Funkadelic Advertising

Greenpeace Darth Vader spoof campaign

2011-06-28T11:02:00.004+01:00

Greenpeace have launched a nice campaign in response to VW apparently “using its huge political muscle to lobby against key environmental laws”, using a follow up video continuing from the Little Vader Star Wars Superbowl ad released earlier this year. The Greenpeace video continues from the point the VW ad ends, in a quirky viral which includes miniature versions of the rebel alliance asking users to join them in their fight against the 'Darkside'. Other activity included guerrilla takeovers of outdoor sites across the capital today, using the Darth Vader imagery with a url to their website www.vwdarkside.com

Pic - Greenpeace Volkswagen Darth Vader spoof campaign

For those of you who haven't yet seen the original ad this can be found below, along with another video from Marvel which spoofed the ad for the release of the Thor movie in April.

Video - The Force: Volkswagen Commercial

Video - Little Thor

So what do you think, is this a just move by Greenpeace and will gather adequate momentum?

Hat tip to Sheepers for sending this through!!

Intel 'Museum of Me' - Personalised Facebook Experience

2011-06-04T15:47:00.000+01:00

Intel have created a new Facebook experience which has definitely shown us once again what is possible when a brand can put their mind to it. Intel's 'Museum of Me' is a personalised video experience which by logging into your Facebook account unveils a beautiful 3 minute piece of content.

Pic 1 - Intel 'Museum of Me'

By using basic information about the user, the video takes photos, likes, friend, and status information to craft a fantastic personalised gallery which is really worth trying. Although it may be scary allowing this information to be pulled, the application can be simply removed via your privacy setting once you have seen it.

Pic 2 - Intel 'Museum of Me'

I am a big fan of this style of Facebook integrated bespoke content, and feel that if done right can achieve some impressive user engagement. I think the only thing which must come up time and time again is how you keep the user experience high, whilst still achieving an equally strong level of brand (and more importantly campaign/ product) awareness.

Check it out here: 'Museum of Me'

Magnum Pleasure Hunt Flash Experience

2011-04-14T17:30:00.000+01:00

This is a fantastic example of a great online flash game from Magnum ice-cream, which allows the user to navigate multiple websites collecting Magnums along the way. The idea created by Lowe Brindfors is based around the fact that the internet is a treasure full of pleasures, as control the game character around multiple sites interacting with anyone and everything as she goes. Well worth checking out if you have a spare couple of minutes pleasurehunt.mymagnum.com.

Pic 1 - Magnum Pleasure Hunt

Enjoy!

YouTube Desperados Experience and other Channel examples

2011-04-10T18:38:00.000+01:00

Now I'm a big fan of brands making the most of their YouTube channel to engage their users, and this time it is Tequila flavoured beer brand Desperdos who have created the Desperados Experience. After entering their age upon entry to the channel users enter a fully interactive party, where they are prompted to play with the music, knock down walls, and hook up to Facebook connect to personalise their experience. This is definitely worth checking out if you haven't already and can be found here: www.youtube.com/user/desperados

Pic 1 - YouTube Desperados Experience

Pic 2 - YouTube Desperados Experience

If you like that there are some other examples here: SchickHydro, Kitkat

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Lynx - Angel Augmented Reality Victoria Station Ambush

2011-03-16T13:04:00.007Z

Now I know I have recently cited an example of activity from the latest 'Angels will fall' Lynx campaign, and do not mean to 'harp' on about it, however this is a fantastic recent example of engaging an audience through augmented reality. The video explains it all, but I really like the way this naturally involves passers by to watch and get involved.

Video - Lynx Excite Angel Ambush London Victoria

The video is explained in further depth on their Facebook page, took place on the 5th March at London Victoria Station, with further activity which happened in Birmingham Bullring 19th & 20th March 2011. Further Pictures below.

Pic 1 - Lynx Fallen Angel Victoria Station Augmented Reality

Pic 2 - Lynx Fallen Angel Victoria Station Augmented Reality

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Happy Fifth Birthday Twitter!

2011-03-15T21:42:00.006Z

According to the Twitter blog, this week sees in their fifth birthday and it was this time in 2006 when a small team of people started working on a prototype of the microblogging service. It was in fact March 21, 2006, when Jack Dorsey (@jack) sent the first Tweet, and since then the site has continued to rocket to the Twitter we know today.

There have been some staggering figures in these first five years since the creation of Twitter, however I have included the stats from the original post which I think say it all.

The interesting thing from my point of view will be where Twitter goes next, and whether it can maintain this success or whether it has reached it's natural peak. With the recent introduction of various ways of monetising the service, with marketing options such as promoted tweets, and promoted trends, I do believe there are a few tricks left up the sleeve of the Twitter folk yet. I'd be interested to know what you think, and how you think Twitter will expand on the success of the first five years?

#tweets
3 years, 2 months and 1 day. The time it took from the first Tweet to the billionth Tweet.

1 week. The time it now takes for users to send a billion Tweets.

50 million. The average number of Tweets people sent per day, one year ago.

140 million. The average number of Tweets people sent per day, in the last month.

177 million. Tweets sent on March 11, 2011.

456. Tweets per second (TPS) when Michael Jackson died on June 25, 2009 (a record at that time).

6,939. Current TPS record, set 4 seconds after midnight in Japan on New Year’s Day.

#accounts
572,000. Number of new accounts created on March 12, 2011.

460,000. Average number of new accounts per day over the last month.

182%. Increase in number of mobile users over the past year.

#employees
8. 29. 130. 350. 400. Number of Twitter employees in Jan 2008, Jan 2009, Jan 2010, Jan 2011 and today.

Pic - Twitter Birthday Cake

Top 10 brands on Facebook - Infographic

2011-03-13T11:35:00.008Z

Here is a nice little infographic I found giving a snapshot of some top ten's including brands, celebs and TV shows which I thought I'd share courtesy of allfacebook.com.

Pic - Top 10 Brands on Facebook Infographic

St Patrick's Day Ad - Guinness 'Man Hugs' Video

2011-03-12T16:36:00.007Z

To celebrate St Patrick's Day on March 17th Guinness have released the below video as a reminder of how to act appropriately this year when engaging in a man hug. Also pop along to their Facebook page if you are a fan of the beer to claim a free pint, as well as watch further lessons such as 'How to engage a stranger in a conversation'.

Video - Guinness 'Man Hugs' Video

Happy St Paddy's Day!!

Cadbury Creme Egg Cad-apult - using Google Maps to goo your friends

2011-03-12T15:51:00.007Z

Cadbury's Creme Egg is one of those brands who are known for creating some very clever and engaging formats and microsites, and this example is no different. The Cadbury Creme Egg Cad-apult from Canada gives people the opportunity to goo both friend or foe by simply imputing their address and hitting the 'fire' button, then using the Google Maps functionality an egg is fired through the sky directly onto the chosen target. This is definitely one worth checking out, so you can view the microsite here Returnofthegoo.ca

Pic 1 - Cadbury Creme Egg Cad-apult

Pic 2 - Cadbury Creme Egg Cad-apult

Pic 3 - Cadbury Creme Egg Cad-apult

Enjoy!

Volkswagen Black Beetle YouTube Takeover.. and others

2011-03-12T15:06:00.006Z

Maybe not a post for those who are not a fan of creepy crawlies, however a great example of another YouTube takeover for the VW Black Beetle. The video takeover which can be viewed at youtube.com/blackbeetle and acts as an extension to their fantastically popular Super Bowl commercial showing a beetle running around the undergrowth past the other traffic, knocking down the screen and disrupting the other insects as it goes. I have included the ad under the screenshot below for those who have not seen it.

Pic - Volkswagen Black Beetle YouTube Takeover

Video - Volkswagen Commercial: Black Beetle

Also look out for the dragonfly which follows your cursor around after the video, a nice touch I think.

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Britain's Got Talent 2011 YouTube Competition

2011-03-12T14:36:00.004Z

Once again Britain's Got Talent is nearly upon us, and this year to ensure they continue to recruit the best the UK has to offer a competition will be held on YouTube giving a handful of people the chance to audition in front of the judges. Users are being asked to upload themselves and their unique talents to YouTube via the Britain's Got Talent channel by the 24th March to be in with a chance of winning.

Video - Britain's Got Talent Entry Competition

I think this a great extension to an already very successful programme, and like it or not, it is always a positive move when fresh ideas can be introduced in order to keep viewers engaged in the format before people have a chance to get bored. Although this recruitment process is nothing new and has been done many times before, it is becoming increasingly important for channels such as ITV to build upon the content they have in order to prolong the talkability of shows like Britain's Got Talent.

Pic - Britain's Got Talent 2011 YouTube Channel

Facebook Usage - Video infographic

2011-02-23T13:38:00.004Z

I'm personally a very big fan of this style of video infographics, and so here is an excellent little snapshot of some incredible Facebook usage stats. Regardless of the fact that the video mainly focuses on US usage, I think this is still worth a watch.

Video - The World Is Obsessed With Facebook

My personal favorite stats from this are that apparently 57% of people talk more online, than they do in real life, and that 48% of young Americans said that they find out about what is happening in the news via Facebook.

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Lynx: Even Angels will Fall - Rich Media Example

2011-02-22T18:36:00.009Z

As some of you would have seen by now the new Lynx Angels will fall campaign is building nicely into certainly one of my favourite at the moment, and not just due to the scantily clad angels either (this is excluding the crazy big brother style online series for the same campaign in Europe unfortunately). I really like the way the campaign is building, which was only supported further by a MPU I spotted on Media Mind's blog. To jog your memory the TV ad is below.

Video - Lynx Excite TV Advert - Full Length Version

Using google maps and postcode functionality built into the unit the user enters their postcode, to see an angel fall from the sky onto their location. This can be seen from the following link seen here: Creative Zone Served by MediaMind - Lynx - Google Maps

Pic 1: Lynx Angels will fall rich MPU

Pic 2: Lynx Angels will fall rich MPU

Pic 3: Lynx Angels will fall rich MPU

Pic 4: Lynx Angels will fall rich MPU

Enjoy!

