Category: ADVERTISING

  • Zee Melt to be held online, on Sept 3 & 4

    By A Correspondent

     

    Kyoorius and Zee have announced the 2020 edition of Zee Melt, which is scheduled to be held virtually on Septemeber 3 and 4.

     

    The organisers have lined up industry stalwarts like Chuck Porter, Rory Sutherland, Sir Martin Sorrell, Vikki Ross, Fernando Machado, Beth Ann Kaminkow and Laura Jordan Bambach amongst others. Keeping in mind “economic realities”, entry to the event is priced at Rs 2950 (US$39).

     

    Punit Goenka and Rajesh Kejriwal

    Speaking on the association of Zee Entertainment with Zee Melt, Punit Goenka, MD & CEO, ZEEL, said: “We have been proud partners of MELT since inception and have seen it grow in stature and influence. We’re delighted that, together with Kyoorius, we have adapted to a complex environment and ensured that the sharing of knowledge continues.”

     

    Added Rajesh Kejriwal, CEO, Kyoorius: “We have taken advantage of the amazing adoption of digital communication and developments in tech to create a world-class conference with the finest speakers from across the world. We have also tried to address a global audience through convenient scheduling and relevant content.”

     

    Anant Rangaswami

    Said Anant Rangaswami, Editor, Melt: “We continue with the philosophy, since inception, of taking into account the long tail of interest of the communication professional. This will be clearly visible in the curation of speakers, panel discussions and workshops.”

     

  • Rapido prompts embracing bonds for protection

    By A Correspondent

     

    Rapido, the bike taxi platform, unveiled its first video campaign, #PromiseofProtection, showcasing its intent to the safety and protection of its users, through an understanding of different relationships in our lives.

     

    Said Amit Verma, Head of Marketing, Rapido: “Our priority and commitment as India’s largest Bike Taxi platform is to provide an affordable, accessible and safe mobility option to our users. A lot of Indians struggle with last-mile connectivity in cities across India and travel intracity using Rapido. With this campaign, we want to tell them that we are committed to their safety and are going beyond the regular measures of using masks, sanitizers and regular checks of Captains, to ensure that their ride with Rapido is safe and their bond with us is protected. We have recently announced Rapido Safety Shields, first time ever for any bike taxi company in India, to further limit the touch points during a ride.”

  • Dentsu Impact, Maruti Suzuki launch ‘Move Up’ campaign

    By A Correspondent

     

    Maruti Suzuki has launched its latest campaign, ‘Move Up’, for its brand – the 2020 Dzire. Conceptualised and executed by Dentsu Impact, the campaign introduces the latest edition of the Dzire car.

     

    Speaking on the all-new 2020 Dzire, Shashank Srivastava, Executive Director – Marketing & Sales, Maruti Suzuki India said: “With over 55% market share in its segment, Dzire is the preferred sedan of over 20 lakh customers. Building on an overwhelming customer response, the 2020 Dzire offers next generation K-series engine with segment-first idle start-stop technology (ISS), an upgraded premium exterior design, refreshed interiors, and advanced features. As a company, we have believed in bringing technologies that benefit the customers. The 2020 Dzire will help us to continue with our brand promise, to offer products with state-of-the-art designs and advanced technology to delight our customers. The introduction of the advanced K-series Dual Jet, Dual VVT BS6 petrol engine with idle start-stop (ISS) function makes it more desirable, low on emissions with best-in-class fuel efficiency.”

     

    Added Anupama Ramaswamy, National Creative Director, Dentsu Impact said:  “When it comes to Indian families, moving up never happens alone. Right from our childhood, we have seen our fathers work tirelessly, selflessly and go to any length to make every little wish, every little desire come true. With the ‘Move Up’ campaign, we celebrate this emotion and, also tell all fathers that the 2020 Dzire is by their side to see each and every desire of their loved ones come true.”

     

    Said Amit Wadhwa, President, Dentsu Impact: “The idea of ‘Moving Up’ together with your family is one that resonates with every Indian. And when it comes to cars – moving up and togetherness is exemplified quite well in a sedan, especially by Dzire, which is the top choice for millions of people. The communication created around the car reflects just that and if I may add… quite beautifully!”

  • Scarecrow M&C Saatchi appoints Vijay Assudani as CD

    By A Correspondent

     

    Scarecrow M&C Saatchi has appoints Vijay Assudani as Creative Director. Prior to this, he worked with Lowe Lintas and before that, he was in Leo Burnett Orchard.

