Advertising
A Very Effective and Touching Apple Ad for the Holidays
I don’t watch a lot of commercials. This is mostly because I record to a DVR or stream from a source like Netflix or iTunes. So, I fast forward through them or they don’t appear at all. Plus, as I don’t work in that world anymore, my interest in them has wained considerably.
However, I do like a good commercial. When they’re done right, they can be quite effective and fun to watch. I also like to try to bring them to your attention when I find a good one, even if most of the time I’m disappointed by uninspired, boring and/or ineffective drivel.
This latest holiday commercial from Apple is not boring, not ineffective, not uninspired and not, by any means, drivel.
In fact, it’s very much the opposite. It’s excellent in pretty much every way that counts. Kudos to the team that put it together.
If you don’t have some sort of emotional reaction to this commercial you are likely a robot and have no soul. For the rest of us humans, enjoy that warm feeling. You’ll need it to get through the rest of the holidays.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImlmVqH_5HM?rel=0&w=560&h=315]
Paper Is Not Dead
I’m someone who has embraced the new technologies and does a lot of content consumption and creation via the iPad. I am also someone who still uses a pen, pencil and paper often. I really like that kind of analog stuff – almost as much as the guy who did an entire article on the best reasonably priced pen available.
What is this amazing pen? You’ll have to check out the article to find out. Rest assured, though, I have checked out the pen for myself and procured several of them for my various bags and offices. They really are quite nice.
Meantime, like the folks who made this commercial, I don’t believe paper is dead. After watching the commercial, I think you will agree.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_gOZDWQj3Q?rel=0&w=560&h=315]
Hit Girl vs. Mother Russia In 'Kick-Ass 2'
As I said recently, I was (and am) a big fan of Mark Millar’s comic Kick-Ass. It’s a great series and became a very good movie in the hands of director Matthew Vaughn.
The second Kick-Ass movie is on the way now and the marketing department has been working overtime putting out lots of promo stuff to get fans in the mood and excited to see it. And that’s just what you’d expect them to do, right?
I’ve watched quite a few of said promos, but this new one featuring Hit Girl fighting Mother Russia is quite a good one. It also gives you a bit of insight into the filmmaking process, which can be a good thing.
Although, some people just like to come into these things cold and not take a peek behind the curtain, and that’s cool too. But with all the outlets for information available these days on the Internets, and elsewhere, that’s probably pretty hard unless your a luddite who lives in a cabin somewhere. Of course, if that describes you, you’re probably not reading this either, so let’s move on, shall we?
But if you really want to have no info or “spoilers” of any kind, I won’t try to change your mind. I don’t blame you. I get it. I sometimes wish I didn’t know anything either or that I didn’t know how movies, TV and “The Business” work, but I do.
Sometimes it can take the fun out of it having all this knowledge and experience. But most of the time it’s still a heck of a lot of fun. And even though I’m not often surprised, I still manage to have a great time.
So, for those interested, here’s the video. For the rest of you, just go outside or something. It will all be over soon.
[youtube www.youtube.com/watch
David Fincher's New Calvin Klein Ad
This new ad for Calvin Klein is directed by David Fincher and features an actress he likes to work with quite a bit: Rooney Mara. Gotta say, it’s pretty impressive.
To me, this is an almost perfect ad. I say this as a person who doesn’t really watch commercials anymore unless I have to (I don’t really like most of them) and also as a person who used to make commercials.
It’s beautiful to look at and evokes just the right mood. Plus, the message is very clear amongst all the visuals.
I also have a fondness for black and white, so that might have something to do with how much I like this too. Still, that doesn’t mean it isn’t a great ad. It is. David Fincher definitely knows what he’s doing.
Check out the ad below.
[youtube www.youtube.com/watch
These Japanese Posters for 'The Wolverine' Are Very Cool
In the old days (before the Internet) movie posters were considered a big part of how to market a movie and get people interested in seeing it. Back then, studios also spent a lot more time and money (most of the time) designing said posters.
These days, movie posters mostly tend to look the same. Giant heads of the main actors and maybe an explosion or something. At least in this country. Fortunately, the movies are a global business and we often get some really great posters from elsewhere.
These posters for The Wolverine are a prime example. Check them out below.
