MxMIndia

Category: NEWS

  • There should be a PR award that enables entries to compete in the global arena. There is a major vacuum that needs to be filled and no one can help us on this but ourselves

    Amith Prabhu: PR frat needs a Goafest-like event

    By Amith Prabhu

     

    Goafest has become the annual jamboree for the advertising folks in India. And nothing wrong with that if it serves the purpose of those organizing and those attending. It is an expensive programme, especially for younger people. The cost to attend Goafest for a person varies from as low as Rs12,000 (if a person under 30 from Mumbai travels by road or rail and lives in very simple accommodation for 2 nights) to Rs40,000 (if a person over 30 from Delhi flies low-cost and lives in decent three-star accommodation).

     

    The point is that in all this effort and investment or spending (depends who pays the bill) very little is achieved for the industry in terms of learning. Most high profile speakers either use the opportunity to make a sales pitch or are not effective enough to make an impact (I have been to two events and seen for myself).

     

    The few who are impactful and are not making a sales pitch have few takers because they are either not well known, haven’t got the right publicity in advance and therefore those who should be listening to them are either on the beach or in their luxury rooms or sightseeing.

     

    The real achievement is for those who want a break and get it (most often fully or partially company sponsored), great work done in the year gone by gets rewarded (sometimes with controversy), people seeking a job change get to meet their potential employers and those who want to catch up in a non-work environment with former colleagues and buddies get to do that.

     

    Some PR professionals attend because they are involved in some way with the organizing and some others are connected with the ad agency that has a big role to play.

     

    But most inspiring of all the achievements is that all the big boys and girls in creative and media agencies who fight it out like bitter rivals in new business pitches and industry awards between May and March come together in April to celebrate the profession. And this to me is remarkable. No doubt there are a handful of boycotts that happen each year, but those are bound to happen and frenemies come and go.

     

    Cannes, around which part of Goafest is modelled, embraced PR a couple of years ago by including a separate category for PR and having a full-fledged PR jury. I’m not saying Goafest should do that. I’m here to seed the idea of a gathering of PR professionals from around the country. Head honchos of PR firms can collectively do a lot for the industry and the young and mid-level professionals. The three things they should do at break neck speed is put together a forum for PR professionals modelled on PRSA, create an industry award that is transparent, world-class and the gold standard for younger professionals to gain inspiration from and plan a gathering of PR professionals over a weekend to learn from each other. Networking is no longer a major need in the age of Facebook, Twitter and frequent after hours parties in the metros.

     

    There are several forums that function formally and informally in the PR space. But none that brings together corporate communication executives and public relations professionals, at all levels and of all ages, under one umbrella. It is time for a body that works closely and learns from PRSA. There is so much it does through several chapters for the betterment of the practitioner. With almost 15 of the Top 20 global PR firms present in India there is scope to even be handheld by one of the well-established forums.

     

    Thereafter, this organization should establish a PR award that enables entries to compete in the global arena. There is a major vacuum that needs to be filled and no one can help us on this but ourselves.

     

    Finally, the PR fraternity of India needs an annual event where PR professionals get together, listen to experts fromIndiaand around the world and celebrate the profession keeping aside differences for 48 hours at least, if not more. Maybe this could be called PondyPoweR and be held at Pondicherry on the east coast ofIndia. Symbolically, a quaint town with a rich heritage, near the beach for those who want to mix learning with fun.

     

    Hope this happens sooner than later, so public relations people can ponder on how to do some Public Relations for themselves, their firms and most importantly for the profession.

     

    Amith Prabhu is a public relations professional who spent a large part of his career in India and is now based in Chicago working for a PR major. Views are personal and do not reflect that of the writer’s employer. 

     

  • To leverage this association, GCMMF has created a TVC which shows a girl made of milk performing the sports which are part of Olympics

    Amul to sponsor India at London Olympics

    By A Correspondent

     

    The year 2011 saw Amul sponsoring theNetherlandscricket team in the ICC Cricket World Cup and Switzerland-headquartered Sauber F1 team at the inaugural Indian Grand Prix. In 2012,Asia’s largest milk brand will now be sponsoring the Indian contingent at the London 2012 Olympic Games.