     

    Speaking on the appointment, Raghu Bhat, Founder Director, Scarecrow M&C Saatchi said: “What he brings to the table is a combination of great command over creative writing, and some very sharp insightful thinking. His film for ICICI Prudential Life Insurance featuring a disease-afflicted football coach is beautifully crafted and I look forward to more great work from him.”.

     

    Added Manish Bhatt, Founder Director, Scarecrow M&C Saatchi, said, “Scarecrow has been a breeding ground for some hungry talent looking to make their mark in advertising, Vijay is a part of that group. We have had a mutually rewarding relationship before and this time also we are betting on doing some great creative work together”.

     

     

  • IAA India wins Compass “Chapter Excellence” Award

    By A Correspondent

     

    The IAA India Chapter has been selected to receive the coveted 2020 IAA Compass Chapter Excellence Award. Announcing this, Heather Leembruggen, Chairman – IAA Compass Awards: “This is awarded to the IAA Chapter judged to have made the best overall contribution to achieving the aims and objectives of the IAA over the previous two years (2018 and 2019).”

     

    Srinivasan K Swamy

    Added Srinivasan K Swamy, IAA Chairman and World President: “I am very happy that the India Chapter’s efforts have been recognized by a global jury. The Chapter has consistently worked at setting an example for any industry body to emulate. Its wide range of activities and the quality of their initiatives is noteworthy. I must specially commend them for always working to show that communication is a force for good. This elevates not just the industry body but the industry as a whole. I congratulate President Punit Goenka and the team at IAA India.”

     

    Said President IAA India Chapter Punit Goenka: “The Management Committee of

    Punit Goenka

    IAA’s India Chapter is blessed with the collective wisdom of senior professionals in marketing, advertising and media domain. The Committee and office bearers have always taken the required extra mile picking up initiatives and causes that affect our industry and our society at large. This makes the Chapter a vibrant and responsible representative of the communications industry. I accept this prestigious award with humility on behalf of all the members of the IAA and our industry.”

     

    The award will be presented at the IAA World Congress in Saint Petersburg in May 2021.

     

     

  • Advertising Club & MICA ink partnership to upskill professionals

    By A Correspondent

     

    The Advertising Club and MICA – School of Ideas have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to to drive upskilling and enhanced learning opportunities for A&M industry persons. The MoU was signed Partho Dasgupta, President, The Advertising Club and Preeti Shroff, Dean at MICA.

     

    Said Dasgupta:  “The global Advertising and Marketing landscape has been continuously evolving – contemporary aspects like digital and social communication is center stage now. Like Advertising, analyzing consumer data and using it for profiling and recommendation is mainstream now with the success of Facebook, Netflix, Amazon etc. The association with MICA is critical in our effort to ensure that the category and its patrons continue to stay ahead of the curve and in tune with evolving trends that are currently driving the category, and will define its future growth trajectory. I am sure that MICA known for its academic ingenuity and renowned faculty will help further curate relevant and high impact programs that will help us achieve our objective of continuous learning

     

    Added Shroff:  “This is an exciting partnership and program for data science, artificial intelligence, machine learning, deep neural learning, marketing analytics, digital communications for the smart business strategy in a transformational world.  We are facing challenging times where individuals, industries and organizations all have to evolve and adapt for risks management and business model development. Upskilling is critical and urgent for developing  powerful analytical tools for spotting gaps, trends and patterns, and for business transformation. In such a scenario upskilling and relevant learning opportunities for individual growth and resultant category growth are essential. MICA values ongoing partnership with businesses and organizations across industry subsectors to ensure that academic excellence and business relevance are facilitated in curated learning and professional development programs.  We are certain that programs developed under this partnership will bring significant value addition and learning enrichments to rising professionals in the Advertising and Media industry, and those constantly seeking new skills and knowledge.”

     

     

  • 75% advertising drop in Q1. And no support from government, says advertising veteran Sam Balsara

    By A Correspondent

     

    Madison World founder and CMD Sam Balsara has lamented lack of support from the government to the industry and said that it has completely ignored the sector.

     

    He was speaking with Kailashnath Adhikari, MD, Governance Now in the Visionary Talk series on the topic ‘Impact of COVID – 19 on media and entertainment industry and the role of governance in the media sector’.

     

    Said Balsara: “The government needs to provide a stimulus package to the advertising industry and push consumer demand. Perhaps they think if they gave a concession to advertising, then it would be considered a concession to the sector itself. It is not a concession; it is a stimulus package to revive demand and that is how it should be seen by the government and positioned and not as a sop to the media industry.”

