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  • Signs up exclusively with Alliance Media & Entertainment

    Kamal Haasan finally says ‘yes’ to endorsing brands

    By A Correspondent

     

    One of India’s most loved and popular superstars from South Indian and Hindi cinema, Padma Shri actor-writer-director Kamal Haasan will soon take up something he has never done in his 50-plus-years’ career. The superstar will take up brand endorsements, and has signed up exclusively with India’s leading celebrity and talent sourcing and management firm, Alliance Media & Entertainment Pvt Ltd.

     

    Sunil Doshi, Founder & MD, Alliance Media & Entertainment Pvt Ltd, said: “We are delighted that Kamal Haasan has signed up with us exclusively for our talent sourcing and Management services. He is a truly global Indian icon – a great actor, writer and film maker who is immensely respected, not only for his strong contribution to cinema, but also for his significant initiatives to help the underprivileged. We are honoured that a man of his stature has chosen us to represent his interests, and we look forward to working closely with him.”

     

    It is well known that that Kamal Haasan has converted his legions of fans and fan clubs into a social service organization. This has set a precedent that has percolated through the audiences and has resulted in a social service and awareness movement. All the activities are also self-funded by the fans themselves as a personal initiative, which is strongly supported by Mr. Kamal Haasan.

     

    Revealing why Kamal Haasan has decided to go in for brand endorsement, Mr Doshi said: “Mr Kamal Haasan has certain plans for his work in social service, but is also unwilling to rely on external sources of funding those plans. Therefore, he feels that endorsements with leading companies and brands that have a strong commitment to society and causes would be an appropriate and independent means of fulfilling his vision.”

     

    On why he has signed up exclusively with Alliance Media to represent him, Kamal Haasan said: “I have signed up with Sunil Doshi’s Alliance Media because I believe it is India’s most respected talent management firm and is known to provide excellent strategic counsel to several top celebrities and personalities. I look forward to yet another first – that of brand endorsement – in my creative life, and to keep being able to do my bit for society.”

     

    Mr Doshi said: “We shall soon announce which brand Mr Kamal Haasan will be endorsing. Mr Kamal Haasan is known for his ideals and principles, and needless to say, we shall advise him to pick a brand that fits with his values and stature, and will have a campaign to match.”

     

    Alliance Media & Entertainment Pvt Ltd has exclusively managed and been associated with some of the biggest celebrities and personalities of India, along with some of the most respected corporates. Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan are other superstars who have signed up exclusively with Alliance Media.

     

    Sunil Doshi, who has been advising superstar Amitabh Bachchan for close to two decades now, has also been associated with superstars like Shahrukh Khan, Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra, Preity Zinta, Rani Mukherji, Govinda, Fardeen Khan and Sonali Bendre, among others.

     

    Mr Doshi was instrumental in Amitabh Bachchan signing the historical Kaun Banega Crorepati deal, which completely changed fortunes in the Indian Cable & Satellite Television Industry. He has also been associated with ace writer-director-producer Karan Johar and was instrumental in suggesting his name for the popular multiple-series chat show Koffee with Karan.

     

    Alliance Media & Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. is a Mumbai based media & entertainment company which, through the past 12 years has earned premium expertise and market stature in celebrity & talent sourcing & management, film production, acquisition and distribution; ad film and TV program production and home video distribution.

     

    It has also been associated with several top corporates, including Idea Cellular, Pepsi Co, ICICI Bank, ICICI Prudential Life Insurance,  Omega and Max New York Life Insurance, among others. The company has also been instrumental in the formation of the world cinema channel Lumiere Movies, which is part of Turner International (earlier known as NDTV Lumiere).

     

  • According to TAM Sports, All India Market, CS 4+ years, IPL5 witnessed an average TVR of 3.76 per cent in the first six matches, which is far lower than the previous IPL seasons

    IPL5 Week 1 TVRs touch new low, media planners say it’s still early days

    By A Correspondent

     

    Indian Premier League (IPL) season five kick started on April 4 amid speculations and fear that the season would fail to deliver high viewership. The recent TVR figures released by TAM Sports may have just proved the naysayers right.

