Category: ADVERTISING

  • Anil Thakraney: Needed: Campaign against drunk driving

    By Anil Thakraney

     

    Two recent tragedies in Mumbai involving drunk driving have again put the problem in the spotlight. Despite all the policing and the possibility of doing jail time, people continue to hit the wheel inebriated. And this happens in all urban areas. The Mumbai police has once again taken to the roads with a vengeance, but clearly that’s not the solution.

     

    The change, as it’s usually the case, must come from within. And this is where marketers and ad agencies can play an important role. I cannot understand why the industry hasn’t yet thought of a powerful communication plan against drunk driving. In fact, it is a booze company that should take it up, and seize the opportunity to build one of its brands. And in addition, project an image of being a socially aware organization.

     

    Isn’t that far better than indulging in those silly (and unethical) ‘Make it large’ sort of surrogate ads? Where daaru is sold disguised as soda, water and playing cards. So much wiser to do a good deed. And yes, one would like to do business with people who care for humanity, or at least people who are perceived to be good souls. Like the Johnnie Walker guys, who have been running the international ‘Drink Responsibly’ campaign with positive results. Here’s one commercial which features cricket legend Vivian Richards:

     

    But for India, we need much more compelling stuff, as we desis tend to be enormously apathetic people. We seriously lack civic sense. And if the marketers don’t come forward, I would urge the ad agencies to take proactive measures, and create solid campaigns against drunk driving. And if social responsibility doesn’t sound like a hot enough proposition, the chance of winning major ad awards should be music to the ears. Whatever works. Because I do believe here’s one public problem where the industry can play a role. It’s not something policing will be able to tackle.

     

    [vimeo width=”400″ height=”200″]http://vimeo.com/11741651[/vimeo]

    So go for it, people. It’s a great opportunity to make a real difference out there. Cheers!

     

    ***

     

    PS: Ms Arundhati Roy is at it again. She’s written yet another looong essay in Outlook mag on how greedy corporates, in connivance with politicians, police and the bureaucrats, are damaging the lives of tribals through illegal and immoral mining operations. Here’s a rejoinder to her diatribe, and it points out glaring factual errors and other blunders in Roy’s scathing arguments. That is why I have always believed this very fine writer must stick to penning fiction.

     

    Link: http://girishshahane.blogspot.in/2012/04/annotating-arundhati.html

     

  • Anil Thakraney: Tehelka: Must drop bombs

    By Anil Thakraney

     

    Very good sting operation by Tehelka. Totally in public interest, and their findings are pretty frightening. They have carried out a sting on some Delhi cops to find their sensitivity (or the lack of it, as it turns out) to rape victims. And as we all might have suspected, yes, the stung cops’ attitude is medieval. They do believe women often ‘ask for it’. And this in turn leads to lackadaisical investigation process.

     

    This particular sting operation reminds me of the kickass way Tarun Tejpal started out his Tehelka. It used to a bomb factory, the sensational website carried out many stinging exposes, and each one shook the nation. Subsequently the portal faced the wrath of the then government and went through horrible financial difficulties. All this is well documented and discussed so I shan’t go into the sordid details.

     

    However, some years down the line Tehelka was relaunched as a rather serious magazine. Tarun seems to have left the edit room, and now the stings are few and far between. I don’t know the mag’s exact readership figures, but am quite certain they aren’t earth shattering. And that’s because the brand has lost its edge, its USP; it shut down the bomb factory.

     

    The latest expose on the cops is a reminder that Tehelka must do many more sting operations. They can continue to do the intellectual stuff, but what will get them serious readership is if the bombs get dropped on a regular basis. And the team doesn’t need to worry anymore. The Indian media has grown real mighty in the last decade, and if Tehelka were to get persecuted by the government circa 2012, the entire Indian media’s weight will fall on the ruling party like a tonne of bricks. Surely Tehelka needs to forget about the past. It will never repeat itself.

     

    And most importantly, I do believe that with the sort of mess that goes around in this nation in all walks of life, there is an urgent need for many intelligently done sting operations. Obviously those that serve a larger public purpose, like their sting on cops. And Tehelka is good at this game, no one does it as smartly as they have been known to do.

