Browsing Category Viral Campaigns and Clever Ads

Viral Video Round-Up: November 20th, 2012

Posted on November 20, 2012 by Seedwell Creative Studio

Made Man | How to Grow a Mustache with Nick Offerman

It’s that time of the year again: the weather is colder, the leaves are beginning to fall, and everywhere, facial hair grows. Be it No Shave November or Movember or what have you, beard-haters beware! ‘Tis the season of manliness!

This PSA for Movember, from MadeMan.com, is the latest to embrace a new trend in advertisements for male hygiene: satirical machoism. And they couldn’t have picked a better spokesperson for their cause! Actor Nick Offerman, better known as Ron (f*cking) Swanson from NBC’s Parks and Rec, is an absolute delight – there is a perfect harmony between his straight-faced, sardonic delivery and the sillyness of what he is saying. Not to mention the fact that Mr. Offerman is packing one of the best mustaches the world has known since Burt Reynolds. And it all plays into the guidelines of manly satire approach as laid down by Dollar Shave Club and Old Spice (though not quite as random). Bravo! Here’s to moustaches everywhere!

Disney | Darth Vader: What Are You Going to Do Next?

Oh, the times they are a changin’ in a galaxy far, far, away. And much closer to home too, with Disney’s purchase of Lucasfilms and the incredibly lucrative Star Wars franchise. The four billion dollar deal was immediately followed by the announcement that Disney is producing a new Star Wars trilogy, set after the original and to be released starting in 2015.

This has set off a backlash across the Internet, with fans lamenting the impending Disneyfication of the franchise and the succumbing of George Lucas to the dark side. As an ardent Star Wars fan, I understand where their anger comes from. But we must remember the wise words of Master Yoda – “Anger leads to hate, and hate leads to the Dark Side”. Truer words may have never been spoken.

It’s sad to see something like Star Wars – the first blockbuster franchise of the modern Hollywood era – go so corporate. It was not too long ago that Lucas was a rebel himself, fed-up with the dealings of the Studio Empire, who fought hard to maintain his autonomy and vision; financing much of the trilogy with his own money. But the man who would defy Hollywood also showed it the way to even greater power through extensive merchandising, high-concept blockbusters, and sequalization. More than any other director on the planet, Lucas helped shape the formula of the modern blockbuster. And let’s not forget that George has never been able to let the Star Wars sleeping dog lie: adding more advanced CGI effects to the original trilogy and directing the three prequel films. Is it really a surprise that he sold out? Tragic as it may seem, this was an inevitability. The purity of the Star Wars franchise was bound to be tainted – just like a new building that eventually grows decrepit after thirty odd years.

Rant on the politics of the film industry aside, let’s discuss the future of this beloved franchise. The day after the Disney-Lucasfilm announcement, this video was released featuring Darth Vader and his Stormtrooper entourage enjoying a day at Disneyland. It’s a well done spot that portrays the marriage between the two companies in an endearing light. Before anyone goes accusing Disney of commercializing Star Wars let us remember all the Star Wars themed advertisements that have appeared over the past decade. Or the Lucasfilm inspired rides at Disneyland that have been part of the park since the late 80’. In terms of Star Wars commercials, this one rates rather highly.

So will the new Star Wars films be great? Most likely not, but they shouldn’t detract from fans love of the original trilogy – the same way any number of other bad sequels haven’t detracted from the original (I’m looking at you, The Godfather Part III). And with everyone’s expectations so low for Episode VII, who knows, we might all end up being pleasantly surprised with what Disney comes up with.

Australian Metro | “Dumb Ways to Die”

It’s amazing that a video so clearly concerned with death is also simultaneously adorable. Props go out to the folks at McCann Melbourne for putting together such a delightfully morbid PSA to entertain (and educate) the public about subway safety. This is how I’ll teach my children about death – with a catchy tune and cutesy humanoid blobs. The indie vibe of the music perfectly matches the style of animation. It’s incredible fun to watch the blobs meet their untimely demise. Like Happy Tree Friends but with a conscience. It’s no Zoomin’ Through the Sound, but it’s message and heart are in the right place. Be safe y’all.

Air New Zealand | “An Unexpected Briefing”

Speaking of South Pacific transit PSAs…

When you think of New Zealand, what is the first thing that comes to mind? I’ll bet it was Lord of the Rings. It’s funny that the LOTR and upcoming Hobbit franchises hold so much sway over New Zealand’s international reputation. But they do, and the citizens of New Zealand seem to fully embrace it.

