 85 to enter this year.

     

  • Viber is being used heavily in both the metropolitans as well as the emerging cities

    Viber unveils first ever ad campaign

    By A Correspondent

     

    Viber, one of the fastest growing instant messaging app in India has unveiled its first ever television campaign in India. An app for today’s youth, Viber is being used heavily in both the metropolitans as well as the emerging cities.

     

    The new campaign is fun and exciting and seeks to connect to the youth via a talking dog who chronicles the benefits of using Viber. It showcases how Viber changes the dull life of the dog’s owner and make him more social and connected with friends and ultimately becomes ‘Mr. Popular’.

     

    Anubhav Nayyar, Country Head,Viber said, “Viber is a young and fun brand that connects people for free. We have grown organically as one of the biggest global instant messaging and calling apps. Whether it’s our wide range of stickers, our photo editing and sharing feature or the fact that we are available across mobile and PC, Viber is differentiated and has grown tremendously over the last few years. The idea behind the campaign is to showcase the different features and benefits to our existing and new customers. We strongly believe that anyone who once tries Viber cannot do without it.”

     

    The ad which was first rolled out on various digital platforms can now be seen across various Television channels.

     

  • Phase II shall see the 360 degree campaign blitzkrieg starting from today across TV, print, radio, outdoor to even cinema

    Phase 2 of ‘Honda is Honda’ takes flight

    By A Correspondent

     

    Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. has released its latest corporate campaign titled ‘Honda is Honda’.

     

    In Phase I, ‘Honda is Honda’ campaign was teased at various social sites and blogs from 14-18 July followed by the TV teaser which was on-air from 15-18th July. Phase II shall see the 360 degree campaign blitzkrieg starting from today across TV, print, radio, outdoor to even cinema. Engaging with his 10 million fans, Honda’s brand ambassador Akshay Kumar too is promoting the campaign through his social page.

     

    The new corporate campaign ‘Honda is Honda’ aims to unambiguously demonstrate that Honda is the partner of choice for Indian two-wheeler customers in pursuit of their dreams. The objective is also to firmly embed Honda’s Wings as the metaphor/symbol of HMSI’s commitment to enable people to achieve the lift they seek.

     

    The film shows an entire town intrigued by a spectacle taking shape high up in the sky. From little girls and boys to elderly men, rural women to global travellers, working professionals to monks, all are seen looking up to the sky. What catches their attention is divers diving out of two planes and hovering over the town.

     

    People are seen peeping out of windows, standing on terraces and coming together to watch the spectacle. One of them is Honda’s brand ambassador Akshay Kumar. The divers finally come together to form the Wing aerially. The spectators are thrilled to see Honda Wing high up in the clouds. As they ride on their respective motorcycle and scooter afterward, they too relate to the same feeling of ‘flying’. Akshay’s voice over at the end says, “Zameen se jab hum paanv uthate hain, pankh apne aap lag jaate hain” (When we take our feet off ground, we get our wings).

     

    YS Guleria, Vice President-Sales and Marketing, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. said, “‘Honda is Honda’ is not just another campaign but an important one to announce the start of a New Era as ‘Only Honda in Indian two-wheeler industry’; Honda has unleashed Wave 2.0 of its business expansion. As its next move, Honda is strategically reinforcing its solo and empowered identity – the ‘Wings’ as it makes inroads into rural environs. ‘Honda is Honda’ is our most ambitious 360 degree campaign and the first ever launched from the digital platform followed by other media.”

     

    “In the second campaign, we wanted to establish clearly that this ride is not just a ride but a flight. It is interesting that when we ride a motorcycle or a scooter, we lift our feet off ground. When birds fly, they lift their feet off ground. The brand had this incredible symbol, which we hadn’t leveraged. So it all came together in ‘zameen se jab hum paanv uthate hain, pankh apne aap lag jaate hain’ Brand Honda gives an experience no other brand can,” said Titus Upputuru, NCD, Dentsu Marcom.

     

  • As the brand ambassador for Splash in India, Esha will help launch their Autumn Winter 2014 collection

    Splash signs Esha Gupta as brand ambassador

    Splash Fashions has announced that it has signed Bollywood actress and fashion icon, Esha Gupta as its new brand ambassador for the Indian sub-continent. Known for her impeccable dressing sense, Esha will be the face of the brand going forward and will be featured in a new brand campaign scheduled to rollout in the fall of 2014 across outdoors, print, digital and in-store communication.