     

    According to TAM Sports, All India Market, CS 4+ years, IPL5 witnessed an average TVR of 3.76 per cent in the first six matches, which is far lower than the previous IPL seasons. The opening ceremony itself received a mere 1.16 per cent of the average TVR.

     

    While the IPL season five ratings for the first six matches is the lowest in comparison to previous seasons, the inaugural season (IPL1) continues to remain the highest viewed with a TVR of 5.59 per cent.

     

    Interestingly, the cumulative reach for the first six matches too have shown a slight decline in season five as compared to season four. The cumulative reach which has been on a rise since the inaugural season of IPL reached its peak in season four and thereafter in season five witnessed a slight decline.

     

    Mr Venkata Subramanian, Senior Director-Investments, MPG India is of the opinion that not only are the numbers positive but, also that the numbers will increase as the matches become more interesting. “These are initial ratings so the numbers are looking positive. As the matches continue to become more interesting, we can expect the ratings to also go up. Even if the TVR reaches 4.5 or 4.6 per cent, the delivery will be good not only because it is the fifth season but, also because of more number of matches.”

     

    According to Mr Janardhan Pandey, Associate Vice President, DDB Mudra, some drop in the reach numbers were expected owing to the poor Indian team performance during the last one year and the fatigue of cricket overdose amongst the viewers. However there is no cause for major worry. “I am of view that, as the game seems to be picking up well and with the onset of vacations, the numbers will improve. Also if the games progresses well, the reach numbers towards the second half of the series may be far better than anticipated. So over all it will deliver value, obviously there will always be standard deviation, after all it’s a huge sporting extravaganza.”

     

    The media planners are of the view that although IPL 5 may not come close to the season one ratings or even cross the season three ratings, nevertheless as the tournament progress the viewership will also increase. What remains to be seen is whether the ratings do improve or will it remain lower than the previous season?

     

    Source : TAM Sports, Period : Wk 14, 2012, TG : CS 4+ yrs, Market : All India, Channel : MAX

    This data is for First 6 matches of all IPL Seasons

    * In IPL 1 one match (47th) was abandoned due to rain

    * In IPL 2 two matches (7th & 13th)were abandoned due to rain

    * In IPL 4 one match (20th) was abandoned due to rain

  • Based in Mumbai, Ms Sarin will work closely with the client servicing and creative teams to manage key clients inIndia,Singapore, Africa and the Middle East

    DY Works appoints Ashita Sarin as Senior GM-Marketing

    By A Correspondent

     

    DY Works (erstwhile dma branding and yellow design), a brand strategy and brand design firm has further strengthened its senior leadership team with the appointment of Ashita Sarin as senior General Manager – Marketing. Based in Mumbai, Ms Sarin will work closely with the client servicing and creative teams to manage key clients in India, Singapore, Africa and the Middle East.

     

    A graduate of Parson’s School of Design, New York, Ms Sarin has over seven years of client management experience, including a stint at Landor Associates, New York and India. A dynamic professional with extensive experience in brand building & client relationship, Ms Sarin has worked on brands like Procter & Gamble, American Express, Tata Group, Mahindra & Mahindra, Taj, Cafe Coffee Day, Tata Realty and Infrastructure Limited, and Hindustan Construction Company among others.

     

    Alpana Parida, President, DY Works, said: “DY Works has always endeavoured to tread new paths in the world of brand building. Ashita brings to the table vast  experience across industries in Indian and international markets. We are confident that with her leadership DY Works will actively grow new client base and expand our existing relationships inIndiaand abroad.”

     

    On her move to DY Works, Ms Sarin said: “At DY Works, I was struck by the passion to make a difference to customers’ brands. The people and the team that I will work with are extremely enthusiastic. To work with HUL as a customer and to be able to deliver value to them consistently is a challenge as well as a huge opportunity. I look forward to partnering with the clients in understanding Indian consumer behaviour and bring my experience to make the brand building exercise more successful.”

     

  • Where else are the essentials of a brief: the product, the TG and the market in one place says Rajan Narayan

    7 Days to Go-Goafest: Rajan Narayan on why Goafest is a hub of creativity

    By Rajan Narayan

     

    Because our clients do not allow us to say interesting things on their behalf.