Par example, check out this new safety video for New Zealand Air. Working with dedicated employees of WETA Workshop the video is chock-full of authentic LOTR costumes and jokes. My favorite has to be the gag featuring LOTR director Peter Jackson and the One Ring – simply put, awesome. However, the video as a whole is a bit tedious. The cheesy jokes matched with the Shire score (the most excessively sentimental music from the films) is a little too much – the video ends up feeling tackier than the relationship between Frodo and Samwise. And the costuming inexplicably varies from WETA’s genuine wardrobes to DIY hobbits and Gollums.

Then again, maybe airline safety videos are always painfully dull — even if they feature iPhone-wielding Nazgul in them. Still, I respect New Zealand Air for the concept: LOTR has clearly done wonders for New Zealand’s tourism, so why not take advantage of the ever increasing buzz surrounding the first Hobbit film? The only problem is the execution. Maybe they will have better luck in 2013 and 2014.

Viral Video Ad Round-Up: October 23rd, 2012

Posted on October 23, 2012 by Seedwell Creative Studio

Red Bull Stratos | Felix Baumgartner’s Supersonic free fall

Red Bull has made a name for itself producing what I like to call “stunt videos”. Essentially, they sponsor an elaborate and exciting stunt sure to appeal to a mainstream audience. It’s a simple yet brilliant strategy: the audience gets the content it desires while accepting the subtle branding. In turn, Red Bull builds brand recognition and rakes in views which raise its SEO profile.

Red Bull’s latest video could prove to be their tour-de-force (at least until the next one comes out). Teaming with Austrian skydiver/stunt man Felix Baumgartner and a team of scientists Red Bull created project Stratos — the aim of which was to break the world record for highest sky dive. And boy, did they succeed. On October 14th, Baumgartner drifted into the stratosphere in a capsule attached to a helium balloon. When he reached a height of 24 miles above the planet’s surface – he jumped. On the ten minute fall back to Earth, Felix broke world records for highest skydive, highest manned balloon flight, and became the first person to break the sound barrier without the help of an engine. Pretty impressive there, Felix.

I find it rather bizarre that these kind of aviation breakthroughs, that were once pioneered by NASA as part of the space race, are now being made by private companies whose emphasis is not on scientific research but on creating entertainment. Truly an interesting example of the strange circumstances that can drive innovation.

Bodyform | Bodyform Responds: The Truth

Winner! Bodyform has produced the best feminine hygiene commercial ever made – hands down. The exclusive online ad is a direct response to a comment left on the British company’s facebook page. Richard Neill must have felt pretty clever when he left Bodyform a facetious message detailing his dissatisfaction with their marketing campaigns. Richard’s biggest issue? That Bodyforms adverts make periods look like fun (it’s all skydiving, bike riding, and roller coasters!) when in reality [SPOILER ALERT] they aren’t.

Well who’s laughing now, Richard? A little over a week after his post, Bodyform’s rebuttal went live, and soon after – viral. Sorry Dick, but the debate is over and you lost. In the video, Bodyform’s fictional CEO Caroline Williams, addresses Richard’s concerns – yes, it has all be elaborate lie but it was only to spare men from the real horror that is a woman’s period. The dry, ironic British humour helps the pill go down all the easier.

I’ve seen instances of companies using social media to directly communicate with fans in a fun and humorous way but nothing of this magnitutde. My hat is off to Bodyform for conceptualizing and executing this video over the course of a week. It’s fun, intelligent, and exciting new form of advertising that Internet makes possible.

BlendTec | Will it Blend? iPhone 5 vs. Samsung Galaxy S3

BlenTec has one of the longest running and consistent viral marketing campaigns of all time in Will It Blend? Altogether the YouTube series (which started way back in ‘06) has garnered over 204 million views. Wow. In case you’ve never seen the program before, the title pretty accurately describes what you will see. Host (and BlendTec founder) Tom Dickson attempts to blend any number of unusual objects in his BlendTec blender, always with great success.

A recurring gag on the show is the blending of the latest version of the iPhone. With the iPhone 5’s recent release the time has come to see if the new model features a redesign that will help it withstand the awesome power that is a BlendTec blender! But given all the hullabaloo happening between Apple and Samsung lately, Mr. Dickson has decided to turn the (seemingly) annual event into a competition. Samsung’s Galaxy S3 is the challenger, which will blend first? Seems Samsung is the winner in the endurance category – the Galaxy takes a severe beating but remains intact several seconds longer than the iPhone. In the end both are reduced to black powder and smoke. Six years later and still going strong, bravo Tom!