     

     

    [youtube width=”400″ height=”200″]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fi8CLGqOAIg[/youtube]

    Yes, Tarun Tejpal must come out of his self-imposed exile. And re-open his ammunition factory.

     

    * * *

     

    PS: Good advice from Brit author Martin Amis. On the importance of avoiding dead words and clichés in writing. Valid for both, literary writers and copywriters.

     

  • Ad Strat: A star role for Karnataka Bank

    Sandeep Pai, Creative Head, Bangalore, R K Swamy BBDO

     

    1. Name of the Campaign:

    Corporate Branding

     

    2. The Brief:

    Increase awareness amongst the consumers about Karnataka Bank.

     

    [youtube width=”400″ height=”200″]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IqRPQT0mGuY[/youtube]

    3. Research insights:

    Karnataka Bank has a very low awareness level across India. We had to come up with a brand communication which helped the brand to be known.

     

    4. The thought process behind the creative:

    Since the objective of the ad was primarily to raise awareness within a short time, the creative focused on the most recognizable aspect of the bank, which was the motif of the star in their logo. And in most people’s lives, it’s a bank that plays the star role in realizing their dreams and aspirations. We just made this star a central focus of the ad and enhanced the association further with a memorable track.

     

    5. Media vehicles chosen:

    Television.

     

    6. Key issues kept in mind while executing the ad:

    Increase the awareness level and branding.

     

    7. Does the treatment do justice to the brief?

    Yes.

     

    8. What is the differentiating factor about the ad?

    The story line and the music.

     

    9. Market and client feedback:

    Very good, and recall value is high.

     

  • Anita Nayyar quits Havas, to join BCCL as Head of Customer Strategy

    By A Correspondent

     

    Havas Media CEO – South Asia Anita Nayyar is moving on and is joining Bennett Coleman and Company Ltd (BCCL) as Head of Customer Strategy.

     

    A Havas Media spokesperson has confirmed the development. While a hunt is on for Ms Nayyar’s replacement, Mr Mohit Joshi, until now Managing Partner of MPG India, has now been elevated to Managing Director.

     

    “It is a challenging role and I will be able to utilise all the learnings of 28 years from the agency side,” Ms Nayyar told MxMIndia indicating that she will continue to be based in Delhi.

     

    Ms Nayyar has been with Havas since 2007 and prior to this was Executive Director at Starcom and Vice President at Mudra Communications.

     

    Said Mr Vishnu Mohan, CEO, Havas Media APAC, “After five years, Anita leaves behind an organization seven times stronger with several specialist brands that today are over 40% of group’s portfolio and a strong talent force that are leaders in their own right. We thank her for her stewardship and wish her every success in this new stint on the other side after 28 years in the agency business. We are at present in the process of identifying a suitable leader for this role and should make an announcement to that effect shortly.”

     

  • SpiceJet awarded the account to Grey Worldwide, Delhi

    By A Correspondent

     

    Spicejet,India’s leading low-cost airline has appointed Grey Worldwide,Delhias its partner to handle its communication mandate. SpiceJet called for a multi agency pitch, including GIIR, Draft +FCB, Lowe, BBDO and Contract, the incumbent agency. The pitch was announced in February and went through multiple rounds before SpiceJet finally awarded the account to Grey Worldwide,Delhi.

     

    SpiceJet Ltd started its operation on May 23, 2005. Today SpiceJet connects 32 cities inIndiaalong with 2 international destinations. It has more than 274 daily flights across its network. SpiceJet has a fleet of 32 Boeing 737-800 and 737-900ER aircraft. The fleet also includes 7 Bombardier Q400 which are quick, quiet and comfortable.

     

    According to Neil Mills, CEO SpiceJet Ltd: “We selected Grey Advertising for the strength of their creative strategy and the passion exhibited by their team. The Agency will have an important role to play in building the brand further as we grow, enabling SpiceJet to achieve its aim of becoming a people’s airline and hence a carrier of choice.”

     

    Dip Sengupta, VP and Branch Head, Grey Delhi said: “It’s a very exciting win for us. SpiceJet is a great brand and it’s an honour to be chosen to partner it, as it charts its flight-path into the heartland ofIndia.”