Some News and a New 'Mad Men' Promo
I have been extremely busy the last several days and as such, haven’t had much to say here. Rest assured I’ll be back in short order. In the meantime, check out this promo for the upcoming season of Mad Men.
It’s in black and white, so you know it’s gonna be classy. Also, see if you can spot any new faces in the mix. I bet you can.
Cheers.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I03g36sbU8Y?rel=0&w=525&h=295]
A Little Apple History: Print Advertising 1975 - 2002
If you know me, even a little bit, you know I’m a huge fan of all things Apple. I use an iPhone 5, MacBook Air, iPad and have had other Apple products going all the way back to before the first Macintosh. In short, I’m old school.
Let’s face it, the company makes, and has made, some insanely great products. Another thing the company is known for is its advertising. They’ve created some of the most innovative and informative commercials in history, probably the most famous of which is Ridley’s Scott’s ‘1984’ spot. That’s it at the bottom.
They’ve also had some pretty cool print ads over the years as well. To illustrate, these guys (and gals) have taken the time to put together a very nice look at Apple’s print ads from the years 1975 to 2002.
It’s pretty cool and I actually remember some of these ads. It’s fun to look back and see how far Apple, and we, have come.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HhsWzJo2sN4&w=500&h=281]
Verizon Sells Your Browsing Data, Demographic Info and More
I posted about this on Twitter, but think it’s important enough to put it here too. If you use an iPhone on Verizon (and probably other phones too) the company will collect and sell your browsing data, and more, unless you opt out.
I don’t think that’s cool.
If you don’t either, here’s how to make sure they don’t do it. It’s actually pretty simple, really. You navigate to this url: www.vzw.com/myprivacy
Once there, you pretty much want to select everything that says “Don’t share” in the three categories of information. Once done, you should be good . . . at least for now. Who knows what other schemes are out there.
Sunday, Sunday, Super Bowl Sunday
Today is the Big Game. Although, to have to call it that because of some copyright or trademark deal is a bit stupid. So, let’s try that again. Today is The Super Bowl. Let ‘em come after me.
This means, of course, people are going to be getting together to watch the game at various parties and such. It also means we’re probably going to get some interesting new commercials today.
I like the commercials during The Super Bowl. In fact, this is pretty much the only time during the year I actually watch commercials. The rest of the time I usually fast forward through them like most other people do. Thank the gods for the DVR, amirite?
So far, I’ve seen a few commercials already that are going to be shown during the game. One of them features Matthew Broderick shilling for Honda and sorta pretending to be his character from Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.
If you haven’t seen it yet, I’ve included it below. I’m not sure how I feel about it but I guess it doesn’t really matter. It’s done. Besides, maybe he needs the money?
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VhkDdayA4iA?rel=0&w=500&h=281]
For more selections and highlights of commercials shown today as well as those of the past, I’ve been looking at this website. It’s got a lot of good ones and reminds me that at one time, the commercials were very good.
Oh, I’ve also included one other commercial that’s being shown during The Super Bowl. It features Victoria’s Secret model Adriana Lima. I’m not exactly sure what she’s selling but really, who cares? It works.
You’re welcome.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uWrJgFjxlS0?rel=0&w=500&h=281]
My Favorite Movie Poster So Far
I see a lot of movie posters, especially these days working with The Flickcast, and I have to say that this one from Robert Rodriguez's upcoming Machete is probably my favorite of the year so far.
It's fun and cool and goes a long way to tell you exactly what the movie is about. Which is, of course, everything you would want from a movie poster.
Plus, the movie looks pretty awesome too with a great cast including Danny Trejo, Robert DeNiro, Michelle Rodriguez, Jessica Alba, Jeff Fahey, Steven Segal and Lindsey Lohan. I know, right?
Check it out and enjoy. Also, if it's still up, check out the trailer for the film over at The Flickcast.
My Favorite New Apple Ad - 'Broken Promises'
As you probably know, Windows 7 came out this week and, of course, Apple launched an ad campaign to fight this latest encroachment by the “evil empire.” Here’s my favorite one of the new ads so far featuring your old friends Mac and PC. Enjoy.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AtvloPFYocw&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0]</p>