     

    Commenting on the association, Raza Beig, CEO, Splash & ICONIC said, “Globally, Splash enjoys an unparallel reputation for offering the latest fashion to the customers at affordable prices. Our growth in India has been phenomenal as we rapidly continue to gain acceptance amongst the fashion-conscious Indian customers looking for the latest and in-trend fashion choices. With one of the most well dressed Indian actresses, Esha Gupta as our brand ambassador, we hope to further widen our appeal amongst our target audience. This raven haired beauty will be instrumental in highlighting product and the fashion relationship between her and the brand. Known for her stunning looks and a sense of style that puts her in the ‘Best Dressed’ lists every year, she is an obvious choice to represent Splash in India.”

     

    “We are excited to announce Esha as the Brand Ambassador for Splash in India,” said Kalyan Kumar, COO, Splash Fashions India Pvt. Ltd. “An actor of immense potential & beauty, Esha is known for her  keen sense of fashion & represents today’s fashion conscious woman. A fashion icon, Esha perfectly embodies the youthful and vibrant spirit of Splash thus making her the best fit for the brand.”

     

    With an eye for the latest global trends and reflecting an everyday attitude, Splash looks forward to enhancing its extensive appeal among the youth, through its association with this dazzling star. As the brand ambassador for Splash in India, Esha will help launch their Autumn Winter 2014 collection, appearing in the brands’ print advertising, public relations efforts and online properties. The campaign will kick-off, in the fall of 2014.

     

  • The new positioning for HSBC Premier is 'Personal support, for your Personal Economy'

    L&K Saatchi & Saatchi bags HSBC Premier biz

    HSBC has awarded its communication mandate to L&K Saatchi & Saatchi for the re-launch of its Premier offering in India. HSBC Premier is the group’s premium financial services product, offering exclusive banking services to High Net Worth Individuals. The agency will be taking forward the globally integrated campaign for the re-launch of Premier. The agency’s Mumbai office will handle the account. The new positioning for HSBC Premier is ‘Personal support, for your Personal Economy.’

     

    Anil Nair

    Commenting on the win, Anil Nair- CEO and Managing Partner L&K Saatchi & Saatchi said, “We are extremely pleased to work with HSBC in India. HSBC has given us the mandate on the ‘premier’ business which is very challenging and exciting. We look forward to creating interesting work in collaboration with the HSBC team in India.”

     

    The campaign took an inside-out approach for the re-launch, starting with HSBC’s own relationship managers to better understand the real challenges that their clients face.

     

    Extensive research, consultation and interviews with both Relationship Managers and clients revealed the insight that high net worth individuals across the world have one major characteristic in common: they each have their own individual, highly personal economy. Interconnected to all aspects of their lives – whether home, family, work, experiences or passions – their personal economies are always with them, always changing and needing care and attention in order to grow.

     

    The re-launched offering gives clients a suite of wealth management products, including investment advice and portfolio management, protection, retirement and education investment.”

     

  • Global communications major Instinctif Partners has announced a formal partnership with Bang In The Middle. There is no equity investment by either agency, though sources say it is a distinct possibility in the near future

    Bang in the Middle hooks up with Instinctif Partners

    By A Correspondent

     

    Leading global business communications consultancy Instinctif Partners has announced a formal partnership with Bang In The Middle. Instinctif has now opened an office in Bang In The Middle’s premises. There is no equity investment by either agency, though sources say it is a distinct possibility in the near future.

     

    Bang InThe Middle, which provides a range of strategic services to its blue-chip clients, additionally has offices in Kolkata, Kochi and Trivandrum as well as in New York and Chicago.

     

    Instinctif Partners’ office in India will be headed by Nabanita Sircar, who has extensive media (including as a journalist) and public affairs experience, with support from Managing Partner, Mark Garraway and Senior Partner, Geoff Potter, both of whom know India well and have acted for a wide range of Indian corporates over the last 15 years.

     

    Commenting on the partnership, Richard Nichols, Chief Executive said: “India is a key market for Instinctif.  We have been doing business there for some time and believe it is now appropriate to cement our presence in the country.  We very much look forward to working alongside our new colleagues at Bang In The Middle and to welcoming them into the Instinctif global partnership as we integrate our respective operations over the coming months.”

     

    Added Sircar who is designated Partner and Head India Operations: “Instinctif Partners has a long-term commitment to India and with Bang In The Middle as partners we look forward to offer a wide range of strategic communication options to businesses. Our international offer would further facilitate business in and out of India.”