     

    Because where else would you find people who’ve chucked high paying jobs for peanuts?

     

    Because Goa is far, far better than Gokul. Because we’re too honest to do financial scams.

     

    Because Cannes is beyond reach.

     

    Because we aren’t dull boys.

     

    Because where else are the essentials of a brief: the product, the TG and the market in one place?

     

    Because even if we don’t have a heavy bank balance or a heavy address at least we’ll have a heavy brass trophy.

     

    Because it’s a low-cost, self-paying method for the big seths of advertising to humour their underlings.

     

    Because only so many drunks will listen to the gyan of old men.

     

    Because client deadlines can wait at least one weekend in a year.

     

    Because we need better memories than staring bleakly as our best ideas are thrashed about by lesser men.

     

    Because if not an award, at least there’s a chick waiting in the white sands of Goa.

     

    Because in one shot, in one place we can show our peers, our metal.

     

    Because pure art needs a gallery.

     

    Because there are only some who’ll get it.

     

    Because we want to spend some time with people with our abilities and frailties.

     

    Because if a salesman and a banker can get an award, we can too.

     

    Because we need to do a pilgrimage at least once a year.

     

    Because even if no one cares and no one applauds our work, it should not mean that we can’t.

     

    Because indeed, we’re worth every bit of it.

    Click here to view all Goafest 2012 stories

     

  • News, Copyright issues and a more gorceful role by AROI are some changes that Tarun Goyal wants in the radio industry

    The Anchor: Tarun Goyal on 4 things that should change in the radio industry today

    By Tarun Goyal

     

    1. Radio must have full-fledged news:

    Radio should be allowed to air news freely. By allowing the private radio stations to air news limited to only AIR is not sufficient, radio is a local medium, it must be given a free hand to broadcast news.

     

    2. Copyright issue must be resolved:

    The Government of India must make the copyright policy clear. The government should come out with a formula on revenue share basis as this will change the way the dynamics of the industry. We are sharing 4 per cent of the revenue with the government ofIndia, so why can’t we share the revenues with the music companies? I believe this model can solve most problems facing the radio industry today especially in programming.

     

    3. Government must be more supportive:

    The government should be more supportive in formatting their policies for radio because the government spending on radio is not sufficient enough for the growth of the industry.

     

    4. AROI should be more assertive

    Although the AROI is functioning well, the change I would like to see is that AROI should pursue be more assertive in meeting the needs of the radio industry. The AROI must function more aggressively and the government should also take the body seriously as AROI is a body which was formed by the radio broadcasters.

     

    Mr Tarun Goyal is the Founder, Director of Radio Chaska

     

  • Anil Machado, National Programming Head, Radio One shares his view on the reasons for going retro in Kolkata, how the station is different in other markets and the response received

    Radio One is a station with a difference: Anil Machado

    Beginning March 28, Radio One Kolkata made a transition from a station that played a mix of Hindi and Bengali songs to a full-fledged Hindi retro station. The Kolkata station is now a 100 per cent Hindi retro station, playing the biggest hits from the sixties through the nineties. By going completely retro, the FM station aims to create some differentiation in the Kolkata market which has nearly nine FM stations. The decision to go retro was taken after extensive research was conducted, which found that no FM station in Kolkata dwelled into the retro music space and that there is huge potential for a 100 per cent retro music station in the market. In conversation with MxMIndia’s Robin Thomas, Mr Anil Machado, National Programming Head, Radio One shared his view on the reasons for going retro in Kolkata, how the station is different in other markets and the response received. Radio One, a joint venture between Next Mediaworks Ltd and BBC Worldwide is operational in seven metros – Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Pune and Ahmedabad.

     

    Please throw some light on the decision to go retro in Kolkata?

    Radio One is a differentiated station in every market we are currently present in and there is no market better than Kolkata to go 100 per cent retro.  The biggest retro singers are from this market… Kolkata is a market that swears on retro music, that’s grown up to retro music. Our motive is being different in every market and we noticed huge space in retro music that no one was catering to and if they did, then they were catering in time slots. We did our research and found that people of Kolkata are crazy over retro music and that the market is huge. In fact, no other player has dwelled into this space and hence we took the step and went 100 per cent retro in Kolkata.