     

    Mr. RS Sodhi, Managing Director GCMMF said: “Amul is committed to strengthening the Olympic movement in India and encourage young generation from all corners of the country to take up Olympic sports.”

     

    Explaining the rationale of this association, he said that milk is nature’s original energy drink and plays a pivotal role in building the physical and mental strength of the athletes. Nutritious dairy diet is an important part in the diets of athletes around the world. India is the largest producer of milk in the world and Amul is not only India’s but Asia’s largest milk brand.

     

    To leverage this association, GCMMF has created a TVC which shows a girl made of milk performing the sports which are part of Olympics. Liquid simulation was extensively used for generating realistic animation of milk to form the body shape and movements of the girl.

     

    “How many people are aware that milk is actually the world’s original energy drink…. completely natural and loaded with nutrients. The commercial effectively communicates that, while making the connection between Amul and Olympics,” said Nitin Karkare, Chief Operating Officer, Mumbai, Draftfcb Ulka.

     

    The TVC is scripted by Haresh Moorjani, Group Creative Director, Draftfcb Ulka. Mr Moorjani said: “As the official sponsor of the Indian team for the 2012 Olympics, Amul’s commitment to health is best defined by its signature product – milk. The film demonstrates the potency of the world’s original energy drink by its lusciousness as it transforms into the ‘milk girl’ making milk magical and appetizing for both, kids as well as adults.”

     

    The new campaign will be aired on more than 50 television channels. It has already started getting very good feedback in social media.

     

    Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation is India’s largest food products marketing organization. It procures 4 billion litres of milk annually from 3 million milk producers in more than 16,000 villages, twice a day, and processes and markets its product range comprising butter, cheese, ice cream, fresh milk, yoghurt, milk powders, UHT milk, flavoured milk, ghee, paneer etc in 3000 cities and towns of India and 40 countries around the world. Its annual sales turnover in 2011-12 was US$ 2.4 billion.

     

    Credits:

    Agency: Draftfcb Ulka

    NCD: K. S. Chakravarthy

    Creative team: Haresh Moorjani, Mehul Patil

    Client Servicing: Nitin Karkare, Ruta Patel, Rohan Patil, Ruchi Agrawal

    Account Planning: Vidyadhar Wabgaonkar, Mubina Quraisshi

    Films Coordinator: Alpa Jobalia, Stanley Christian, Ganesh Iyer

    Production House: Famous House of Animation

    Producer & Director: Jayant Hadke

     

  • Significant deal includes CNN flagship shows 'Amanpour' and 'Piers Morgan Tonight'

    Hyundai signs multi-level global sponsorship deal with CNN

    By A Correspondent

     

    CNN Worldwide announced that it has signed a large-scale global sponsorship deal with leading automotive producer Hyundai Motor Company (HMC). The deal will include sponsorship of the new nightly ‘Amanpour’ show and the popular interview program ‘Piers Morgan Tonight’, and will involve HMC’s ‘Live Brilliant’ campaign airing across the CNN International, CNN US and CNN en Español networks. The collaboration represents one of CNN’s most comprehensive global auto sponsorship deals to date.

     

    The six-month sponsorship agreement encompasses both billboards and spots around signature programming, in addition to daily segments within shows. The new ‘Amanpour’ show, airing every weeknight, launched from April 16 will have Christiane Amanpour deliver insights through vital conversations, tenacity and holding those in power to account. ‘Piers Morgan Tonight’ is a candid, in-depth, personality-driven interview program that uses his inimitable style to uncover the most fascinating details about his newsmaker guests. The campaign further extends to the primetime shows ‘World Report’ airing in Asia-Pacific and ‘Panorama Mundial’ airing on CNN en Español.

     

    “CNN’s core personalities and signature programming are unrivalled in the intelligence and insights they deliver to viewers around the world,” said Tony Maddox, EVP and MD, CNN International. “This exciting collaboration with an influential global brand like HMC reinforces the unique value and quality of our content,” he added.

     

    “This deal represents a remarkable endorsement of the unmatched quality and scale of our global audiences and we are delighted to once again work alongside HMC to connect them with our discerning and influential viewers,” said Jonathan Davies, EVP CNN International Ad Sales. “It is also indicative of our commitment to fostering and strengthening high quality and long-term relationships with our clients, with HMC first having partnered with CNN back in 2000.”