Cravendale Goodbye Cow, Pirate and Cyclist advert

2011-02-21T16:50:00.004Z

As sad as I am to say, one of my favorite creatives of all time is ending, Cravendale Milk are no longer going to be using Not To Scale's directing duo Pic Pic Andre's characters for their commercials. The 'Goodbye Cow,Pirate, and Cyclist' ad created by Wieden + Kennedy and Pic Pic Andre now pays homage to the previous adverts with a quirky, and I'm sure you'll agree emotional, tune to support the work. Enjoy!

Video - Goodbye Cow, Pirate and Cyclist

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BT Chat for Change - Comic Relief Video

2011-02-15T13:58:00.004Z

Comic Relief is here once again, and as one of the sponsors, BT is calling upon everyone to get involved and do their bit. Friday 18th February is 'BT Chat for Change' day and they will donate 1p to Comic Relief for every BT home landline call.

Video - BT Chat for Change

1. Other ways to get involved including retweeting the following: BT will donate 1p to Comic Relief for every BT home landline call on Feb 18. Call someone with a joke to take part! #BTChatforChange www.facebook.com/BTchatforchange

OR...

2. Visiting - facebook.com/BTchatforchange

OR...

3. Sharing the promotional video above

Thanks!

Valentine's Day - Victoria's Secret Do's & Don'ts

2011-02-15T13:52:00.002Z

A tad late but here is a nice video from Victoria's Secret for Valentine's Day highlighting some of the classic do's and don'ts.

Video - Valentine Do's & Don'ts from Victoria's Secret

Enjoy!

Foursquare Infographic 2011

2011-01-27T13:34:00.004Z

Foursquare have posted this interesting infographic showing some very interesting topline figures from last year, most impressive perhaps is their staggering 3400% growth. It does make me wonder however how the geo-location service will try to maintain this in 2011, especially with the increasing popularity of Facebook Places and the new announcement of Facebook Stories of the back of this.

Pic - Foursquare Infographic 2011

Intel 'The Chase' Viral

2011-01-07T16:23:00.004Z

Here is a quick Friday viral from Intel to build excitement around the 2nd Generation Intel® Core™ i5 processor showing the speed and potential of the product via an epic chase through the internet, including Flickr, YouTube, Facebook, and Google Maps.

Movie - Intel 'The Chase Film'

Enjoy!

Digital Advertising Predictions for 2011

2011-01-06T08:49:00.004Z

Yesterday Chris Maples, Commercial Director at Microsoft Advertising posted his ‘Digital Dozen’ predictions for digital advertising in 2011 which have been listed below. This is a very interesting selection, all of which were clearly visible by the end of 2010 proving that in terms of advances in the consumer relationship between technology, social, and advertising comms looks to be a very interesting year.

1. Technology and creativity in advertising will evolve, hand in hand

2. Location-aware technology

3. Mobile will (finally) come into its own

4. Social media IS the internet

5. The individual as personal brand

6. The evolution of branded content

7. Privacy is all about the value exchange: What can advertisers offer consumers in exchange for their information?

8. Digital evolution vs revolution: Microtrends become nanotrends

9. Social and Search: A new breed of digital marketer is born

10. Social shopping and crowd sourcing will come out of infancy

11. Gaming will move onto the next level

12. The ‘death of the agency’ will be proven a myth, and advertising agencies will be more relevant than ever

Pic - XBOX Kinect proves to be the biggest shift in gaming in 2011

I think this is a very realistic list of predictions and from my point of view definitely hope that these are the significant growth areas of this year. In particular I am interested in how all of the above elements will come together, and how the convergence of these technologies will not only sit with the consumer but influence their purchasing and online browsing behaviours.

Ultimately from an agency point of view I will be very interested to see how the advertising elements of these media will evolve opening up opportunities which will hopefully lead to a richer and much more relevant experience. It is definitely worth having a read of Chris Maples post which goes into each of these in much more depth.

MINI Vending Machine - Mobile Shortcode Building Projection

2011-01-05T18:38:00.004Z

Now this may not be particularly new or ground breaking, but is still an extremely cool execution from Canada. The passerby texts their chosen car from the projection shown which is then deposited in the tray beneath, with each MINI displaying its own unique exhibition (Shown in the video below).

Video - MINI Vending Machine

Facebook more popular than Google on Christmas Day

2011-01-05T18:30:00.005Z

That's right for the first time Facebook received more UK Internet visits that Google UK on Christmas Day 2010. As the illustrated in the chart below compiled by Hitwise, on Christmas Day (December 25th) facebook.com accounted for 10.50% of all UK Internet visits, while the figure for google.co.uk was 9.77%. This was the first time that Facebook has ever been the most popular UK website. Facebook has been known previously for it's unusually high traffic volumes on Christmas Day, however I'm sure this was still a very nice Christmas present for them.

Pic - Facebook Vs Google Traffic Volumes December 2010

Via

5 Gum Street Raid – Online Treasure Hunt

2010-12-09T17:25:00.004Z

In order to promote the limited edition 5 Gum tin Wrigley’s have launched the 5 Gum Street Raid, a treasure hunt hosted on Google Street View. Using Google Street View, 5 Gum has hidden 120 Limited Edition 5 Gum Tins in 10 cities. Each day for the next 10 days, 5 Gum’s Facebook fans will be given access to one of those cities in order to search and score a tin for themselves. The 5 Gum Street Raid will target destinations online throughout Australia and New Zealand before a finale in New York City on December 10th.

Video - 5 GUM STREET RAID

This is a nicely executed idea, and as highlighted on Creative, is very well suited to the 13 to 17-year-old net savvy target audience who are more than comfortable Social Networking and interacting with brands in the online space. It has also been posted that the page currently boasts the fifth largest brand Facebook group in Australia, however have not personally used the Facebook element of the page as much as they could’ve with an audience of now 242k.

Pic - 5 Gum Facebook Page

I think this is always an interesting issue for brands to tackle when creating a Facebook page and engaging a community, and can be difficult to engage an audience long term. I have included some examples of interesting brand pages below I have come across, however would like to know if there are any you guys have seen!

Tampax ‘Mother Nature’
Marks & Spencer
Starbucks
Aviva ‘Be The Big Picture’

T-Mobile & Merton (the piano improv guy) Gatwick Welcome Back Video

2010-11-26T17:57:00.003Z

Following the amazing reception of the London's Heathrow Terminal 5 Welcome Home Ad, taking the T-Mobile flashmob to the next stage in it's 'Life is for sharing' evolution welcome the next installment this time at London's Gatwick Airport. Using the popularity of Merton, who played he's way into the spotlight with his Chat Roulette improvs, T-Mobile have created a new take on the Welcome Back Video (Shown below).

Video - T-Mobile & Merton the piano improv guy - Welcome Back Video

I think this is a fantastic idea, and very well thought out, my only slight concern is that I think an element of charm is lost in this execution. I don't know your thoughts, however I like the risque original videos of Merton which circulated back in March and personally feel that he doesn't seem to be enjoying this as much now there is a logo pinning to his famous green jacket!

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Star Wars Augmented Reality Game - Falcon Gunner

2010-11-18T13:20:00.004Z

It's true there is now a Star Wars App games called 'Star Wars Arcade: Falcon Gunner' which puts you in the seat of a Millennium Falcon as you're attacked by an incoming fleet of Tie Fighters coming in at you from 360-degrees. As the player you can use the game view, showing a picture of the Death Star, or the background of your choice using the AR functionality. The game is nicely demonstrated in the video below, and works pretty well against the New York skyline.

Video - Star Wars Augmented Reality: Falcon Gunner

I think this is a really nice example, and will definitely be paying to down load this one. Although this is nothing new and works in exactly the same way as something like the Firefighter augmented reality iPhone game... it's Star Wars, and so is automatically a lot cooler than most things out there.

Pic - Star Wars Augmented Reality: Falcon Gunner

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YouTube - Over 35 Hours of Video Uploaded Every Minute

2010-11-16T14:04:00.003Z

The title pretty much sums this post up, that's right now there is over a day's worth of video uploaded to YouTube every minute... Over 35 Minutes according to the YouTube Blog! Now I could go into everything you could do in 35 hours, but I'm not going to... If you really do want this information check, out the original post here.

Pic - YouTube - Over 35 Hours of Video Uploaded Every Minute

A life on Facebook

2010-11-12T15:16:00.003Z

A pretty cool video outlining a life through the eyes of a user account on Facebook...

Video - A life on Facebook

Page 3 Spoof Old Spice Ad - The woman you'd love your woman to be like

2010-11-12T08:53:00.003Z

A couple of weeks ago I mentioned that Sesame Street released their own take on the viral smash hit made famous by Isaiah Mustafa, well now The Sun newspaper have given us their own take on the ad. Although everyone maybe a little over this whole parody by now, I'm sure gentlemen YouTube viewers and reader of The Sun will not resist a peek at this surprisingly tame (by that I mean YouTube friendly) version titled - The woman you'd love your woman to be like (Below).

Video - Page 3 - the woman you'd love your woman to be like

Pic - Page 3's Rosie Video - Page 3 - the woman you'd love your woman to be like

Local Deals hit Facebook Places

2010-11-04T13:23:00.002Z

Yesterday it was announced that Facebook are unveiling Deals to their Facebook Places offering on mobile, bringing local businesses the opportunity to promote offers to passing trade. Currently only available in the US and rolling out over the next few days, ‘Deals’ in relevant areas are highlighted when a user checks in via their handset.

This new offering gives brands a unique opportunity to get onto the infamous Facebook App, something which many brands have been chomping at the bit to tap into given the massive amount of users which use the application on a daily basis. The video below outlines the service, which will no doubt make its way across the pond in the coming months.