     

    Uddalak Gupta ECD Grey Delhi said: “Our approach was to think beyond the obvious and the conventional, and come up with solutions where customer engagement was key. In ways that hadn’t been done before in the Indian aviation industry.”

     

    According to Divya Pratap Mehta, VP Planning, Grey Delhi: “In a category which is commoditized and facing business pressures, we stuck to fundamentals. Our starting point was to keep business growth and differentiation at the heart of the strategy.”

     

  • Freecultr selected by Kolkata Knight Riders as Official Casual Wear Partner.

    By A Correspondent

     

    With IPL fever hitting the nation, Freecultr, ‘premium casual wear, done right’, continues to innovate by co-developing and securing partnership between the Kolkata Knight Riders, owned by Shah Rukh Khan, Juhi Chawla, and Jay Mehta. This partnership fills a glaring void in sport-inspired lifestyle apparel in India- a range that is full lifestyle, but with strong inspiration and ties to sport as a category delivered with superior fabrics at reasonable prices.

     

    Freecultr launches its Sport collection with an exclusive edition of the KKR Official Travel Polo’s, Graphic T-shirts, and more KKR Official products to be launched and developed throughout the year. Freecultr has used KKR’s Purple, White, and Gold as the dominant theme to launch the exclusive collection, which not only reflects the spirit of the game but also connects with the sensibilities of the cricket lovers.

     

    Over the next few months, Freecultr Sport will also deliver a range of exciting and stylish lifestyle sport products for all customers. This exciting new category campaign will feature the tag line “Go Play!” and “Wanna Play?” and vivid imagery as its mantra.

     

    “We couldn’t be more pleased to launch our Freecultr Sport collection with the Official Casual Wear products for the Kolkata Knight Riders. KKR is a pre-eminent brand that stands for excellence and we are humbled to be chosen as its first Official Casual Wear Partner. This partnership reflects the trajectory and appeal of our brand and gives us much to be thankful for as we continue to grow. Epitomizing the competitive spirit of the game, we have designed our collection for KKR with a focus on style, colours, fabric, quality and affordability. We hope the team has a stellar season and wish them the greatest success in IPL5 and hopefully the Champion’s League.” said Sujal Shah, CEO and Co-Founder, Freecultr.

     

    “We are excited to announce our casual wear license agreement with Freecultr,” said Venky Mysore, MD/CEO of Kolkata Knight Riders. “The Kolkata Knight Riders prides itself in innovation and differentiation, and has decided to partner with Freecultr, as opposed to working with a supplier. Our main objective has always been to continually keep our fans engaged, excited, and delighted and we believe this partnership will give our fans an added sense of pride as they become the brand ambassadors of the Kolkata Knight Riders.”

     

    “Being a true lover and follower of cricket for years like most Indians, it’s heartening to be associated with this first of its kind innovative partnership. We are building our brand and product architecture keeping the new age consumer in mind. Tying up with a team like Kolkata Knight Riders is a perfect fit for Freecultr, and our main focus in designing the collection was to give the fans a feeling of belonging to the team and bring out the spirit and passion in fan support for KKR this season. We wish them luck for the coming season.” said Sandeep Singh, COO & Co-Founder, Freecultr.

     

    This partnership was ideated and co-developed The Wild East Group.

     

  • MSLGROUP Asia Awarded PR Network of the Year

    By A Correspondent

     

    MSLGROUP Asia, Publicis Groupe’s flagship strategic communications and engagement company and the largest PR and social media network in Greater China and India, was awarded ‘Asia-Pacific Network of the Year’ at the prestigious Campaign Asia-Pacific 2011 PR Awards on March 30.

     

    A first-time nominee for the ceremony’s top prize, MSLGROUP fended off stiff competition from a number of well-established global PR agency brands to be crowned ‘Asia-Pacific Network of the Year.’

     

    The Campaign Asia-Pacific PR Awards is renowned as a benchmark in the communications industry and rewards clients and agencies for the strategies, people and achievements that have transformed businesses and brands. The ‘Asia-Pacific Network of the Year’ award specifically recognises business and client growth, talent retention and development, and PR innovation.