     

    Prathap Suthan
    Naresh Gupta

    Said Prathap Suthan, Managing Partner of Bang In The Middle: “We are delighted to be working with Instinctif Partners who have identified India as a key part of its international network and is committed to a long-term presence in the country.  The respective strengths and client relationships of both companies will underpin the successful establishment of Instinctif in India and Bang In The Middle’s development internationally.”

     

    Naresh Gupta, Managing Partner of Bang in the Middle, added: “In the last two years we have grown significantly as an organization. We have a remarkable portfolio of brands and services. Instinctif Partners and their expertise allows us to offer a more holistic communication approach to brands and corporates. Together we will be able to offer a far wider and holistic suite of services”.

     

  • The sessions take place on the last Friday of every month at the DDB Mudra Group office

    DDB Mudra Group launches Bernbach Fridays

    DDB Mudra Group has announced the launch of Bernbach Fridays, a tribute to a man who is the Father of Modern Advertising, a brilliant advertising mind of the 20th Century and DDB’s founder the great Bill Bernbach. The sessions take place on the last Friday of every month at the DDB Mudra Group office, and so far a total of four successful sessions have already taken place.

     

    The maiden session of Bernbach Fridays saw DDB Mudra Group’s very own Chairman and Chief Creative Officer, Sonal Dabral.Having over two decades of experience in the field of advertising, he shared his life journey with the audience. Right from his NID days to his first job to how he helped Ogilvy Singapore become the hottest agency in the region and the No.1 creative office of the WPP global network and also his experience as a TV host and a scriptwriter in Bollywood.  He inspired and engaged the DDB Mudra Groupemployees which was the perfect kick-start to Bernbach Fridays.

     

    Shreedavy Babuji

    The second speaker of Bernbach Fridays was Shreedavy Babuji, of DDB Mudra West, who presented an extremely interesting project she had worked on. The project was a documentary covering the various aspects of an age old folk art form of India – the Truck art. Titled ‘Horn Please’, the documentary focuses on origin of truck art and its evolution since then. The documentary has been accepted at festivals across the world and is getting tremendous reviews everywhere.

     

     

     

    Varun Thakur
    E Suresh

    The third and fourth sessions of Bernbach Fridays saw Varun Thakur – stand-up comedian and E Suresh – Founder of Studio Eeksaurus, respectively. With a good mix of personal stories, observational humour and impersonations, Varun was an act that no one could miss. E Suresh, also the founder of Famous Studios, shared his eventful journey in the world of animation.

     

     

    Sonal Dabral
    Sonal Dabral

    Sonal Dabral, Chairman and Chief Creative Officer at DDB Mudra Group said, “Our instincts and craft as creatives gets honed everyday by just observing and assimilating life happening around us. Which means the more we are aware of our world the better advertising professionals we become. That’s where curiosity comes in. The desire to know as much as possible.Desire to find out the answers.Desire to be acquainted with as many subjects as possible. Curiosity and creativity are never far apart. Without curiosity, we will never be innovative. There will be no growth and nothing will change. To fuel this curiosity we have launched “Bernbach Fridays”.”

     

    The main aim of Bernbach Fridays sessions is to celebrate advertising by creating curiosity. The audiences at DDB Mudra arealways ready for something new, therefore these sessions will see speakers from different fields which would include Fashion Designers, Chefs, Film Makers, Scientists, Directors, Musicians, Artists and so on.

     

  • Times Group will sponsor the winning teams with an all expense paid trip to Singapore

    Times Group extends support to youth for Spikes Asia

    The Times of India Group has been supporting young talent in the advertising and media industry by creating opportunities on the Young Lions and Young Spikes stages. A great outcome this year was the Silver bagged by the Young Marketer’s team by HUL at the Cannes Young Lions last month. In keeping with this endeavor, The Times of India has announced the Young Spikes contest for two categories – Integrated & Media.

     

    Times Group will sponsor the winning teams with an all expense paid trip to Singapore to represent India and compete internationally at Spikes Asia 2014, happening on 23rd – 26th September 2014. Entries will be judged by a prelim jury and the chosen finalists will make a physical presentation to the final jury in the first week of August in Mumbai. The entire judging process will be overseen by Ernst & Young, Process Partners for Young Spikes.

     

    This year’s Theme for Young Spikes – Integrated is on “Stop Unnecessary & Incessant Honking on Roads”, while the Theme for Young Spikes – Media is on “Naked Overhead Wires, a Threat to Life”.

     

    The final jury for Young Spikes Integrated has a host of prominent names like Josy Paul, Arun Iyer and Senthil. An equally distinguished jury for Young Spikes Media consists of names like Nandini Dias, Yesudas and Ravi Rao.