Video – Facebook Places bring local deals to the US

To date advertisers have had to make do with existing geo-location services such as Foursquare in order to showcase local offers or create branding opportunities (such as Starbuck’s Barista Badge), however with ‘Deals’ this potentially opens up a new window of possibilities to engage users via one of the World’s largest digital brands.

Via

Facebook - Ten things you need to know

2010-10-18T13:51:00.009+01:00

Following the storming success of Facebook flick 'The Social Network' in its opening week, Experian have published the Top Ten facts you need to know about the social giant...

Pic - The Social Network Movie Poster

1. Facebook is the second most visited website in the UK after Google, accounting for 6.89% of all visits from UK Internet users in September.

2. In terms of internet pages viewed, Facebook is by far the biggest website in the UK. In total, 16.40% of all page views during September went to a Facebook page. Facebook now accounts for 1 in 6 page views in the UK, that’s twice the number of page views received by Google.

3. Facebook is the most popular social network in the UK, accounting for 55% of all visits to social networks. The nearest competitor is YouTube, which receives 16% of all visits to the category. Facebook is nearly 3.5 times bigger than YouTube in terms of monthly Internet visits in the UK.

4. Facebook is the number one search term in the UK. 3.69% of all searches typed into Google, Yahoo! and Bing are for ‘facebook’. Taking into account variations of Facebook with misspellings and abbreviations such as ‘facbook’, ‘fb’ or ‘facebok’ – Facebook accounts for approximately 6% of all searches in search engines.

5. The average session time for a user visiting Facebook is 27 minutes and 12 seconds.

6. Facebook accounts for 9.58% of all upstream traffic to other websites in the UK. In other words, Facebook is the second biggest source of traffic to all other websites, with nearly 10% of Internet visits come immediately after a visit to Facebook, making it the second largest source of traffic for other websites after Google.

7. Visits to Facebook have quadrupled in the last three years. In the last year Facebook has grown by 17% in terms of UK Internet visits.

8. Per head of population, the most prolific visitors to Facebook in the UK are in Sunderland. Sunderland accounts for 0.44% of all UK Internet visits to Facebook despite only having a population of 443,000 people and representing 0.36% of the UK online population.

9. In the last year, Facebook has increased its downstream traffic to online retail sites by 12%. Facebook is increasingly being used by companies as a means of advertising rather than a means for friends to talk to one another.

10. The Social Network was the second most searched for movie of the week ending 09 October 2010 behind Paranormal Activity 2. The Social Network was also the second fastest climbing movie search term compared to the previous week ending 02 October 2010.

Pic - The Social Network

Original post - Hitwise

Sesame Street Spoofs The Old Spice Guy

2010-10-14T18:11:00.003+01:00

It was only a matter of time after all of the spoofs released of the Old Spice 'the man your man could smell like' ad over the year, before someone like Sesame Street released their own take on the viral smash hit made famous by Isaiah Mustafa. So here it is for all of those who have not seen it yet!

Video - Smell Like A Monster Sesame Street Spoofs The Old Spice Guy

YouTube Brand Channel Examples

2010-10-14T16:05:00.012+01:00

After recently attending a YouTube presentation we were taken through a number of best in class examples of brands which are leading the way with their brand channels, all of which are well worth highlighting and checking out if you have a spare minute or two.

1. Carphone Warehouse - Eye Openers
This was a great example due to the fact that the videos are populated by the staff of each store, showing off to users the expertise of their employees. Videos are broken down by mobile model and give simplistic reviews, allowing viewers to use the integrated channel search bar to find their desired phone. There are also additional tabs such as Top Tips, Wow me, and Demos to further inform users to find out more. Carphone Warehouse - Eye Openers

2. Eon - Talking Energy
Talking Energy apparently came about by Eon's desire to own the energy debate online, this was a very brave move as it was a subject users were quite passionate about. The crucial thing this can teach brands is that although the commentary can start negatively, as with Eon, with time the conversation can turn around with active users actually defending what the channel stands for. Eon - Talking Energy

3. Virgin Media - Powerful Stuff
The Virgin 'powerful stuff' brand channel is slightly older but still a good example of what is possible. Promoting Virgin Media's faster Broadband proposition this channel allowed users to upload their own videos and then edit them with special effects in order to at that extra 'pizazz' before sending them to their friends. Virgin Media - Powerful Stuff

And finally a bonus annotations example I hadn't seen before...

Annotations - Californiacation 'Fill in the Hank'
This is definitely worth checking out as an excellent example of YouTube Annotations, which invites viewers to take part in a quiz to guess how a number of scenes from the show play out. Not only is it very well executed, but very funny and well worth a look. Annotations - Californiacation

Enjoy!

Hunter Shoots a bear - The Tippexperience, YouTube Interactive Video

2010-09-03T12:48:00.011+01:00

Tippex have released a YouTube campaign which really shows that there are no limits with how far you can push YouTube if you really want to. The Tippexperience 'Hunter Shoots a bear' starts with a video which gives the users a choice as to how the story plays out, via Annotations. It then progresses into an overlay which gives the viewer the chance to type in how the story continues (better shown by watching the video below).

Video - NSFW. A hunter shoots a bear!

The videos vary depending on what you type in, and spoof some very popular memes such as Surprised Kitty shown in one of the pictures below.

Pic 1 - Tippexperience: A hunter shoots a bear!

Pic 2 - Tippexperience: A hunter shoots a bear!

This is definitely worth checking out, and perhaps my favourite example of a creative YouTube video to date, to put it simply 'I love this'!!

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Comparethemuskrat.com - Muskrat Comparison Site

2010-09-03T10:57:00.009+01:00

You better believe it folks Mr Fur the Muskrat is going head to head with comparethemeerkat.com’s Aleksandr Orlov and has launched rival site Comparethemuskrat.com. The site is a bit rough around the edges but certainly fulfils the users filthy Muskrat needs, including muskrats by category, profiles, and videos. There is even a video launching the site which shows Mr Fur himself introducing the site (shown below).

Video - Filthy comparethemuskrat.com advert

I think this is a great little viral spin-off of the Compare the meerkat ads, and will drive forward a campaign which I think people were thinking was in danger of running tired. I'm certainly excited to see where this goes now, and see how every one's favourite protagonist Aleksandr Orlov replies to this competitor.

Pic - Comparethemuskrat.com homepage

I'm interested in what you think of this new campaign? Do you think it has legs, and is there still life in the comparethemeerkat.com idea?

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The Expendables YouTube Takeover... and other brand examples

2010-08-20T12:09:00.005+01:00

This week to promote the launch of the new The Expendables movie a video with a difference has blasted onto YouTube, showing what a brand can do when pushing the site to its limits. The video shows an interview with Sly himself, before all hell breaks loose resulting in Mr. Stallone destroying the page with his trusty bazooka.

Pic - The Expendables YouTube Takeover

There have been a few examples over the years of brands pushing YouTube to its limits (URL's of which I've included below), but I really like the way this incorporates a response mechanism in this example by means of Twitter, Facebook, and email, but also allows you to buy tickets for the movie by entering a Zip Code (US only). You can view the full The Expendables Youtube video here: www.youtube.com/expendables

Via Nick Burcher!!

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Guitars Dropped into Volcano - Power Gig Viral

2010-08-12T17:40:00.005+01:00

I came across this today and thought I share it. To promote awareness of the new 'ultra realistic' guitar playing game for Xbox and PS3, Power Gig have released the below video. It shows a heap of guitar game controllers being dropped into a volcano from a plane flying overhead, which is quite entertaining to watch, and I think gets their point across (Just remember that there are easier way to solve your problems).

Enjoy!

Facebook advertising best practice - Top tips

2010-08-04T13:47:00.009+01:00

Earlier in the year it was reported that Facebook quadrupled it's number of advertisers in one year. It is therefore no surprise that It's often asked of us what is the best practice for standard advertising on Facebook (I mean there isn't really a lot you can do with the ASU format), however we have come up with three top tips which have certainly been handy to us and will hopefully help anyone also interested.

1. It is important to refresh the creative every month in order to optimise the best performing creative, and avoid burn out.
- The number of different pieces of creative needed depends on the budget running per month.
- It is strongly recommended that the creative is changed every month to maintain strong performance.

Photo Credit

2. Tailor messaging according to the users, approaching different demographics in different ways.
- It is also recommend using different tone of voice when approaching different demographics in different ways. For Example - Thinking about the users mindset when using Facebook – chatty, nosey, cheeky, fun,…If the message can be tailored to catch the eye of the user then this can really improve performance.
- Test, test, test!

Photo Credit

3. Increase performance with a strong call to action and topical/seasonal creative.
- Use calendar events to freshen up creative. E.g. strawberry’s in image of creative during Wimbledon. Christmas will be an opportunity to tap into user’s festive spirit.

Now this is by no means a definitive list, and I would happily invite anything else people have come across which has helped them in the past so please comment if you have anything to add.

Double Rainbow meme in Frontierville

2010-08-04T08:43:00.004+01:00

The Double Rainbow meme of the moment first immortalised in the below 'amazing' remix, has now been added to the social game FrontierVille. The game from the creators of FarmVille added the meme on the back of the storming viral effect it has had over the last week or so. Users playing the game can purchase the Double Rainbow item using in-game currency to brighten up their frontier.

Pic - Double Rainbow meme available to purchase in Frontierville

The original video shows YouTube user Paul Vasquez marveling over twin rainbows in Yosemite National Park, and became an overnight viral hit with the video already achieving just under 9 million views.

Video - DOUBLE RAINBOW SONG!!

Via

Social Media Monopoly Board Game

2010-07-30T17:38:00.005+01:00

Yes it's here the Social Media Monopoly the board game, bringing together everything we love about the web today into one place. Properties include Facebook, YouTube, Foursquare, Digg, Reddit, and Blogger, with the Jail now replaced with Myspace (where you are sent to think about what you've done). The board can be seen below, with the Mashable and Technorati cards below also. Enjoy.