     

    Mr. Won Hong Cho, CMO of Hyundai Motor Company said: “CNN provides unparalleled insights into today’s shifting global environment, empowering viewers with the knowledge they crave. We saw a perfect fit with Hyundai’s brand direction of ‘Modern Premium’ through ‘New Thinking. New Possibilities.’ and are delighted to once again work with CNN through this truly global collaboration. Hyundai Motor Company launched a new worldwide brand campaign called “Live Brilliant” as part of its efforts to reinforce its brand management activities and fulfill its vision to become the most beloved automotive company in the world.”

     

    CNN is the world’s leading global 24-hour news network and one of the world’s most respected and trusted sources for news and information. CNN International is the international directorate of CNN Worldwide and distributes news via 14 services in seven different languages. CNN International can be seen in more than 280 million households and hotel rooms in over 200 countries and territories worldwide.

     

    Established in 1967, Hyundai Motor Company has grown into the Hyundai Motor Group, with more than two dozen auto-related subsidiaries and affiliates. Hyundai Motor Company — which has six manufacturing bases outside of South Korea including the U.S.,China, India,R ussia, Turkey and the Czech Republic– sold 4.06 million vehicles globally in 2011.

     

  • A striking minority – only 1 in 4 people – believe they are living up to their own creative potential

    Universal concern that creativity is suffering at work & school: Adobe study

    By A Correspondent

     

    New research reveals a global creativity gap in five of the world’s largest economies, according to the Adobe State of Create global benchmark study. The research shows 8 in 10 people feel that unlocking creativity is critical to economic growth and nearly two-thirds of respondents feel creativity is valuable to society, yet a striking minority – only 1 in 4 people – believe they are living up to their own creative potential.

     

    Interviews of 5,000 adults across the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, France and Japan expose surprising attitudes and beliefs about creativity, providing new insights into the role of creativity in business, education and society overall.

     

    Workplace Creativity Gap

    The study reveals a workplace creativity gap, where 75 per cent of respondents said they are under growing pressure to be productive rather than creative, despite the fact that they are increasingly expected to think creatively on the job. Across all of the countries surveyed, people said they spend only 25 per cent of their time at work creating. Lack of time is seen as the biggest barrier to creativity (47 per cent globally).

     

    Education Concerns

    More than half of those surveyed feel that creativity is being stifled by their education systems, and many believe creativity is taken for granted (52 per cent globally).

     

    “One of the myths of creativity is that very few people are really creative,” said Sir Ken Robinson, Ph.D., an internationally recognized leader in the development of education, creativity and innovation. “The truth is that everyone has great capacities but not everyone develops them. One of the problems is that too often our educational systems don’t enable students to develop their natural creative powers. Instead, they promote uniformity and standardization. The result is that we’re draining people of their creative possibilities and, as this study reveals, producing a workforce that’s conditioned to prioritize conformity over creativity.”

     

    Creativity Rating: Japan Ranked Most Creative

    The study sheds light on different cultural attitudes toward creativity. Japan ranked highest in the global tally as the most creative country while, conversely, Japanese citizens largely do not see themselves as creative. Globally, Tokyo ranked as the most creative city – except among Japanese – with New York ranking second. Outside of Japan, national pride in each country is evident, with residents of the United Kingdom, Germany and France ranking their own countries and cities next in line after Japan.

     

    The United States ranked globally as the second most creative nation among the countries surveyed, except in the eyes of Americans, who see themselves as the most creative. Yet Americans also expressed the greatest sense of urgency and concern that they are not living up to their creative potential (United States at 82 per cent, vs. the lowest level of concern in Germany at 64 per cent).

     

    Generational and gender differences are marginal, reinforcing the idea that everyone has the potential to create. Women ranked only slightly higher than men when asked if they self-identified as creative and whether they were tapping their own creative potential.

     

    Four in 10 people believe that they do not have the tools or access to tools to create. Creative tools are perceived as the biggest driver to increase creativity (65 per cent globally), and technology is recognized for its ability to help individuals overcome creative limitations (58 per cent globally) and provide inspiration (53 per cent globally).