     

    What genre of retro music will the Kolkata station play?

    We would be playing the biggest hits from 60s and 70s all the way through the 90s. You can listen to over forty years of the best music ever churned out in the country. The best of retro music will be played on Radio One Kolkata station. Tune in any part of the day and you will listen to songs you have grown up listening to, and therefore you will end up enjoying the station.

     

    And before going retro, Radio One Kolkata played….?

    Before going retro we were playing mainly a mix of Hindi and Bengali wherein Bengali music occupied nearly 25 per cent of the music mix.

     

    You have tried to create a differentiated station across markets…?

    We have differentiated content in all our markets. In Mumbai andDelhi, we are the only radio station playing international music. In Kolkata we are a 100 per cent Hindi retro station. In Chennai we are the only 100 per cent request station. In Pune we are a hardcore Bollywood music station whereas others play a mix of Hindi and Marathi. InBangaloretoo we are truly a Bollywood music station whereas others play Kannada music and in Ahmedabad we stand to a maximum music, maximum choice wherein we air only two shows and the rest is back to back music. The others in Ahmedabad market, on the other hand, air approximate six to seven shows whereas we air only two shows.

     

    What’s the kind of response the Kolkata station is generating, particularly from the advertisers?

    The response, from both listeners and advertisers, has been overwhelming. Advertisers mainly look at audience profiling and the differentiating factors of the station, and Radio One provides that differentiating factor and the audience profile. Kolkata has nine radio stations and advertisers realize that Radio One is the only FM station that plays 100 per cent retro music, our TG continues to remain the same i.e. 30 years plus listeners. What we have noticed in the Kolkata market is that they breed music from the sixties, seventies, eighties, nineties, and the people of Kolkata know their music, the singers and lyricist and so on.

     

    Radio One Kolkata went retro towards the last week of March, 2012, yet you didn’t make much noise about it…?

    We went retro from the March 28, 2012. I believe that the moment your product is differentiated, it works on the principle of network marketing but, if you are similar to other stations in the same market that is when you would invest heavily in marketing. Therefore, the moment you are a differentiated product, you would automatically stand out from the herd.

     

  • BIGFlix+ all set to entertain consumers on the Funbook tablet by Micromax

    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.”

  • Boosts the brand engagement offer of the Havas Sports & Entertainment network with the acquisition of US-based experiential market leader ignition

    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.”

     

  • Brands like Volkswagen & Parle 20-20 cookies have joined hands with UTV to launch the official IPL season 5 mobile game

    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.

     

  • This is in line with its aggressive growth plans as part of its 10th year celebrations inIndiamarket

    George P Johnson launches Audience Marketing Division

    By A Correspondent

     

    GPJ India, the wholly owned subsidiary of GPJ Worldwide, an experience marketing agency has announced its foray into communication marketing with a strategic focus to target the right audience with the launch of its new Audience Marketing Division. This is in line with its aggressive growth plans as part of its 10th year celebrations in India market.

     

    Speaking about the new division, Rasheed Sait, Country General Manager, GPJ India said: “Our top priority is to help our clients articulate their message to the right target audience and create, develop, and deliver winning campaigns that are actionable and provide measurable results. Getting the right target audience for our clients and delivery of the right message therefore is very critical which we are sure the Audience Marketing Division will address. We also believe that we can adapt the best practises of our global offices and become a One Stop service provider for experience marketing in India. ”

     

    The Audience Marketing team consists of young and experienced professionals having wide experience in the field of Integrated Marketing Services. The team have specialized resources for audience/lead marketing programs, registration and database management.

     

    “We have often heard clients asking for a 360 degree approach to events. Getting the right audience and a convenient registration process is another point of concern for most clients. GPJ strives to address these issues by a continuous evaluation process and constant improvement by applying the learning from past performances. We are also bringing in the digital method of registration and using cutting edge technology to give the customer a registration experience like none other, We are also looking to expand the team with senior strategic and planning people from the industry to strengthen the team,” added Mr Rasheed.