Pic - Social Media Monopoly Board Game

Mashable Card Examples

Technorati Card Examples

Via

Farmville roll out promotion with Green Giant

2010-07-23T17:16:00.003+01:00

Over the last year social gaming on sites such as Facebook has exploded, with millions of people logging on and playing every day, and millions of pounds spend on virtual transactions to enhance their game play. Well now social gaming giant Farmville (currently with 65m users, and 20m playing daily) has teamed up with Green Giant placing Farmville Cash coupon stickers (for ‘5 free farm cash’) on selected products in 4,000 supermarkets across the US.

It was reported on Mashable that in the six week pilot for the promotion, which was launched in Target Fresh Grocery and Super Target stores, there were more than 100,000 in virtual Farm Cash redeemed using the stickers which appeared on 25 different Green Giant products. The promotion was then expanded to supermarket nationwide as a result of the success of the pilot.

It is great to see how the social gaming space has seen such a fantastic increase (despite the hundreds of daily updates in my news feed), and will be interesting to see how it evolves.

Cadbury create first round YouTube player

2010-07-13T13:20:00.006+01:00

Cadbury Australia have collaborated with YouTube to launch their Cadbury Rollpack, by creating the first circular round YouTube player. As shown in the picture below the fully playable video is everything you would normally see on the site, with the exception of being a completely different shape.

Pic - Cadbury create first circular YouTube player

Although this is nothing more than another quirky execution for Cadbury's Glass and a Half Full Productions branding activity, I still think it's pretty cool and another good example of using YouTube in an innovative way.

Click here to view the YouTube Cadbury player!!

Related Posts
Wario Land Shake It Youtube Video

Nike 'The furture has been written' ad, released to follow 'Write the future' campaign

2010-07-13T13:02:00.003+01:00

Following the result of the World Cup 2010, Nike have released a follow up to their 'Write the future' advert with a new ad for the Spanish market 'The future has been written'.

Video - Nike 'The future has been written' advert

Facebook - Facts You Probably Didn’t Know

2010-05-14T08:51:00.003+01:00

Previously I posted a snapshot of the Google Universe by the way of a infographic courtesy of Pingdom. Well this morning I spotted this is nice one-stop-shop of things you probably didn't know about Facebook. Enjoy.

[Source: Online PhD Programs for MashableMashable.com]

Iron Man 2: Augmented Reality App, and Stark Expo Microsite

2010-04-28T19:08:00.004+01:00

Now I'm a massive fan of Iron Man, and am looking forward to the new film like you wouldn't believe. In anticipation it helps to have things to pass the time, and that's where these latest little gems come in. The first is an augmented reality app called 'I Am Iron Man', which using face tracking, gesture recognition, video capture allows the user to view themselves as Iron Man, War Machine, or view the HUD display. The video shows it in much better detail than I can explain here, so enjoy...

Video - 'I Am Iron Man' Iron Man 2: Augmented Reality App

I think this is a great idea, and personally really like the use of AR to promote movies. Similar to the Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen: Augmented Reality ‘We Are Autobots’ Campaign, this really is a nice way to build hype and momentum for the film's release and is just a bit of fun people can play with and send to their friends. You can find it here if you want to give it a go yourself, www.iamironman2.com.

This brings us on nicely to the Iron Man 2 Stark Expo microsite which taken from the film allows you to explore the environment, check out the sponsors, and view technology videos of the latest gadgets and gizmo's. The 'viral' videos are built into a Stark Expo branded player and really embraces the film in a pretty cool way.

Video - Iron Man 2: Stark HUD 2020

You can visit the Stark Expo site here: http://www.starkexpo2010.com

Related Posts:
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen: Augmented Reality ‘We Are Autobots’ Campaign
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen Viral Campaign

Enjoy!

Lady Gaga “Bad Romance” #1 Most Viewed Video on YouTube

2010-04-15T08:44:00.003+01:00

Yes it's true, "Charlie Bit My Finger” (178,817,675 Views at time of post) has been momentarily knocked off the top spot as YouTube's most viewed video, being replaced by Lady Gaga's "Bad Romance" (179,488,267 Views at time of post). Both videos have currently achieved just under 180 million total views, with Mashable reporting a difference of just 400,000 views. Although this will probably not be the case for very long, it is certainly impressive to see someone like Lady Gaga, with such a Marmite like view from the public achieve arguably the most popular music video online of all time. Both videos can be seen below.

Video - Lady Gaga “Bad Romance” (179,488,267 Views at time of post)

Video - Charlie bit my finger - again! (178,817,675 Views at time of post)

What's also interesting is the abuse that Gaga's little monsters are posting on the "Charlie Bit My Finger” video, it really is amusing how things kick off. I wonder whether this now means that little Charlie needs to give back the coveted 'Rude Tube' trophy back to Mr. Zane? Probably not, but paints a nice picture!

Nissan Qashqai Homepage Takeover - awesome example of rich media!

2010-03-26T16:43:00.007Z

In a time where in the industry we see a lot of cool and innovative things on a daily basis, it is nice to see that brands can still find ways to make us take notice. This is a very nice example of a homepage takeover by Nissan Qashqai from France placed on MSN and Yahoo. You can view the HPTO on this permanent like here: Nissan Qashqai Homepage Takeover

Pic 1 - Nissan Qashqai Homepage Takeover (Yahoo)

Pic 2 - Nissan Qashqai Homepage Takeover (Yahoo)

Via

Merton the Chatroulette Piano Improv - Chatroulette viral craze

2010-03-25T17:35:00.008Z

For anyone who has been hearing about the social chat craze Chatroulette, and can't quite see the appeal of 'connecting' with a complete stranger (normally one who is only there to flash the poor soul on the other end of the camera), there is now a Chatroulette viral sensation who may make you sit up and question your initial view. Merton the Chatroulette Piano Improv sits in his hood playing exactly what he sees into the camera, and has been gathering a mass of views, and fans over the last week or so.

Video 1 - Merton the Chatroulette Piano Improv

As Mashable reports, originally pulled “due to terms of use violation”, the edited version (above), has also appeared on a number of YouTube Podcast favourites, blogs, and articles, helping it gather even more momentum. So much so that Mashable recorded the below uncut interview with Merton, for anyone following the Chatroulette sensation.

Video 2 - Merton the Chatroulette Piano Improv Interview

Enjoy!!

Google Facts and Figures - as presented by Pingdom

2010-02-26T12:44:00.004Z

This is a really nice one-stop-shop of all you could wish to know about Google, posted by Nick Burcher (Post found here), I felt compelled to have this for my own record. The information covers not only stats about Google Search, but a timeline, people, Money, and other product such as YouTube, Android, Blogger and Gmail to name just a few.

Image originally posted & Created by Pingdom - Google facts and figures (massive infographic)

YouTube pulls orginal Rickroll Video!

2010-02-24T16:12:00.007Z

Today a little piece of internet history died, Gizmodo reports that the original Rickroll Video (which has achieved over 30 million views to date) has been pulled by YouTube sparking an online protest. Apparently Sony BMG have requested that the video of Rick Astley's "Never Gonna Give You Up" has to be pulled due to terms of violation.

Pic - YouTube Rick Astley's "Never Gonna Give You Up" Pulled

It will now be interesting to see how the YouTube community reacts, as we saw last May with the 'porn day' carpet bombing of elicit videos to the site, shows just how devious users of the video site can be when they want to be.

The original article can be found here: YouTube Pulls the Original Rickroll Video, Spurring Inevitable Wave of Protest Rickrolls

Update: Mashable has since reported that upon contacting YouTube, they have been told that the revomal of video was in fact a mistake and the video should now be back as normal. This is a good thing, and so says the internet:

Mashable - YouTube: Rickroll Removal Was a Mistake
Nick Burcher - Rick Astley is back! (YouTube restores original RickRoll video)

Video - Rick Astley "Never Gonna Give You Up"

Related Articles:

Rick Astley - Rick Dinner Rolls (see what they've done there?)

Tiger Beer Augmented Reality App - Helps you Celebrate Chinese New Year 2010!

2010-02-12T17:40:00.009Z

Well it's nearing Chinese New Year once again, the year of the Tiger, and what could be more fitting than beer brand Tiger creating an augmented reality iPhone app to help all those revelers celebrate this weekend. In association with Dazed and Confused magazine, according to iTunes this app is 'your expert guide and precision compass to electrifying festivities'.

Video - Tiger beer iPhone app demo

Features include everything you'd expect from an AR app like this, as we have seen similar apps from Stella Artois, and other such as Urban Spoon etc. It therefore uses AR to point you in the direction of all the top hotspots, and includes reviews for the best events, restaurants and bars, with previews of each venue’s offering with exclusive Dazed and Confused reviews.

Pic - Tiger beer iPhone app

I think what sets this app aside from others out there is a neat little game, which although simplistic, does make this app feel a lot more rounded, adding a bit of standout to the others in the App Store. Definitely worth checking (App found here) out as it is free, and fun to play around with.

Enjoy, & Happy New Year!!

Related Posts:
Augmented Reality - Do you believe the hype?
Top 10 Augmented Reality Advertising Campaigns… so far
Top 10 Augmented Reality Advertising Campaigns… so far - PART 2

Thanks to Lee for pointing this in my direction!

Puma Hardchorus - Valentines Day Viral

2010-02-10T18:03:00.002Z

What do you do if your team happens to be playing this Valentine's Day? Well, Puma have released the Hardchorus to help you out, and dedicate a song to the one you love!

Video - Puma 'Hardchorus'

The video is a surreal clip of a group of football fans in a pub setting singing Savage Garden - Truly, Madly, Deeply, and gives users the chance to email the video or send via Facebook Connect to ensure users have no excuse come Sunday.

Barclaycard Rollercoster advert launched online

2010-02-02T14:52:00.001Z

Recently you would have seen that Barclaycard has revealed their anticipated sequel to it's waterslide commercial, which takes place on a rollercoaster. The four week campaign was actually launched online on YouTube and Barclaycard’s Facebook page on Friday 22nd January with a 60 second advert, with it played on air on Saturday 24 January on ITV1.