     

    The study was produced by research firm StrategyOne and conducted as an online survey among a total of 5,000 adults, 18 years or older, 1,000 each in the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, France and Japan. Interviewing took place from March 30 to April 9. The data set for each country is nationally representative of the population of that country.

     

  • The Singapore office will service the Asia-Pacific region and offer clientele a complete spectrum of brand activation and event management services

    Wizcraft begins ops in Singapore

    By A Correspondent

     

    Widely renowned for their brand activation and events, Wizcraft International Entertainment Ltd has opened their international base in Singapore. The Singapore office will service the Asia-Pacific region and offer clientele a complete spectrum of brand activation and event management services covering ground, digital, display and brand property creation.

     

    Wizcraft has been in the forefront of some of the largest events and entertainment spectaculars, including the ICC World Cup’s Opening ceremony in Dhaka, Bangladesh, cricket-activation in Sri Lanka and the closing of the ICC World Cup in India; the Opening and Closing ceremonies of the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, 50 Years of Indian Independence, the 30 Years of Mauritian Independence, the 10 years of the South African Freedom Struggle, the National Games Opening and Closing ceremonies, the Oman Tattoo showcase of the armed services of the Sultanate of Oman, the Handover ceremony of the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, and  The Unforgettable Tour (Indian Cinema’s biggest concert that travelled across Toronto, Trinidad, LA, San Francisco, Houston, Atlantic City, Chicago, New York and London bringing together the greatest icons of the Indian Film Industry). Over two decades, Wizcraft has etched its mark in history.

     

    Wizcraft has focused its brand management skills, creativity and marketing acumen to create market leader event brands such as the International Indian Film Academy Awards and Weekend (IIFA), the Global Indian Music Academy Awards (GiMA), the Green Globe Awards and the Kingdom of Dreams, a destination that offers a unique experience of theatre, cuisine, arts, crafts and folk performers.

     

    Sabbas Joseph, Director, Wizcraft International Entertainment Ltd. said: “Wizcraft has always serviced global brands across the region. We are certain that our team being closer to the centre of decision-making for the APAC region will ensure that we can influence the market trends positively and create partnerships that will deliver brand messaging across the region.”

     

    Andre Timmins, Director, Wizcraft International Entertainment Ltd. said: “Wizcraft has taken significant leaps in terms of growth in the last decade and this reflects in the scale and magnitude of the events that we have done. Asia represents significant growth opportunities for Wizcraft and a globally connected city like Singapore is the best step to further expand the Wizcraft empire. This establishment will be an important growth market for our unique offerings over the years.”

     

    Ajay Rao, Vice President, South East Asia & Pacific Region, Wizcraft International Entertainment Ltd. said: “We look forward to leveraging our worldwide experience to deliver integrated services of International quality and range to consumers in Singapore. Being a cosmopolitan city-state Singapore has highly skilled resources and offers a conducive environment to creative and knowledge-driven industries. We look forward to our associations here and also plan to add to our service offerings as demand grows”

     

    Established in 1988, Wizcraft International Entertainment Ltd is now India’s leading Communication and Entertainment Company, integrating strategy, creativity and technology to provide Interactive Entertainment & Event Solutions to a global audience. The pioneer of many extravagant and mesmerizing events, Wizcraft has been instrumental in shaping the event management industry in India.

     

  • In this campaign Titan celebrates spontaneity, vibrancy and free spiritedness of today's youth and captures the mood of living every moment with loved ones perfectly

    Adz Edge unveils outdoor campaigns for Titan

    By A correspondent

     

    Adz Edge sets in motion the OOH campaign of one of the leading brands of the country – Titan – for its chic, stylised and interestingly tilted ‘Life is now’ campaign. In this campaign Titan celebrates spontaneity, vibrancy and free spiritedness of today’s youth and captures the mood of living every moment with loved ones perfectly.

     

    The campaign, which commenced from April, has been rolled out in Mumbai and is said to have already received a very positive response. Titan campaign draws attention towards the ‘Life is Now’ concept. The campaign required extensive research in terms of consumer profiling and penetration levels to identify the target areas that need to be leveraged to reach out to the relevant audience in the most effective manner.