     

    Commenting on the award win, Glenn Osaki, President, MSLGROUP Asia, said: “I am extremely proud of our colleagues and clients for partnering together to achieve the best performance in the industry and win this recognition as ‘Asia-Pacific Network of the Year.’ 2011 was a year that transformed MSLGROUP into Asia’s leader in PR, social media and engagement. Our client-centric approach, PR and social media innovation, and focus on learning and people development have helped us achieve outstanding growth and reputation in the last year. This award belongs to every one of our 1,700 colleagues across the region who are committed to being our clients’ most trusted advisor, and source of unbound creativity, engagement and value in today’s always-on conversation.”

     

    Hanmer MSL, part of MSLGROUP India, also notched an Honourable Mention on the night, for its integrated communications campaign for STAR India Pvt Ltd.

     

    For 23 years, MSLGROUP’s Asia team has counselled global, regional and local clients, helping them establish, protect and expand their businesses and brands across this fast-growing region. Today, MSLGROUP has the largest PR, social media and events teams in Greater China (16 offices and 1,000 colleagues) andIndia(15 offices and 575 colleagues) and is actively working to lead the development of the industry with the regular publication of whitepapers/reports and innovative Learning & People Development programs to nurture talent.

     

    MSLGROUP is Publicis Groupe’s strategic communications and engagement group, advisors in all aspects of communication strategy: from consumer PR to financial communications, from public affairs to reputation management, and from crisis communications to experiential marketing and events. With more than 3,500 people across close to 100 offices worldwide, MSLGROUP is also the largest PR network in fast-growingChinaandIndia.

     

    Publicis Groupe [Euronext Paris FR0000130577, part of the CAC 40 index] is the third largest communications group in the world, offering a full range of services and skills: digital and traditional advertising, public affairs and events, media buying and specialized communication. Its major networks are Leo Burnett, MSLGROUP, PHCG (Publicis Healthcare Communications Group), Publicis Worldwide, Rosetta and Saatchi & Saatchi.

     

  • MY FM launches Mobile App for android phone users

    By A Correspondent

     

    MY FM launched its mobile application, ‘My Mobile’ for Android phone users, with an aim of further increasing their interaction with the station. The launch of MY FM app comes after the huge success of ‘Radio Dikhta Hai’ campaign wherein listeners could watch their favourite shows on MY FM’s YouTube channel.

     

    The mobile app has unique integrated features designed keeping the brand engagement in mind. Users will be able to set an alarm or a show reminder along with MY FM tones instead of default handset tones with the feature MY Alarm. MY Connect would allow users to go to their city-specific social media platforms – Facebook, YouTube or MY FM website instantly to view, comment or participate in any discussions or contests.

     

    Other interesting features include MY Message where one can send a song request and MY Download where end users can download MY FM tones as their mobile ringtones.

     

    In addition to these exciting features one could also get regular updates such as station promotion, information regarding a show etc. with the Ticker feature. The application is available for free on Android Marketplace as well as on MY FM website.

     

    Mr. Harrish M. Bhatia, CEO, 94.3 MY FM said: “This is a one-of-its-kind innovation by an Indian FM station. With an increase in consumption of FM radio on mobile handsets, this application seamlessly fits into listeners’ life, enhancing their overall brand experience.”

     

  • Debrief: Tata Docomo: Entertaining and effective

    By Anil Thakraney

     

    The Tata Docomo guys have done a bizarre thing in their new campaign. They have made hottie Ranbir Kapoor, their brand ambassador, dress up as a really old man. A crime in itself, but one that could have been overlooked if the advertiser had at least put out a little reason why the young actor was made to go geriatric.

     

    In the commercial I watched (and there are many more), Kapoor plays a cheating old down-market restaurateur. He insists on serving three idlis per plate, and if the patron wants only two, well then, too bad. Kapoor will still charge for three pieces.

     

    It’s Tata Docomo’s way of selling their ‘Pay for what you use’ scheme. As in, unlike the old, cheating Kapoor, they will only charge for what you use.

     

    Good approach. By demonstrating the scheme laterally, they have made the Docomo offer get wings. A direct route would have been pretty cold and boring.

     

    And this approach immediately becomes entertaining. Nope, you won’t tire of the commercials even on repeat exposures. Must say, so much better than those horrendous Ranbir Kapoor talk shows that Tata Docomo used to inflict on us.