     

    GPJ isIndia’s leading experience marketing agency, built on a reputation of sound strategic thinking and innovative experience marketing solutions that has led to winning many industry and best practice awards.

     

    The Audience Marketing Services includes Audience Marketing for events, Onsite Registration Management, Response Management, Lead Generation, Lead Validation, Registration Micro site, Website development & Maintenance & Post event analytics

     

  • She will be in-charge of some of the major clients handled out of the Delhioffice such as Dabur Jaypee, Nestle and Mother Dairy.

    Radhika Das to join DDB Mudra Delhi as Vice President

    By A Correspondent

     

    DDB Mudra has roped in Radhika Das as Vice President and she will be in-charge of some of the major clients handled out of theDelhioffice such as Dabur Jaypee, Nestle and Mother Dairy.

     

    With over 13 years of experience, Ms Das comes to DDB Mudra from Ogilvy & Mather/Brand David where she worked as Director, Client Services. Prior to this, she worked with Publicis Communications and with Hakuhodo Percept. She has worked on some of the world’s most well-known brands such as HP, RBS, Costa Coffee and Maruti Suzuki to name a few.

     

    Commenting on this new appointment, Vandana Das, President, DDB Mudra Group, said: “It gives me great pleasure to welcome Radhika to join us in DDB Mudra Group,Delhi. As part of the exciting journey ahead, I see Radhika as a key player in theDelhiteam to nurture client relationships, build brands and also to help us grow.”

     

    On joining DDB Mudra Group, Ms Das said: “I’ve worked with Mudra in my earlier years and given the extremely enriching experience I had, I’m absolutely delighted to be back again. I’m looking forward to a long innings and being a part of the evolution, the organization is witnessing.”

     

    The DDB Mudra Group, a part of the Omnicom Group, is India’s largest integrated marketing communications and services network. The group comprises eight agencies – DDB Mudra, DDB MudraMax, Mudra, DDB Health &Lifestyle, RAPP, Tribal DDB, Water and Maatra.

     

    The DDB Mudra Group’s scope of services run the gamut through Advertising, Media Planning & Buying, Digital & New Media, Data-driven Marketing, Health & Lifestyle, OOH, Retail Design and Visual Merchandising, Navigation Solutions, Experiential Marketing (Promotions, Events, Rural), Trade Marketing, Youth Marketing, Localisation Pre-Media Services, Content Creation, Strategy and Design Consultancy.

     

    DDB Mudra Group operates out of its offices in 15 leading cities and is represented in more than twenty other locations, giving it a comprehensive presence across the length and breadth of the country.

     

  • DDB Mudra group creates an innovative campaign for Symphony

    Symphony’s Garmi at large

    By A Correspondent

     

    The new campaign for Symphony air coolers has a fresh and brave storyline. Though it borrows from Bollywood quite literally, it makes it fun and very relatable to every Indian.

     

    Cooling large houses is a difficult and expensive proposition. The new model from Symphony, Storm, is a revolutionary cooler in terms of its size and shape – one-of-its-kind in the world.

     

    The story is part real, part gimmick, part Bollywood masala and part social message. It simply says that heat can make people crazy. It makes them go out and do things that are bizarre. Powerful people live in large houses and if they are irritated by heat, they could really go berserk.

     

    Commenting on the campaign, Ravinder Siwach, Group Creative Director, DDB Mudra Ahmedabad, said: “Communication in this category is pretty much feature-led so we decided to do something that will make people ‘say what was that’!? Think this is the first time anybody has used feature film footage in a commercial.”

     

    [youtube width=”400″ height=”200″]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_JHd0FA6DE[/youtube]

    Mr. Rajesh Mishra, GM, Marketing, said: “Symphony is a very strong brand. It is the world leader in Air Coolers. Storm is truly revolutionary product – a tower cooler that can cool large spaces, looks absolutely premium and comes loaded with an array of features.  We wanted a very unique launch communication for it in our unique Symphony language. We experimented a bit with the execution and at times even had second thoughts about taking the risk. But today I am happy to share that we have been able take it at a level above. The rest is for the audience to judge.”