     

    The objective of the Titan campaign was to create mass visibility via multiple touch points that provide maximum visibility across the city for the exclusive campaign directed at the relevant target audience to create top of mind recall.

     

    Following the extensive research of the cityscape, the AdzEdge team identified relevant locations across the city that met the brand’s objectives for this campaign. The mediums that were used for the campaign to reach out to the relevant audiences ranged from large format billboards, bus shelters and mobile vans across Andheri Pump Side, Bandra, Cadell Road, JVPD Cicle, Tulsi Pipe Road and Thane Teen Haat Naka to create mass recall. Innovative use of bus shelters, which was more localized, gave the closest nearby dealer information encouraging walk-ins.

     

    Special efforts have been taken to devise this campaign as each outdoor format plays a unique and targeted role in the campaign. These locations included landmark prominent billboards across all major locations in the city along with a sprinkling of bus shelters to create a touch-point at effective locations where large formats where not available.

     

    Mr. Anirban Ghosh, Senior Vice President Adz Edge said: “It’s once again a tremendous boost for Adz Edge (West) to start rolling the outdoor campaigns for Titan. Our strategic approach and seamless execution using proper planning techniques of each campaign has ensured it achieves maximum effectiveness and impact for the brand. This has made all the difference and ensured a boost in client confidence. We endeavour to bring this unique quality to all our campaigns in the future.”

  • The campaign was based on an insight from the consumer's life that 'Circumstances do not dictate my destiny, I do'

    DDB Mudra creates a new gold loan campaign for Federal Bank

    By A Correspondent

     

    Mother & Son
    Husband & Wife

    Gold loan is one of the fastest growing categories amongst retail loans inIndia. Research shows that a lot of customers who take gold loans are small businessmen, small storeowners, painters, mechanics, carpenters and others. It was found that the category is dominated by NBFCs and consumers do not consider going to banks for gold loans. Hence, the task was to get Federal Bank to break into the consideration of the customer.

     

    The new Gold Loan Campaign of Federal bank is based on the premise that there are two kinds of situations that call for a gold loan; an emergency loan (hospital bills) and a loan for progress (buying a house, expanding business). In times of emergencies, these consumers prefer an NBFC for speed of transaction but when it is a loan for progress, they prefer a bank as interest rates and terms of repayment matter.

     

    Ranji Cherian President and Head of DDB Mudra Group, South said: “This campaign magnifies the loans-for-progress in a very strong manner. What is interesting is that when it comes to Loans-for-progress, customers prefer a bank as interest rates and terms of repayment matter”.

     

    “In times of need due to undue financial pressure, a person usually gets confused and forgets where to go for help, be it for business, education, or a family wedding. This campaign is aimed at easing his tension and reminding him of the safest, most reliable and trusted partner – Federal Bank Gold Loan, giving instant loan on gold besides safeguarding the gold, and unlike many unscrupulous gold loan companies, not charging a hefty interest rate. The simplicity of this campaign drives home this point quite precisely, easing the tension of any one in need of financial help,” said Vipul Thakkar, Executive Creative Director, DDB Mudra South.

     

    A deep dive into the consumers’ lives revealed that people who are forced to support their families at a very early stage in their lives constantly fight against all the challenges life throws at them and yet try and progress one step at a time. The campaign was based on an insight from the consumer’s life that ‘Circumstances do not dictate my destiny, I do’.

     

    Mr. Anand Chugh, the Chief Manger Marketing at Federal Bank said: “This campaign was conceived well and the execution is also as intended. The faith in advertising has gone up post the campaign as tangible results in terms of portfolio growth are visible. The campaign has strengthened the position of Federal Bank in the retail gold loan market.”

     

    To break through the clutter in the market, the agency made the woman the hero of this campaign. The television commercials show the lady of the house coming forward to help her family out of a tough situation. Federal Bank is hence showcased as the consumer’s trustworthy partner in progress. “Bringing the woman to the centre of the decision adds meaning and strengthens the case for Federal Bank,” said Mr Ranji.