     

    [youtube width=”400″ height=”200″]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YC-tq7XJ0Ew[/youtube]

    However, I still have one problem: Why is Kapoor decked up as grandpa? Why, why, why? Why take a sexy man and then totally kill his sex appeal? Why?

     

    Rating: (On a scale of 1 to 5): 3. Lateral route works.

     

  • BIGFlix takes consumer entertainment to a new level on Micromax Funbook

    By A Correspondent

     

    BIGFlix, a part of Reliance Group’s digital entertainment business, and Micromax Informatics Limited (Micromax), on Tuesday announced their partnership to further advance the Movies on Demand ecosystem in the ‘now’ age of ‘Digitalization’ on the newly launched Funbook by Micromax.

     

    As a result of the partnership, BIGFlix has specially created an Android app for Funbook, the country’s first ever tablet operating on the latest Ice Cream Sandwich. This allows subscribers to stream HD (High Definition) quality blockbusters from a premium catalogue which comprises of  over 1,000 movies across several genres be it action, comedy, drama and many more absolutely free for a period of one month. The same is also available for a subscription fee of Rs249 per month.

     

    Commenting on the partnership,  Shreyash Sigtia, Business Head, BIGFlix said: “BIGFlix is India’s first and only movie on demand service that offers an exhaustive library of movies in several languages across various genres. We are very happy to partner with Micromax Funbook. This association is extremely vital for us as it will enable us to make movies on demand available to Indian masses.”

     

    Commenting on the association, Deepak Mehrotra, CEO, Micromax said: “Our strategy, since inception, has been to provide unique product offerings coupled with distinctive value additions to customers from time to time and our tie-up with BIGFlix, India’s first and only movie on demand subscription service underscores this. We believe that in a highly competitive atmosphere, this will allow us to replicate our growth -globally, regionally as well as locally.”

  • Havas Media announces expansion of its sports & entertainment ops

    By A Correspondent

     

    Havas Media, one of the world’s leading media groups, announced a further expansion of its Havas Sports & Entertainment operations with the acquisition of ignition, an award winning, independent experiential marketing agency with offices in theUSA,London and Moscow.

     

    The acquisition forms part of Havas Sports & Entertainment’s strategy to up-weight its global brand engagement offer, particularly in the run up to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil.

     

    The ignition brand will join the Havas Sports & Entertainment and Cake Group agencies in delivering experiential campaigns in markets complementary to the network’s existing local footprint, which now spans 34 offices in 20 markets. With ignition’s headquarters and strongholds inAtlantaandNew York, the move will significantly increase Havas Sports & Entertainment capabilities in the US.

     

    ignition’s delivery of large-scale, event-led brand engagement campaigns and leadership in sustainable experiential marketing will also complement Havas Sports & Entertainment’s current branded content, social media, sponsorship consulting, PR, brand experience and research offers.

     

    Along with synergies in location and expertise, ignition also adds an attractive, long-retained client base with brands such as American Express, BP, Delta Air Lines, ESPN, Kia, United Nations Foundation, Victoria’s Secret and The Coca-Cola Company (with whom it holds a prestigious ‘global partner’ status).

     

    ignition will continue to be managed by Mike Hersom, current ignition president, alongside CindyAnn “CA” Hersom, CMO, and Dill and Susan Driscoll, the original founders. Hersom will report into Havas Sports & Entertainment’s global president and CEO Lucien Boyer.

     

    “We are proud to welcome ignition to the Havas Sports & Entertainment network. Together we will achieve great things thanks to ignition’s expertise and outstanding reputation for delivering sustainable consumer experiential events around the world,” said Mr Boyer.

     

    “ignition will add tangible value to the Havas Sports & Entertainment and Cake Group agencies in our network, helping to reinforce our strong global offering at a very interesting time for brands in sports and entertainment. ignition’s 15 year history of activating the Olympic Torch Relay, including for London 2012, and 14 years activating the Trophy Tour in relation to the FIFA World Cup for The Coca-Cola Company will also build on our involvement with these key clients and sports organizations.”