And yes before you all ask following on from the success of the Waterslide iPhone game, Barclaycard will launch a Rollercoaster download game later in the year.

Cheers to Dan and Scarlett for the info!!

Augmented Reality - Do you believe the hype?

2010-01-25T13:51:00.012Z

I just thought I'd share an article I wrote at the end of last year for my agency's The Insight E-newsletter about Augmented Reality and whether brands should be buying into the hype in 2010. As usual feel free to share your thoughts, I'm always happy to hear and chat through any opinions out there similar or dissimilar to my own.

Augmented Reality - Do you believe the hype?

Augmented Reality (AR) is the term used to describe a live view of a physical real-world environment whose elements are merged with virtual computer-generated imagery, and was certainly a big talking point of 2009, especially in a media sense, where it seemed AR kicked things up a notch and stepped into the media limelight. In 2009 we saw Blink 182 playing inside crisp packets, Transformers fighting on DVD cases, and BMW's racing around our desks leaving a trail of paint behind them in their wake. What's more we finished the year by inviting AR into our homes for children to play with on the living room floor due to the release of the Playstation 3 EyePet, a Tamagotchi style computer game tipped as a Christmas 2009 smash.

Pic 1 - Playstation 3 EyePet

It certainly does appear like augmented reality is here to stay, and will become even more mass market as consumers get used to the idea of seeing and hearing about the technology, as well as more importantly being given a reason to interact with it (and come back for more). Giving the user a reason to interact is perhaps the most crucial piece of feedback most AR campaigns would have received last year, and although it is all well and good pushing AR campaigns upon consumers, to warrant the £25,000 to £60,000 production cost of most campaigns will on average occur, brands are going to need to work harder to achieve the PR and success that was perhaps easier to achieve in the first half of 2009.

2010 will be the year, I think, where AR will really find its place in mobile, and as we have seen in 2009 with the multitude for apps which are already using AR (such as Yelp, and Wikitude), it seems that AR has found an environment where a wider collective of users can experiment with the technology as well as spread the word easily among the smart phone community. We have already seen existing apps adding augment reality updates to their existing services, such as Urbanspoon, and TFL’s London Bus and Tube apps, and there are apps in development giving advertisers the opportunity to showcase events and offers within applications, allowing users to not only see and view reviews of venues, but purchase tickets or save coupons.

Pic 2 – Bionic Eye Application

Agencies specialised in the development of augmented reality also foresee POS as also being big in 2010, with consumers being able to view products before purchasing, and bringing something new to the shopping experience. We have already seen some impressive examples of this in the US with Lego offering children the chance to see their much anticipated toys come to life before purchasing.

So should you be using augmented reality this year? The truth is that even though the sceptics are saying it’s just a fad, and the bloggers are pleading for long term usability, there are still advertisers bucking all trends. What may seem like silly AR competitions are still grabbing attention, simple test budgets are still catching the early adopters eye, it seems that there are still a multitude of barriers to be broken with no right or wrong rules outside of the normal guidelines to early web fashions, and so if the idea fits, and well communicates the campaign objectives in a way which will offer something to the user, I’d say give it a go.

Related Posts:
Top 10 Augmented Reality Advertising Campaigns… so far
Top 10 Augmented Reality Advertising Campaigns… so far - PART 2

Most irritating ads of 2009

2010-01-13T17:38:00.006Z

Occasionally I am very thankful of reading an article which offers some help in soothing the pain of 'that' ad that you can't avoid, the ad that seems to follow you around regardless of channel, time, or day. For this reason I'd like to thank Marketing Magazine for the following list of last year's Most irritating ads.

Photo Credit

1 Gocompare.com
2= Cash4Gold
2= Glade Touch 'n' Fresh
4 Swiftcover
5 Confused.com
6 118 247
7= Churchill
7= Webuyanycar.com
9= Nintendo
9= Country Life
11 McDonald's
12 Kingsmill
13 BT
14 Gillette
15= T-Mobile
15= Peugeot
15= Dolmio
18 Orange (Monkey)
19= Greggs
19= Tesco
21 Holland & Barrett
22 Pampers

Source: marketingmagazine.co.uk (Adwatch research was conducted from 24-26 November 2009 by TNS)

To view the full article please click here

Friendster Is Back!!

2009-12-03T18:19:00.002Z

Yes that is right America's favorite social network is relaunching tomorrow, with a new re-branded look and updated features. Check out the intro video below which reveals their world dominating plan to sit kind of in the BEBO 'slash' MySpace 'slash' Facebook arena.

Video - The NEW Friendster!

Now lets all argue about how and if this will have any effect on the social network space!!

Firefighter augmented reality iPhone game hits iTunes

2009-11-17T13:49:00.007Z

Firefighter 360 is the latest augmented reality iPhone App from Presselite, creators of the Tube and London Bus apps, recently upgraded with their AR updates. The user must use their iPhone (and hose... Provided) to put out the fires which can appear in any 360 degree direction, and save the women which also appear.

Pic 1 - Fireman 360 augmented reality iPhone app

Not only is it pretty cool putting out the fires on commuter's backs while killing time on the train, but it again demonstrates that AR doesn't have to be simply for the techy folk among us. I must admit that although this is certainly not the best example we have seen (I do prefer examples such as Kia's 'Go Hamster Go'), AR based games have been near non-existent on the iPhone which seems like a massive opportunity for growth next year. So yes although it hasn't got the best graphics, but it certainly is laugh, and for 59p is worth a dabble.

Pic 2 - Fireman 360 augmented reality iPhone app

Related Posts:
Top 10 Augmented Reality Adveritising Campaigns… so far
Top 10 Augmented Reality Adveritising Campaigns… so far - PART 2

COD 5 Nazi Zombies IPhone Game

2009-11-17T13:16:00.006Z

Yes that's right, as if destroying the record books wasn't enough for the Call of Duty franchise with 'Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2', Activision has now released an iPhone game version of the hit DLC shoot 'em up 'Call of Duty: World at War: Zombies' available on iTunes from yesterday.

Pic 1 - 'Call of Duty: World at War: Zombies'

Not only is the game getting some very positive reviews, but it is fully multiplayer over Wi-Fi, and there are also promises of future downloadable content releases. We have already seen a big shift by the gaming industry for high quality versions hitting iTunes with the likes of Rock Band and Need for Speed, and so it will be very interesting to see how this area of mobile develops in time.

Esquire’s Augmented Reality Issue Hits US Stores

2009-11-11T13:18:00.004Z

Esquire Magazine has released their Augmented Reality issue which has landed on shelves this week. The special issue includes certain pages which feature the AR coding, allowing the reader to interact with the title. As usual the users just need to install the software from Esquire’s website, hold the mag up to their webcam, and their away. Robert Downey Jr. is even on board to introduce the issue. As in any great example of something this neat, there is a YouTube video explaining it in more depth, so check it out below.

Video - Esquire’s Augmented Reality Issue

I think this is a fantastic way of showing their readers that they understand what's happening in the world around them, in a very quirky and fun way. The level of interaction is very cool, and isn't just the run of the mill stuff we see all the time. A very nice example.

Pic - Esquire’s Augmented Reality Cover Robert Downey Jr.

Via - Digital Trends

Samsung Mobile Explorers Virals - Vancouver 2010 Winter Games

2009-11-10T14:07:00.002Z

Here are are a couple of videos made to promote the Samsung sponsorship of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games (and there we were thinking they had abandoned their weekly viral seeding). The videos are supposed to represent two warm-up performances recorded in Vancouver last month by Sumsung’s Mobile Explore.

Video 1 - Samsung Mobile Explorers - Hardest hockey shot ever!!!!

Video 2 - Samsung Mobile Explorers - Awesome ice skating warm-up routine

More details about the campaign can be found at www.samsung.com/vancouver2010

Update:

Here are a couple more videos made to promote the Samsung sponsorship of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games created off the success of their previous videos late last year.

Video - 'Slamdunk' Samsung Mobile Explorer

Video - 'Bboy' Samsung Mobile Explorer

Thanks to Vincenzo for pointing these in my direction.

Supermodel's strip for Climate Change

2009-10-29T08:58:00.003Z

Yep that's right, what says support climate change better than a collection models taking off their clothes, well nothing according to 350.org's Global Day of Climate Action. In their own words they wanted see whether they could have an effect via this method as a way of cutting through and by passing the usual channels... well it worked for Peta.

Video - 360.org: Supermodels Take It Off For Climate Change

Kasabian 'Underdog' Football Hero Viral

2009-10-29T08:31:00.003Z

To promote the new track by Kasabian, Underdog, a team of freestyle footballers took part in this Football Hero challenge, kicking the balls against the relevant colours in time with the music. Slightly random, but works pretty well as you can see in the below video.

Video - Kasabian 'Underdog' Football Hero Viral

Lastminute.com 'John and Edward' X-Factor free flight promotion

2009-10-29T08:21:00.004Z

'I'm John and he's Edward... and together we're John and Edward', love 'em or hate 'em, the duo (aka Jedward) really seem to be this years X-Factors Marmite act. Taking advantage of the buzz around them however Lastminute.com is now offering free one-way tickets to Ireland for any twins named John and Edward.

What Will You Fight For - Tekken 6 Trailer

2009-10-23T08:54:00.004+01:00

Here's the latest trailer for the upcoming Tekken 6, which sees a flurry of women fighting over shoes, straightners, and more (when will they learn). The trailer, created by Imperial leisure, which is one of a couple released points viewers to Whatwillyoufightfor.com where users can find out more about the game.

Video - What Will You Fight For - Tekken 6 Trailer

Three leaping wolves and a moon - Jose Luis Rodriguez's award winning photo gets the meme treatment

2009-10-23T08:49:00.003+01:00

Once again a photoshop adapt has made my Friday morning, with the classic 'hey there's a wolf... at night... how about if there were three of them... and a moon?'. Adapting the winning entry of the Veolia Environment Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2009 by Jose Luis Rodriguez's, this take on the meme which swept through the internets earlier in the year is simple brilliance.