     

  • Campaign aims at empowering consumers in the regions, with information to optimize on impending digitization & enables operators to build their brand equity

    BIG Magic launches ‘100% UPwale / 100 % MPwale’ FOR UP & MP

    By A Correspondent

     

    After the success of the ‘Choose Your Set-Top-Box Wisely’ campaign, which aimed at increasing awareness and empowering consumers with adequate information to make the right choice while choosing their set top boxes and also enabling operators to build their brand equity in the metros, Reliance Broadcast Network is now taking the initiative into the Hindi Heartland of Uttar Pradesh (UP) and Madhya Pradesh (MP) with the second leg of this campaign.

     

    Built on a creative idea of “100% UPwale / 100% MPwale”, this campaign will also serve the purpose of driving awareness of impending digitization and empower consumers to make the right choice when choosing a DTH/ Set Top box.

     

    Additionally the campaign also provides operators a chance to build preference and equity for their own offerings.

     

    The campaign creative idea reflects the uniqueness of this region ranging from the chikan kurtas ofLucknow to Banarasi paan to the pedas ofMathura to praying at the Bade Ganpati ka Mandir, and the channel of the region - BIG Magic.

     

    The campaign will be rolled out across BIG Magic and the 11 radio stations of 92.7 BIG FM.

     

    With digitization set to revolutionize the television viewing experience, and operators gearing to undertake activities to build their brand equity and ensuring that they gain from the eminent shake-out, consumers also need to understand that the power to enhance their television viewing experience will now lie with them and this campaign aims at helping both operators and consumers alike.

     

    Reliance Broadcast Network’s BIG Magic, which has only just completed a year of launch, has already become the leading channel of the region with its exciting content and programs.

     

    It will be a six week campaign spread across television, radio, OOH, print and digital, will be one of the largest initiatives in the regional space by any broadcaster.

     

    Reliance Broadcast Network Limited is a multi-media entertainment conglomerate with play across radio, television, intellectual properties and out of home. It is part of the Reliance Group and specializes in creating and executing integrated media solutions for brands. It houses the following verticals: 92.7 BIG FM, BIG CBS- a joint venture with CBS Studios International which has launched four channels, BIG CBS Prime, BIG CBS Love, BIG CBS Spark and Spark Punjabi. Added to this
    robust bouquet, the Company also distributes Bloomberg UTV, India’s premier business news channel.

     

  • A travelogue format introduced first time ever in the history of radio

    92.7 BIG FM announces Big Chhutti this summer

    By A Correspondent

     

    92.7 BIG FM,India’s No.1 FM Network, has announced ‘BIG Chhutti’ on radio. BIG Chhutti is a travelogue which is conceptualized for creating exceptional experiences for those passionate about travel. It would enable listeners explore distant lands that sit on their wish-list through the theatre of mind

     

    BIG Chhutti is dedicated to entertain listeners, deprived of spending vacations in hill stations. BIG RJs will travel to incredible destinations like Nainital, Rudraprayag, Chopta, Mussoorie, Kasauni, Jimcorbett, Ranikhet, Dhanaulti, Almora, Binsar, Chamoli, Dehradun, Haridwar, Landsdown, Kotdwar and Pauri. The RJs will give a picturesque view of destination, teeming with exotic wildlife and natural beauty, as well as its cultural treasures. These areas have been selected as it serve as sought-after locales for couples, families and singles alike.

     

    Listeners will find value in the show as it promises to offer rare glimpses of the said locations. The RJs will also visit the major attractions of the place including theme parks, hotels, resorts and so on. Not only this, show also empowers would-be travellers with on-ground realities such as stay facilities, best food joints, mode of transportation, shopping options thereby enabling them to plan their vacations economically and in a better way.

     

    The show is designed especially keeping in mind the summers hence will continue throughout May. BIG Chhutti will be aired in the mid-morning band across 11 stations of UP, MP and Jharkhand.

     

    The show offers an excellent platform for marketers of travel & electronic brands to reach a very relevant and plum audience base. Lotus Electronics of MP has partnered this unique concept.