     

    Mr Hersom added: “Today the ignition brand goes truly global. With Havas Sports & Entertainment’s infrastructure, insight and reach, coupled with our 15 year track record of leading complex international consumer campaigns, we are now poised to take our magic to scale for sustainable growth. This move is part of Havas’ acquisition strategy to both develop and expand core areas of expertise and to target entrepreneurial, innovative forward-looking agencies that use creativity and technology to develop better relationships between consumers, brands and their wider communities.”

     

  • UTV Indiagames gets ‘IPL Cricket Fever’

    By A Correspondent

     

    UTV Indiagames has launched the official IPL season 5 mobile game, ‘IPL Cricket Fever’. They have made sure that all elements of the actual IPL cricket are experienced through the game including the brand associations. Brands like Volkswagen and Parle 20-20 cookies have joined hands with UTV Indiagames, to associate with ‘IPL Cricket Fever’.

     

    Volkswagen has extended its on-ground association with IPL Season 5 to the official game by introducing brand elements for ‘Super Sixes’ & ‘Man of the Series’. Just like the on-ground association, Volkswagen is the brand partner for every ‘6’ hit in the game. For the ‘Man of the Series’ in the mobile game, the player with maximum number of wins during the current IPL season will be presented with the ‘Volkswagen Vento – IPL Edition’.

     

    Parle has associated with the game with their brand Parle 20-20 cookies for various in-game branding elements like ‘4s’ and ‘Replays’. The brand is also the sponsor of the ‘Man of the Match’ reward in the game during the presentation ceremony.

     

    Commenting on the brand associations for the game, Vishal Gondal, CEO, UTV Indiagames said: “The IPL season is the most exciting time of the year for cricket enthusiasts, both on ground and in the digital space. With IPL Cricket Fever we wanted to offer an as close to real experience of the actual on-ground action of IPL and with Volkswagen and Parle 20-20 cookies on board we have made it happen. Now whether the player hits a 4, 6 or wins man of the match or even man of the series, the presence of these brands will give them the actual IPL feel even on their mobile phones.”

     

    Lutz Kothe, Head of Marketing & PR, Volkswagen Group Sales India Private Ltd. said: “The immense response we received for the IPL Edition I has prompted us to introduce the IPL Edition II and this time with both our popular carlines – the Polo and the Vento. To make this more exciting, we are introducing the official mobile game for IPL in association with UTV Indiagames giving an opportunity to all the cricket enthusiasts to win the Vento IPL Edition II. We are sure cricket enthusiasts will enjoy this game and participate to win their favorite carline.”

     

    Pravin Kulkarnii, General Manager – Marketing, Parle Products said: “Gaming is huge in the country today and the mix of cricket and games appeals to one and all. IPL is as popular on ground as it is in the digital space. Parle 20:20 cookies’ association with UTV Indiagames’ official IPL game is the perfect brand opportunity for us as it extends our brand recall in the digital space instantly.”

     

    ‘IPL Cricket Fever’ is based on the IPL Season 5 format and includes all official 9 teams – Mumbai Indians, Chennai Superkings, Deccan Chargers, Delhi Daredevils, King XI Punjab, Kolkata Knight Riders, Rajasthan Royals, Royal Challenger Bangalore and Pune Warriors.

     

    The users will be able to play with the official IPL players including Sachin Tendulkar, Michael Hussey, MS Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja, Virendra Sehwag, Adam Gilchrist, Gautam Ghambir, Yousuf Pathan, Kevin Pollard, Rahul Dravid, Shane Watson, AB de Villiers, Michael Clarke and many more. There are three game modes available which include quick match, powerplay and IPL tournament. The user can play the entire season as per the actual IPL season too, 4 stadiums with 3 difficulty modes and original IPL players make this the most exciting cricket game around.

     

    The game is available on Android, iOS and Java to ensure that every cricket enthusiast can lay their hands on it to enjoy the IPL season.

     

    UTV Indiagames is India’s integrated game developer-publisher across mobile, online and the interactive television. The company has been a pioneer in the mobile gaming space and has partnered with several major game publishers and media companies in the world such as EA, Disney, THQ, Atari, Universal, Fox, Warner brothers, Sony, MTV, 2K and others whose IP has been published across global leading telecoms including Verizon, Vodafone, Airtel, AT&T, Telstra and others.