Pic - Three leaping wolves and a moon

Step Up to The Mic - Joint Venture Between Myspace and Titan Outdoor

2009-10-22T18:34:00.004+01:00

Once again Outdoor refuses to lay down and admit defeat in the face of the fact that the online revolution is here, in another example which truly demonstrates that the two media can work as one. In a fantastic example by Titan and a three-week joint promotion with MySpace, called 'Step Up to the Mic', we see users stepping onto their soapbox and showing off their vocal power across 300 digital screens in the U.S, U.K and Ireland.

By visiting the “Step Up to the Mic” page on MySpace users can upload up to 50 characters of text and an image, and share their thoughts, messages, and best wishes to their mates or family members. As well as this using the pull of Myspace, a host of celebrities and music artists will be invited to communicate with fans, expressing all the things they are passionate about.

I actually do quite like this idea, which I really do think moves things in the right direction, reading some of the comments it does seem to be a real mixed bag, however Myspace does shine in its own individualism and non-conformity which I do think is quite endearing... if not completely my bag.

Augmented Reality DVD for Transformers Revenge of the Fallen

2009-10-22T18:06:00.004+01:00

Okay so we've seen creative uses of Augmented Reality on phones, magazines, packaging, and now DVD's. For the DVD release of Transformers Revenge of the Fallen, we will see what is believed to be the first DVD and Blu-ray to use the technology offering the viewer something a little above and beyond the movie alone.

Video - Augmented Reality DVD for 'Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen' release

By placing the the packaging at your webcam a 3D puzzle will be launched, which when solved unlocks a whole host of augmented reality features involving the films hero Optimus Prime (as shown above). “The Optimus Prime Experience” will be located at the following here upon the release of the DVD: “The Optimus Prime Experience”

Related Posts:
Top 10 Augmented Reality Adveritising Campaigns… so far
Top 10 Augmented Reality Adveritising Campaigns… so far - PART 2
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen: Augmented Reality ‘We Are Autobots’ Campaign
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen Viral Campaign

Braquo: YouTube/ MSN Homepage Takeovers

2009-10-16T08:48:00.004+01:00

In the past we have seen a number of innovative homepage takeovers, and lets be honest when executed well, who could get tired of them. Yes okay production budget may get pushed a little, but I am sure the click throughs and PR off the back of them make the whole thing worth while. Anyway, getting back to the point, the latest example of one of these fantastic homepage dominations is for Braquo a new French crime TV series. Definitely worth checking out if you haven't seen it already.

Video 1 - Braquo: YouTube Homepage Takeover

Video 2 - Braquo: MSN Homepage Takeover

For all of you out there that are thinking, like me "that's pretty cool",here is a previous example I have posted about: Wario Land: Shake it YouTube video

Miley Cyrus 'Goodbye' Twitter Rap

2009-10-14T09:38:00.003+01:00

Those following Miley Cyrus (aka Hannah Montana) on Twitter will know by now that she had deleted her account. Not quite contempt with a quietly walking away, Miley has made a stand rapping about why on Youtube. Fans of her since yesterday have been able to voice their views against the hashtag #Mileycomeback (Although something tells me that I think we'll see her on there again in some way soon). Until then here is the rap itself for all those interested.

Marge Simpson Strips for Playboy Cover

2009-10-09T18:03:00.004+01:00

That's right, after 30 years on our screens Hugh has finally given Marge Simpson her own shot at being a Playboy Covergirl. Readers will be able to see this on the November issue of Playboy, and I think you'll agree that after popping out three kids she certainly gives the Girls Next Door a run for their money.

Pic - Marge Simpson Cover November issue of Playboy (Photo Credit)

Thanks for the tip Miss Hills!

Disney Pixar 'UP' Balloon Stunt

2009-10-09T08:46:00.004+01:00

It's normally pretty difficult to hide away from a Disney Pixar movie premier at the best of times, however on Sunday (4th October) I think 'Up' may have raised the bar slightly. Marketing Agency Beatwax carried out an awesome stunt, navigated a hot air balloon through an open Tower Bridge.

Shown in the video above, the balloon which has been making its way around Europe was designed to replicate the popular scene from the movie, where the main character (a retired balloon salesman) ties a hundreds of balloons to his house, and sets off for adventure.

Rick Astley - Rick Dinner Rolls (see what they've done there?)

2009-10-09T08:25:00.005+01:00

Frequent users of YouTube will know that there is probably nothing more annoying than viewing that must see video only to be Rick Rolled (an Internet meme typically involving the music video for the 1987 Rick Astley song "Never Gonna Give You Up"). Well now this has been taken to down a slightly odd path, so that now you can do this in real life, in fact just before dinner, with a Rick Roll.

Top 100 Greatest Youtube Hits - In 4 Minutes

2009-10-01T09:16:00.005+01:00

If you have been living in a cave for the past few years, this is the perfect catch up video to get you up to speed on what everyone's been talking about. A fantastic compilation of Youtube hits crammed together for your enjoyment.

Video - 100 Greatest Hits of Youtube in 4 Minutes

The full list is rather epic, with videos on there which I haven't seen in ages, and very much enjoyed seeing again (Especially Leeroy Jenkins I must add). The full list can be viewed on the original YouTube page here - Full List

Nice work Hadouken, and HT to Nick Burcher

Opticana - 100 false url's

2009-09-28T17:55:00.004+01:00

A nice campaign from Israel, the '100 false url's' campaign by optician Opticana plays on the user making mistakes while surfing the net, and capitalises on targeting them while they are quite possibly most likely to act upon the message. As the campaign title suggests 100 mistyped url's have been created such as NSN, instead of MSN, producing a microsite for the false url entered, with a message suggesting to the user that perhaps it's time to get new glasses (shown below).

Pic - '100 false url's' http://www.nsn.co.il (instead of MSN)

A simple but very tongue in cheek way of reaching the target audience, which is hopefully received in the way intended.

Wispa Gold Outdoor messages Campaign

2009-09-28T17:46:00.005+01:00

To celebrate the return of the Wispa Gold, Cadbury has launched a new campaign dedicating £2m of media space to all those who adore the chocolate bar (and as we have seen from previous campaigns there are quite a few of them). As a further 'Thank You' to all of their supporters there will be a chance for fans messages to be featured on one of over 1,000 poster sites across the UK, with a website set up for people to note their message. The website is www.wispagoldmessages.com for all of those interested and the closing date is 3rd October.

It is also worth mentioning that to launch the campaign Rolf Harris has designed his very own billboard (on 15th September), submitted by one of the earlier winners, at Old Street roundabout on (shown below).

A great idea i think, and a very nice continuation of their ongoing use of the viral admiration of the brand. Once again I really like the way that it's impactful without being too in-your-face, and really gives the fans and supporters of the brand a chance to get involved. I think this is most evident by the amount of use people have already got out of the site, and the way in which the idea has been received!

Did You Know 4.0 - Latest Video for Autumn 2009

2009-09-16T18:58:00.005+01:00

Okay, I know these 'Shift Happens' videos get updated every few months, but here is the latest of the Did You Know videos, 'Did You Know 4.0' updated for Autumn 2009. The video as always is massively positive if you work online, and not so positive if you happen to work in the offline media world. The video, developed in partnership with The Economist, includes a very rounded collection of facts and statistics of the changing media landscape, including convergence and technology. Even if they are mainly from the US, it's still worth having a look at.

Video - Did You Know 4.0

The PUMA Index - iPhone App: Stocks and shares with sex appeal

2009-09-14T12:33:00.004+01:00

Making the best of a bad situation is not always the easiest thing to do, however in this instance PUMA have got it spot on. Their new iPhone app 'The PUMA Index' allows users to not only check how their stocks are doing, but has the added benefit that if the stocks are going down so will a rather attractive girls pants!

Pic - The PUMA Index - iPhone App

Not you're type, well there's a selection of women and men to choose from, with a video of a sleeping beauty once the stocks are closed for the day. Definitely worth checking out as it's free, and slightly more interesting than the one provided as default to the iPhone. There's also a site to support the activity (for all those non-iPhone users), and a video explaining how it all works (shown below).

Video - The PUMA Index

Enjoy!

MINI: 'Two Untamed' Teaser Videos (Mirror. Same. Shine)

2009-09-11T18:46:00.004+01:00

MINI have released a series of teaser videos prior to the Frankfurt Motor Show this year, to generate some added mystery and buzz around the unveiling of the “twins”, which blogs are already calling the Coupe Concept and Speedster. The virals show the 'untamed twins' in a series of unusual settings, with the messaging 'New from MINI. 2 B THRILLED. 2 B DESIRED. 2 B CONTINUED'. The three videos were released one after the other (shown below), named Mirror, Same, and Shine.

Video 1 - MINI. Two Untamed. Mirror.

Video 2 - MINI. Two Untamed. Same.

Video 3 - MINI. Two Untamed. Shine.

Guitar Hero 5: Playboy Playmates' "Risky Business" Ad

2009-09-11T18:18:00.004+01:00

It truly is battle of the bands this month with Guitar Hero 5 competing with the long awaited 'The Beatles Rock Band'. In order to stand up and really separate the men from the boys, Guitar Hero have launched their new campaign playing on their previous successes spoofing that well known scene from "Risky Business". This ad (shown below) aired on Televisions both in the US and here in the UK sees the Playboy Playmates rocking out in full force in front of a very lucky Hugh Hefner.

Video 1 - Guitar Hero 5: Playboy Playmates' "Risky Business" Ad

There is also a 'Making of' video which is always worth watching if you enjoy the ad, which shows us just exactly what went on in the mansion that day.