     

    Company’s spokesperson said in a statement: “It’s a pleasure to organize a travel show on radio which not only caters to those deprived of travelling during vacations but also enable would-be travellers to plan their holidays rationally. This offering is another first from our stable, connecting our listeners through travel. To ensure relevance and direct connect BIG RJs will travel to holiday destinations & will bring real experience to the listeners. Radio is a local medium and this is part of our endeavour to offer audiences an opportunity to enjoy a varied platter of content that makes for relevance to audiences of the region, while offering marketers an excellent opportunity to connect with audiences.”

     

    Reliance Broadcast Network Limited is a multi-media entertainment conglomerate with play across radio, television, intellectual properties and out of home. It is part of the Reliance Group and specializes in creating and executing integrated media solutions for brands. It houses the following verticals: 92.7 BIG FM, BIG CBS- a joint venture with CBS Studios International which has launched four channels, BIG CBS Prime, BIG CBS Love, BIG CBS Spark and Spark Punjabi. Added to this
    robust bouquet, the Company also distributes Bloomberg UTV, India’s premier business news channel.

     

  • A Comms has brought to the platform Tata i-Shakti Unpolished and Little Millenium in a special brand-consumers' connect initiative with the 'Crossword Children's Fest'

    A Comms’ summer plans to catch young consumers

    By A Correspondent

     

    The annual Indian season of holidays has begun and brands across the country are actively trying to catch the attention of children and young adults. Aurora Comms, or A Comms, the country’s largest shopper marketing and retail media network, is in buzz mode as well and its latest shopper marketing campaign has connected two brands to the leading book store, Crossword.

    The ‘Crossword Children’s Fest’, a month-long event involving readings, author interactions and fun activities begins this week, and A Comms has brought to the platform Tata i-Shakti Unpolished pulses and Little Millenium in a special brand-consumers’ connect initiative.

     

    Through effective shopper marketing, A Comms has ensured the fest’s audiences are exposed to communications from the two brands.

     

    Tata i-Shakti, a range of sorted, graded and unpolished dals for a healthier you and Little Millenium, one ofIndia’s leading pre-school chains are the official sponsors for the activity.

     

    “Shopper marketing focuses on reaching out to consumers in a relevant manner. Tata i-Shakti’s communication has been planned out to reach out to healthy minds. Little Millennium’s association is to drive their messaging stronger in children-parents community,” said Samir Vithlani, Director – Key Acounts from A Comms.

     

    Mr Jagannath, National Head – Franchising operations, Educomp Schools is positive about this exposure. “At Little Millennium, our vision is to enable, energize and enhance childhood by igniting a passion to read among children from a tender age. This association with Crossword Children Festival shares our vision.”

     

    Crossword’s successful fest, which is currently active not only at metros such as Mumbai andDelhibut also tier-II cities such asBhopal,Indoreand Vijaywada, promises to take Tata  i-Shakti Pulses and Little Millenium to their target audiences over the coming month.

     

  • Cheil's challenge was to deliver a campaign that brought out the proposition that Samsung Star*3DUOS with Wi-Fi empowers you to do things faster

    Cheil’s new Samsung TVC gets youth high on WiFi

    By A Correspondent

     

    The new television commercial for the Samsung Star 3DUOS Touch Screen phone from Cheil puts life on fatafat mode.

     

    The Samsung Star*3DUOS Touch Screen phone is the latest offering from Samsung Mobile. In a bid to provide its consumers with the best technology, Samsung Mobile has been bringing in a number of aggressively priced models into the market. Samsung Mobile phones are armed with features that are superior to the competition and available at every price point.

     

    Cheil’s challenge was to deliver a campaign which not only captured the life of today’s Gen Y, but also brought out the proposition that Samsung Star*3DUOS with Wi-Fi empowers you to do things faster.

     

    This feature, coupled with the research insight that drew attention to what youth of today feel about waiting -“Patience is not for me” – tied in brilliantly with the concept Fatafat, an Indian term commonly used to describe speed. Hence, life fatafat.

     

    Commenting on the new TVC, Alok Agrawal, Chief Operating Officer, Cheil Worldwide SW Asia, said: “In the Star*3 commercial we have captured the pace and zing that characterizes the new India. The tearing hurry with which they lead their lives is brought alive in the story and execution. It was hard work and great fun putting this together – it is a breath of fresh air in this category long used to formula stories.”