     

    Balsara said that the advertising industry has faced an overall steep drop of almost 75% in the first quarter of the FY 2020-2021 adding that in April it was about 95%, improved slightly in May, and recovered well in June, especially in the TV and digital media. “Print, radio outdoor and cinema are totally in the dumps and will only see some semblance by Diwali provided the govt allows suburban railways in metros and majority offices open. The industry was expecting TV to recover 80%-90% of last year’s levels in Q2 of the FY,” he said.

     

    Responding to a question that if the government has responded well to the stakeholder’s recommendation of allowing amortisation of advertising expenditure to companies to help the economy back on track and create demand, Balsara lamented a lack of support from the government and wondered why it has completely ignored the sector, saying: “Perhaps they think if they gave a concession to advertising, then it would be considered as a concession to the sector itself. It is not a concession; it is a stimulus package to revive demand and that is how it should be seen by the government and positioned and not as a sop to the media industry.”

     

    He said that Work From Home is a huge setback to the economy as it could work well for individuals and companies but not create consumer demand. “When advertising is widely recognised as the engine for large no. of consumer companies and drives demand in its absence the economy goes into a downward cycle. To spin out of this de-growth and perk up, a massive dose of advertising is required in July August, September.”

     

    Balsara also came down heavily on Indian news channels and said that he is disappointed at what they repetitively put out and have to break out of the current rhythm of content. He was referring to the daily headlines of highest number of Covid-19 cases and deaths being reported by news channels which he said look as identical every day as they did four months ago.

     

    “There are many opportunities for news channels to innovate, be more humane, and capitalize news intake intelligently. But repetitive news content is bringing the viewership down. When in the first week of lockdown viewership of news channels had shot up 300% today it has come down to February levels,” said Balsara

     

     

  • Another Idea for stray dog welfare

    By A Correspondent

     

    The Welfare of Stray Dogs (WSD) has produced a film by production house Another Idea with the credo: Don’t buy a dog. Adopt an Indie

     

    Said Abodh Aras of WSD: “The Indie dog is a hardy, loving, good looking, low-maintenance animal that is unfortunately neglected and seen as a “stray”. I am glad “Another Idea” came forward to make a film that highlights the pressing need to adopt these wonderful animals.”

     

    Added Gaurav Gandhi, CEO of Another Idea: “When we heard of this need, the team headed by Director of this film Hiten Bhatia and Producer Shuja Rahman were very excited. We are glad that we are playing a part in helping a good cause.”

     

    The film will be actively promoted by influencers and animal lovers on social media starting today, August 11. A digital campaign where pet owners would be encouraged to post pictures of themselves and their Indie dogs would also be launched with the hashtag #Proud to be Indiean on August 14.

  • Crompton launches new TVC campaign

    By A Correspondent

     

    Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals has unveiled its latest multimedia campaign called “Silence Bhi aur Energy Savings Bhi” for the launch of a new range of SilentPro ceiling fans. It is conceptualised by BBDO India.

     

    Speaking about the company’s latest campaign, Rohit Malkani, Vice President, Marketing, Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals Ltd. said: “We are very pleased to launch this campaign for our new range of ceiling fans called SilentPro that captures the very nuances of everyday life. Crompton has consistently innovated to provide meaningful solutions that ease the consumers’ life. We understand that the fan is one of the most essential/fundamental necessities at home. At the same time, energy efficiency is also one of the driving factors in trying to save costs as well as doing our bit in contributing to the environment. Hence, keeping in mind how everyone needs a little bit of peace and quiet today more than ever before, we hope that the campaign addresses the same and our product helps in bringing comfort, long term benefit in energy savings as well as (mental) peace to the people.“

     

    Said Hemant Shringy, Chief Creative Officer, BBDO Mumbai: “The noise of a fan is something that we are so used to that we don’t realise how we have compromised our lives around it. We speak loudly, we keep the television volume high and often miss out some moments and conversations. Only once we experienced Crompton SilentPro did we realize what we were missing, and that we can experience silence even when the fan is on. Innovations like these make communication a lot easier. We really just highlighted the reactions that we all had. Because just like the husband in the film, we too felt, ‘Sab fans awaaz karte hain’ (all fans make noise). And that made room for interesting banter between our couple. This film adds to the world of the Crompton couple that we have so far lived with featuring the various offerings and innovations from Crompton – from fans and lights to coolers and home appliances.”

     

     

  • Mcgarrybowen India’s ‘mfine Healthy Rakhi’ adds to sibling bond

    By A Correspondent

     

    Mcgarrybowen India, the creative agency from Dentsu Aegis Network (DAN), has launched ‘mfine Healthy Rakhis’. For the record, mfine is an online doctor consultation app.