Video 2 - Guitar Hero 5: Behind the Scenes of Playboy Playmates' "Risky Business"

"We Are ODST" Halo 3: ODST Live Action Trailer

2009-09-11T17:59:00.003+01:00

For anyone with an XBOX out there, you must have been hiding underneath a rock somewhere if you have managed to avoid any news of the upcoming title Halo 3: ODST, the follow up game to the smash Halo 3. This is the live action trailer released earlier this week to promote the game, which shows movie type footage of the perils of the UNSC's Orbital Drop Shock Troopers (ODST).

Video 1 - "We Are ODST" Halo 3: ODST Live Action Trailer

It may also be of interest for any fans of the series that Neill Blomkamp (Director of District 9 and original director of the Halo movie) originally released some short films as a taster of what a Halo movie might look, definitely worth checking out.

Video 2 - Halo 3: Short Film

Enjoy!

Top 10 Augmented Reality Advertising Campaigns… so far - PART 2

2009-09-04T08:39:00.006+01:00

When I posted my previous Top 10 (Top 10 Augmented Reality Adveritising Campaigns… so far) there were almost immediately a host of new examples, and that trend has certainly showed no signs of slowing. There has however started to emerge a new trend which is far more beneficial to the end user, and that is that more and more brands are conjuring up useful ways to integrate augmented reality within their campaigns, with mobile playing a very big part in this. It has also occurred to me while collecting these examples, that while AR still remains quite gimmicky, it can be much more than that (as is hopefully shown in the below examples).

10. Financial Times
Okay, although this might not be the most creative use of AR, but to be showcased on the front cover of the FT, and be followed up with a full page article looking at how the twin challenges of digital media and the recession are forcing advertising agencies to rethink the way they do business, I think it just goes to show how far AR has come this year alone. Although the technology may have been around for a few years now, the fact that it is gathering this much momentum is quite exciting (and so worthy of a place in the top 10).

9. IBM
There have been many examples of events offering programs within mobile applications to help people get around, however I think this may be one of the most innovative created by IBM for this year’s Wimbledon. It involved an app for T-Mobile's G1 which provided information via AR for users to view stats related to the matches, as well as see what’s on sale in the stores and receive real-time Twitter feeds.

8. Paramount - Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen
To celebrate Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen due released in the UK in June, the ‘We Are Autobots’ Augmented Reality campaign was launched giving the user the opportunity to play the role of Optimus Prime, as well as find hidden messages from Bumblebee which giving users the chance to see exclusive Decepticon footage from the new film via AR. A great way of generating a bit of extra buzz around this much anticipated movie release.

7. Doritos-late-night
This example by Doritos offered consumers the opportunity to select one of two bands (Blink182 or Big Boi) to play a concert for them on the back of the packet. Again one of the more gimmicky example on this list I’m afraid, but still a nice continuation of the previous Doritos example from my previous post, allowing users a chance to grow familiar with the technology.

6. Mattel – Avatar Toys
Announced by Mattel at this year’s Comic Con to follow the much anticipated Avatar movie, a series of toys will be released, each incorporating augmented reality, marking it the first time AR will appear in a retail toy. The i-Tag technology created by Total Immersion will allow consumers to bring their toy to life, and battle others giving a new dimension to their experience.

5. Wrigley’s - 5 Gum
This example for the launch of Wrigley's 5 chewing gum in France, allowed users to mix together their own music using a number of AR symbols. Three symbols representing the different flavours linked to a certain track, with the distance from the main marker determining the volume and effects for each track. This was not only a very innovative user of AR, but I think encompassed the messaging and attributes of the brand.

4. Yelp / Lastminute.com
Once again I have had to tie to similar examples together. Both are, for me, two very good examples of AR on mobile providing a very useful function, but are available free and fully available apps in the Apple App Store.

Yelp
Review site Yelp offers an application that shows users where to go from restaurants to bars and so on. The excellent thing about this app however, is that the AR feature is actually hidden in the app, and only accessible if you shake three times (the phone not you). By doing this you unlock the Monocle feature which overlays the reviews onto the image shown via your camera on your 3Gs iPhone.

Lastminute.com
Something of an ‘under the radar app’ the NRU (pronounced near you) offers a similar experience to the Yelp application, using the features of the phone to not only direct users to the nearest bars and restaurants, but as you would expect gives Lastminute.com full reviews if you tap any of the available options in your area.

3. Glasses Direct
This is a very useful and helpful use of AR, which allows users to visualise the product before purchasing, more importantly it allows them to do this without needing to leave the comfort of your own home.

2. United States Postal Service - Priority Mail
This is another great example of useful ar, giving users the ability to check the size of their packages before sending, saving the user time, but also giving the customer a pleasant experience which they will in turn
associate with the brand.

1. KIA Soul
The “Go Hamster Go!” game released a couple of weeks ago marked the first use of augmented reality in a social media environment. Now I know that it was an Auto brand that topped my last top 10, with the BMW Z4 example, but I'm afraid Kia soul will have to top this one for me. Not only is this really enjoyable use of AR, but it is also in my view a fantastic example of how augmented reality is being integrated within the media environment.

Related Posts:

Top 10 Augmented Reality Adveritising Campaigns… so far
RubberDuckZilla: Augmented Reality Game
BMW Z4 “An Expression of Joy” - Augmented Reality

Woofer: Anti-Twitter macroblogging site

2009-08-27T09:23:00.007+01:00

There is a new dog about town, he goes by the name Woofer (www.woofertime.com), and is here to help all of those users who have been sucked into irrelevant tweets, or are frustrated with shortening their profound thoughts of the day into 160 characters. Woofer is the new anti-Twitter 1400 character 'macroblogging' service, which offers everything you would find on Twitter, but with the benefit of a lot more words.

For all of those not convinced, check out known celebrities (Of which I'm not personally convinced) on Woofer (www.woofertime.com) such as Ryan Seacrest, and Jimmy Fallon who have already started posting regular Woofs, however as we know for our beloved early Twitter, authentication was never a certainty.

Although I am a very long way yet to be convinced, Woofer certainly may fulfil the need of a niche audience out there with more to say, and so in the words of Woofer "Be eloquent. Use adverbs. and DEA (don't ever abbreviate)".

Happy Woofing!

Happy 50th Birthday MINI!!

2009-08-27T08:25:00.005+01:00

Yesterday every one's favourite British brand turned 50, celebrating fifty years since MINI first drove off the production line.

Pic 1 - MINI Email announcing 50 year birthday

To celebrate the birthday in the UK, all the best bits of the brand's fifty years have been pulled together into a nice little microsite which give fans of the brand a chance to look over the old ads, a competition, other firsts from 1959, as well as a more detailed look at the car's history, and all the best bits from the big birthday bash 'MINI United' back in May.

Pic 2 - MINI '50 year birthday' site

The birthday as expected has also been celebrated Worldwide with the release of the below series of videos to celebrate the milestone called “Rebel without Pause” which focuses on MINI fans and drivers all around the world and their personal experiences with the brand.

Video 1 - MINI 50 years - Rebel without Pause. (part.1)

Video 2 - MINI 50 years - Rebel without Pause. (part.2)

Related Posts:
MINI United Celebrates 50th Birthday
MINI IPhone App - Openness
MINI Clubman Viral - 'Have you seen that?'

T-Mobile flashmob reenacted for Movie

2009-08-20T09:14:00.005+01:00

On Sunday last week (16th August), people passing through Liverpool Street station must have thought they were going mad when a reenactment of the T-Mobile flashmob was performed for new film St Trinian's 2: The Legend Of Fritton's Gold.

Pic - St Trinian's 2 Flashmob Liverpool Street Station (Photo Credit: Daily Mail)

Led by Girl's Aloud's Sarah Harding and followed by an army of schoolgirls the scene mirrors the T-Mobile flashmob ad recorded in January (Shown below). This is a really interesting take on an idea, which not only has had massive success virally, but has now led to an appearance in the movies.

Video - T-Mobile - Flashmobbing Liverpool Street Advert

Related Posts:

T-Mobile - Flashmobbing Liverpool Street Advert

Avatar Worldwide Trailer Reveal Launch Advert

2009-08-20T08:43:00.007+01:00

Today sees the launch of probably one of the most anticipated movie trailers ever, as James Cameron's Avatar has its Worldwide trailer release today (Online at 3pm, and in selected cinemas from around midday). After creating a media storm at San Diego's Comic Con, and drip feeding fans with images from then on, commuters were greeted today with full page ads in Metro showcasing the release of the 15 minute trailer.

Pic - Avatar Trailer Launch Advert

For those interested the official movie website can be found here: www.avatarmovie.com

Megan Fox 'Viral' Public Service Announcement

2009-08-13T09:06:00.006+01:00

To promote the new horror film Jennifer's Body, Megan Fox stars in this cool take on a public service announcement, telling high school kids to be themselves no matter what it entails.

Video - Megan Fox viral public service announcement

Enjoy!

Kia Soul - 'Go Hamster Go' Facebook App

2009-08-07T17:53:00.006+01:00

This is a very cool app which has been put together by Total Immersion for the Kia Soul. The 'Go Hamster Go' Facebook App uses augmented reality in a very clever and viral way. For once players do not need their mouse, or keyboard come to that, as your head is the controller during this game. According to their press release the “Go Hamster Go!” game marks the first use of augmented reality in a Kia application for a social media environment, and can be found at www.facebook.com/kiasoul under the Go Hamster Go! tab.

Pic - Kia Soul - 'Go Hamster Go' Facebook App

Each hamster is wearing a coloured t-shirt mirroring a Kia Soul colour, which when the user drops a hamster into the vehicle, the vehicle morphs into that colour. The exit window lists the final score – and the cool features the user managed to add to the Soul. Users can post their scores on the Soul leaderboard and can challenge friends to compete and beat their scores.

Video - Kia Soul - 'Go Hamster Go' Facebook App

I really like this example, not only is it innovative and fun, but it is simple and is sitting on Facebook! The user is not expected to go elsewhere, or dragged to a brands website, they can play just a click away from their profile... genius. Plus you have the added viral element of Facebook, which is where I would expect this app to excel.