     

    The new television commercial draw’s attention to the WiFi feature that sets apart the Samsung Star*3DUOS Touch Screen phone. The WiFi enabled, Samsung Star*3DUOS  Touch Screen phone is the perfect fit for Gen Y that is taking life head on and re-writing timelines to live life to its max – be it with regard to relationships, jobs, pursuing interests and hobbies or simply in the way they like to relax.

     

    This TVC is part of the line up of an exciting range of products where Cheil Worldwide is actively involved in building communication across 360-degree consumer touch points, that offer a high degree of excitement and creating buzz for the brand.

     

    Client: Samsung Electronics India Limited

    Agency: Cheil WorldwideSW Asia

    Creative Team: Varun Arora, Dinkar Porwal

    Client Servicing team: Ankur Bora, Chhavi Kalra, Resham Ahluwalia & Chandramouli Prasad

    Production House: Day Dreamers

    Directed by: Marlon Rodrigues

     

    Cheil Indiahas been on an aggressive growth plan over the last 2 years, almost doubling its size in its employee strength and billings. Significant expansion and growth has been seen particularly in BTL and Digital areas, making Cheil one of the largest fully integrated single agencies inIndia, executing some of the largest cross-functional integrated campaigns, providing 360°implementation across all facets of marketing services.

     

    Cheil Worldwide Inc isKorea’s largest and one of the world’s leading advertising groups. Cheil offers a full portfolio of marketing communications services including advertising, PR, sports marketing, exhibition and display production, and production of large-scale performance events. In 2011, Advertising Age ranked Cheil as the #11 largest creative agency in the world.

     

    Please use link this link to download the  TVC and stills

    :http://www.yousendit.com/download/M3BsZFhuQVN6RTlFQmNUQw (the link will expire on May 01, 2012)

     

  • CSX is a virtual trading game where users can trade (buy and sell) shares of their favourite cricket players and teams

    Hungama’s Cricket Stock Exchange in 2nd season

    By A Correspondent

     

    Hungama Game Studio has announced the second season of its awardwinning Cricket Stock Exchange (CSX).  Sponsored by Maruti Suzuki, CSX currently boasts over 150,000 registered users and attempts to be to cricket fans just what the stock exchange is to investors.

    A virtual trading game where users can trade (buy and sell) shares of their favourite cricket players and teams, CSX bagged the best online game award at WAT awards and the Indian Digital Media Awards. Considering the millions of hungry cricket fans in the nation, the inspiration behind CSX (Cricket Stock Exchange) was to offer consumers a format to experience and enjoy cricket in a new avatar. The concept behind the game is of buying and selling virtual shares of players and teams. The shares fluctuate depending on the real life performance of the players on field and also on expert articles written and published by Cricketwallah and Hungama’s proprietary algorithm. CSX was conceptualised with leading cricket journalist Ayaz Memon (who writes as Cricketwallah) and includes the International Cricket World Cup, IPL teams and Champions League T20.

     

    Commenting on the success of the game, Shashank Srivastava, Chief General Manager – Marketing, Maruti Suzuki India, said: “Maruti Suzuki India has been associated with CSX for two seasons. This game is unique as it combines all elements of cricket (scores, predictions, expert analysis and the game itself) and allows us to associate with a product that has good engagement levels with our consumers. The association with Ayaz Memon lends huge credibility to the property. Maruti Suzuki CSX has also won 2 digital awards for best gaming product. In the last season of Maruti Suzuki CSX, starting May 3 to July 10 2011, we saw phenomenal traction and engagement levels with 1.44 lakh registered users and 7.76 lakh unique visitors.”

     

    Said Ayaz Memon: “I am delighted to learn that participation in CSX has grown exponentially in the past two years. With new and improved features, it has become not only more fun but also more challenging. While the premise of the game is basic, it still needs a good understanding of the current form of players and also cricket logic.”

     

    In the current season of CSX, the gameoffers new features like casual games, introduction of mini applications, Predictor and Forecaster to increase interactions while matches are in progress and an independent market place to maximize trading across the site. It also offers its registered users a chance to participate in contests, leader boards, cricketing statistics provided by  leading statistician Mohandas Menon.