     

    Said Arjun Choudhary, Chief Business Officer and Founding Member, mfine: “It is imperative for a brand to live up to its brand purpose and play a larger, and a more meaningful role in the consumer’s life. Rakshabandhan stands for the promise to protect, and that is the very core of our brand too. So, we decided to own the occasion by adding a healthy and digital twist to it.”

     

    Added Aalap Desai, National Creative Director, Mcgarrybowen India: “Consumers have become intelligent and love brands that give them a say in the brand narrative, an opportunity for engagement. And with this campaign, we wanted to take Rakhi beyond symbolism and make it actionable.”

     

     

  • Pradeep Dwivedi is elected as IAA VP & Area Director for APAC

    By A Correspondent

     

    Pradeep Dwivedi

    Pradeep Dwivedi, CEO, Eros India of Eros STX Global Corporation, has been elected as the Vice President and Area Director for the International Advertising Association (IAA) APAC region. He is currently Honorary Treasurer and Director of IAA India chapter. Dwivedi takes over from Ramesh Narayan who held the position.

     

    Said Dwivedi: “I am humbled and honoured at the responsibility. I must thank  Mr. Ramesh Narayan for a fruitful and productive tenure as my predecessor in leading IAA APAC wonderfully for the past two years as well as Mr. Srinivasan K Swamy, Chairman & World President, IAA Global  for inspiring me to take on this mandate.  The APAC region has amazing potential and I look forward to working with all the Chapter Presidents to take the ideals of the IAA forward and collectively ensure that IAA remains the harbinger and compass of marketing communications world-wide in a unique post-CoVid19 era, even as we navigate the challenges ahead of us. ”

     

    Added IAA Chairman and World President Srinivasan Swamy: “I am delighted to welcome Pradeep Dwivedi as our Area Director and Vice President for Asia Pacific. He has been an integral part of IAA India chapter for nearly a decade and has been leading many initiatives while building a world-wide network with his commitment to IAA. I wish him all the very best in taking on this leadership responsibility at IAA Global.”

    Said Ramesh Narayan, IAA APAC region’s outgoing VP & Area Director:“ I have always believed in advertising as a potent force for social good, and our actions in IAA APAC have been a testimony to that ethos. I am happy that Pradeep will carry the torch forward with sustained zeal and continue our sincere endeavour. Our best wishes are with him.”

     

     

  • Utterly, Butterly, Dhoni-licous!

     

    Former Indian cricket captain M S Dhoni starred in many Indian cricket milestones in recent years. As he announced his retirement on Saturday via Instagram, we play back the several Amul Butter topical ads crafted by the ace team at da Cunha. Let’s take a look

     

    You'll be missed!
    BCCI does not renew Dhoni’s contract! – (Jan’ 20)
    No byes for Dhoni?
    Intense speculation on the retirement plans of the former wicketkeeper-captain… – (Nov’ 19)
    Dhoni’s Ambatting superbly!
    MSD & Rayudu combine wonderfully for CSK! – (Apr’ 18)
    Hum Dhoni, Do Premi!
    Celebrating MSD’s return to form for Pune Rising Supergiant! – Apr’17
    DHONiNG A NEW ROLE!
    MSD steps down as ODI & T20 captain… (Jan, 17)
    Captain Not-So-Cool?
    Dhoni turns interviewer at press con!
    Biryanahin!
    Dhoni denied home-cooked food by hotel ! – Sept’14
    Late cut, square cut & hair cut!
    MS Dhoni’s new haircut – Sept.’13
    Yeh Kaisa Rhiti Revaaj hai?
    Controversy regarding Dhoni’s involvement in Rhiti sports – June’13
    No baat? No bol?
    Dhoni maintains silence over spot fixing issues . – May’13
    Kisko captain banana?
    Controversy over Dhoni continuing as Captain – Dec’12
    Rona Dhoni bandh Karo!
    Indian captain asks curators to ‘doctor’ pitches – Dec’12
    DHONI-TE- NAN!
    M.S.Dhoni scored a blistering 124 of 107 balls (9 fours, 3 sixes) in the second ODI against Australia. – Oct’09.
    Anhoni ko Dhoni karde !
    Team India celebrate after winning the inaugural ICC WORLD TWENTY 20, SOUTH AFRICA 2007 cricket World Cup in Johannesburg – September’ 07.
    Baalle baaz!
    On Mahendra Singh Dhoni for his contribution to India’s good performance – February ’06