HT to Barry and Total Immersion for the info

Related Posts:

Top 10 Augmented Reality Adveritising Campaigns… so far
RubberDuckZilla: Augmented Reality Game
BMW Z4 “An Expression of Joy” - Augmented Reality

The Invisible Festival with Spotify - Less than 24 hours to go!

2009-08-07T14:10:00.005+01:00

The Invisible Festival starts tomorrow (08.08.09 - 09.08.09), and is hoping to not only generate a lot of buzz, but raise money for Cancer Research UK. With the help of Spotify The Invisible Festival is an online virtual music festival hosted by the general public, which as the site explains is 'the world’s only 100% mud free, crowd-free, rain-free, tout-free, queue-free, free-free virtual festival'. To get involved users need to:

1) Download Spotify
2) Invite their friends over
3) Have a festival

Pic 1 - The Invisible Festival

Throughout the weekend users can download playlists put together by various artists, as well as following others on Twitter, and downloading content such as wristband to give to everyone at their festival. The site also includes recipes for cocktails, and easy to serve up food so no-one goes hungry.

Pic 2 - The Invisible Festival - Wristbands

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Coca Cola: Coke Creatures Website

2009-08-07T12:12:00.004+01:00

As part their ongoing Open Happiness campaign, Coca Cola have been running the Coke Creatures website which supports the ongoing TV ad. The TV ad (below) features a collection of weird creatures which sit in a organ singing as Coke is squirted into their mouths.

Video - Coke Creatures Ad "Yeah yeah yeah, La la la"

Coke Creatures is effectively a replication of the organ from the ad, using the numbered keys on the users keyboard to play. Aside from other content such as videos, an interview with Calvin Harris (responsible for the music), wallpapers, screensavers etc, there is also a widget allow everyone to input the Coke Creatures organ on their Facebook (below).

Widget - Coke Creatures Organ

Thanks to Lauren, Ellie and George for pointing this in my direction!!

Axe - 'Double Pits to Chesty' Viral and iPhone App

2009-08-06T08:13:00.006+01:00

As part of the recent 'Double Pits to Chesty' campaign, Axe have released a series of videos, the latest of which is battle of the skaters, which sees Ryan Sheckler, Greg Lutzka and Jereme Rogers in a quest for one upmanship. To achieve this they attempt the 'Double Pits to Chesty' a move that involves spraying yourself under the arms and across the body!

Video - Ryan Sheckler Axe Skate Film Double Pits to Chesty - Trailer

To also support the campaign Axe have launched the 'Axe Pogo Extreme' iPhone App. The free application is a ridiculously addictive game, where the user is tasked with bouncing upwards to collect Axe cans using the iPhone's accelerometer functionality while pulling off tricks in order to win the girls heart (well the girl on that level anyway)!

Pic 1 - 'Axe Pogo Extreme' iPhone App

Users can also play a freeplay mode which enables them to connect to Facebook to share their scores among their friends.

Pic 2 - 'Axe Pogo Extreme' iPhone App

Related Posts
Axe - '100 Girls' Hair Crisis Relief Campaign

Top Gear Fake VW Scirocco Ads

2009-08-05T18:04:00.003+01:00

For anyone who like me either missed this the first time round, is yet to catch up with their Sky Plus, or just plain want to see it again, here are the attempts of Jeremy Clarkson and James May creating their own VW Scirocco TV ads.

Video - Top Gear Fake VW Scirocco Ads

My personal favourite is the first one... although I'm not sure why!

Microsoft - 'Megawoosh' Biggest Waterslide Stunt Viral

2009-08-05T17:31:00.005+01:00

I have just seen the latest online video 'viral' for Microsoft project management tools. The video features Bruno Kammerl, an Austrian engineer, who has apparently built the largest waterslide on the planet. Shown below we see Bruno flying down the side of a hill launching off a ramp, and into a paddling pool.

Video - Bruno Kammerl - Biggest Waterslide Stunt Viral

Similarly to the Samsung BaaStuds Sheep LED video, I'm sure this will face the whole is it real, isn't it real debate, but either way it's still pretty impressive... and I want a go!

Related Posts:

Samsung - BaaaStuds Sheep LED Viral
Samsung UltraTouch '38 Cute Animals' Viral
Samsung "Follow your instinct" Video

'Going Google' Campaign

2009-08-03T18:08:00.004+01:00

So what do you get when you pick a fight with Google? Well I think Microsoft are about to find out! Aside from the below billboards which is part of a new 'Going Google' campaign designed to show everyone of the benefits of using Google apps over Microsoft Office, there will also be a letter writing campaign and hashtag assult via @Googleatwork to boot.

Video - 'Going Google' Billboard: To give a new message about Google apps everyday for a month

Via Tech Crunch

OXO Factor.com Competition

2009-08-03T17:38:00.002+01:00

It's that time again, the X-Factor is nearly upon us, and now it's the turn of the the viewing public and their families to show us what they've got. OXO have launched the OXO Factor competition, giving one family the chance to have their self made ad appear on TV on the night of the X-Factor final, as well as £10,000.

To tie in with the launch of the competition the famous cube is undergoing a redisign and will become 'X' shaped (apparently allowing it to crumble easier)! Finally someone answered my letter!!

Guitar Hero 5 viral video - 'Naked Girls Get Interrupted'

2009-07-31T13:09:00.003+01:00

This is a new video by Guitar Hero 5, promoting their upcoming game with a very different style. The video (See below) entitled 'Naked Girls Get Interrupted' sees four naked women strutting down the street along with Music Steve (your not so average male model), covered only by the titles of the songs featured in the game.

Video 1 - Guitar Hero 5 viral video “Naked Girls Get Interrupted”

The video is a spoof of a French Music Video which was very successful in the Viral Video Charts earlier in the year. The video for Make The Girl Dance 'Baby Baby Baby' (See below) saw a chain of girls similarly strutting to the sound of the music again with the lyrics of the song covering their dignity.

Make The Girl Dance "Baby Baby Baby" ( official video )
by placeblancherec

Video 1 - Make The Girl Dance 'Baby Baby Baby'

Enjoy!!

Guss Pickles and BK 7 Incher ads - Has subtlety really died?

2009-07-31T08:20:00.008+01:00

While it seems that yes okay the German Sprite 'BJ ad' was in fact a fake, and was pulled from every possible source within hours of the blogs going crazy for it, some brands out there still choose to go down the route of 'suggestive' content. Here are a couple of recent examples which are about as subtle as the Diesel XXX Party Viral released for their 30th birthday last year.

Pic 1 - Guss Pickles advert

Pic 2 - BK 7 Incher advert

So is subtlety really dead, or do some brands generally think that people these days are too busy to 'get it' when they put together an advert of risque innuendo and cunning imagery/ wordplay. Personally I think it's a case of good old attention grabbing, which is fine, but I do think there is a time and a place for it (selling a pickle emporium in a way which looks like a cut scene from the Incredible Hulk not being one of them).

BMW Museum stop-animation ad

2009-07-31T08:12:00.002+01:00

This is a cool stop-animation ad by BMW to promote the BMW Museum in Munich, the ad features a convey of model BMW Isettas (a car famously re-engineered by BMW in the 50's).

New Compare the meerkat outtakes - featuring Sergei

2009-07-29T09:23:00.004+01:00

This is just a quick post as a lot of people have been finding their way to an older post with the original Compare the Meerkat Blooper reel, instead of the new ones. So for all of you who are yet to see the new Compare the meerkat outtakes starring both Aleksandr Orlov and his IT Support Engineer Sergei, enjoy...

Video - Official Compare the Meerkat Sergei Bloopers

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Compare the Meerkat Outtakes

Spotify iPhone App preview

2009-07-27T10:14:00.003+01:00

It's nearly upon us. Quite possibly one of the most anticipated music apps, and from what I've seen, and heard, in my view one of the best. Set to be available for premium subscribers via the App Store.

Video - Spotify iPhone App in action

As Spotify continues to grow, now at 2.15M UK unique users alone, the Spotify application will allow users to listen to individual songs, full albums, or even create playlists, which users can store songs to listen to offline.

Harry Potter Casts 'Twitter Spells' on your followers

2009-07-24T08:20:00.009+01:00

This is a brilliant little app for all those Harry Potter fans out there, which just can't get enough of the box office smash 'Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince' released Worldwide last week. 'Hogwarts Wizarding Class' (Found here: www.harrypottertweet.com) allows Twitterers out there to cast spells on their unsuspecting follows, giving them the option to send in a flock of birds (See below), shroud their page in darkness, or send them a love potion.

Pic 1 - Harry Potter Tweet

I think this is a really nice idea, and is very in the spirit of the movies. Developed by Warner Brothers the app is certainly one of the best uses of Twitter I have seen from a brand and hope fully raises the bar to a new level.

Pic 2 - Harry Potter Tweet (Photo Credit Revolution)

My only reservation is on the subject of how comfortable the Twitterverse is in divulging there login details to every new app that appears, but I guess we will see as more and more of them appear.

YouTube Tests 3D Videos

2009-07-20T17:12:00.004+01:00

Firstly a warning, this probably will give you a headache, it did me. But yes it is true, over the weekend YouTube began experimenting with 3D videos. Although this only appears to be the pet project of one Googler, "developer working on the stereoscopic player as a 20% project", it is still pretty cool, and gives us something interesting to talk about. To read up on how to achieve this on YouTube view here.

Pic - Photo Credit www.seroundtable.com

Via - Gizmodo

Banned German Sprite Advert

2009-07-20T16:05:00.010+01:00

This is an ad doing the rounds today which was banned in Germany for... well I think it's quite obvious why. Pretty random, and I'm sure quite uncomfortable to watch if you're one of Sprite's younger 'teenage' demographic watching TV with the parents, with a Britney Spears lookalike getting a 'Sprite Necklace' during the ad break.

UPDATE: It turns out that, yes, it was a fake all along! Although the original ad was pulled from YouTube, you can view below courtesy of Young Turks, and The Huffington Post.

Video - Banned German Sprite Ad