Hot Pockets | Pocket Like It’s Hot

Was anyone surprised when it was announced that Hot Pockets had signed an endorsement deal with Snoop Dogg? Didn’t think so. And the pairing makes a lot of sense (and hopefully dollars…ZING!) if you think about it. Hot Pockets, who has been hurting lately, is attempting to corner one of their most sought after demographic markets: stoners! Young potheads – with their stereotypical love of hip-hop, Internet humor, and the munchies – are the target of HP and SD’s first collaboration: a remix/parody of Snoop’s 2004 hit that is (obviously) called “Pocket Like It’s Hot”.

The response has been solid: over 4 million hits and counting. Snoop’s recent name change doesn’t seem to have affected his relationship as a brand spokesman (in this case, I think it may have enhanced it). The Snoop Lion is comfortable in his new Rastafarian persona and in parodying what is arguably his biggest hit. Alongside him are manchild humorist Andy Milonakis and YouTube top creator DeStorm Power who add to the song’s viral pedigree.

Viral Video Ad Round-Up: September 29th, 2012

Posted on September 29, 2012 by Seedwell Creative Studio

Samuel L. Jackson & Jewish Council for Education and Research Super-PAC | “Wake the Fuck Up”

Does one ever tire of listening to Samuel L. Jackson swear? I’m not sure it’s possible. Well, good news folks! After showing off his quieter, gazpacho-cooking side in his iPhone commercial, Mr. Jackson is back to his old grumpy self. And just in time for the election.

It’s ironic that a year after Jackson narrated the children’s book “Go the Fuck to Sleep” he is now encouraging people across the country to do just the opposite in the new pro-Obama ad, “Wake the Fuck Up”. WTFU is the story of Little Susie, a politically conscious 8-year old girl, who must convince her family the importance of campaigning for the upcoming election. Four years ago Susie’s family was riding high on the Obama Hope wave but this time around they are less than enthused. Lucky for Susie, she has the motivational skills of Samuel L. Jackson on her side. Speaking in true story-book rhyming scheme Samuel L. encourages everyone, from siblings to horny grandparents, to “Wake the Fuck Up!” And he’s a very hard man to say no to…

Febelfin | “Mindreader”

Of the course of the past few years branded viral video campaigns have evolved to the point where one can loosely classify them by “genre”. Three major categories come to mind. First are the short narratives, like this one from Perrier, that borrow a distinct cinematic aesthetic from filmmaking. In the “stunt” genre (a strategy trail blazed by Red Bull) the audience is treated to a death defying extreme sport or activity that only minutely involves the sponsored product. Finally there is the “prank” genre where average, unsuspecting folk are confronted with a peculiar or unnerving situation in a public space. Although “prank” ads are designed and promoted as nothing more than a branded observational documentary, sometimes the situations and reactions appear too contrived to have taken place unscripted. Like reality TV before it, these advertisements beg the question: “Is this real or staged?”

That is certainly something to consider when watching this spot from Belgian financial group Febelfin. Here’s the set-up: inside a white tent in Brussels, passersbys have been invited to take part in an upcoming TV show starring a clairvoyant named Dave. The New Agey Dave first appears to be an authentic medium- he uses his powers to ascertain all sorts of personal information from his guests, including detailed financial information. So how does he do it? In true dramatic fashion, a curtains is ripped down, revealing a team of ski-masked techies who have (supposedly) gathered all this information online. The Febelfin logo appears, encourages us to be vigilant, and practice safe online banking. The victims look genuinely surprised by the stunt- but the execution is almost too good to be true. Then again, truth is stranger than fiction.

iPhone 5 Glued to the Ground | iPhone5NL

It’s that time of the year again! That’s right folks – flu season is here. But fear not! I’m not here to warn thee of the diseases and ailments caused by swine or deranged bovine. I speak instead of the iPhone fever that now grips the country.

It is true that the phone has received a lukewarm reception from critics but this hasn’t deterred millions of Americans from helping Apple set record profits. Rival Samsung has done a great job poking fun of the hype surrounding the iPhone in their latest commercial. And Apple has released a slew of advertising for the latest incarnation, ranging from inspirational to cheesy. But my favorite ad for the phone comes from Dutch website iPhone5.nl. If the name didn’t tip you off already, these folks whole business is selling iPhone 5’s, specifically in the Netherlands. And you’ll never guess what they did with the first one they got their hands on…

They super glued it to the ground! A fantastic idea really, taking something that so many people covet and rendering it completely useless for a laugh. And unlike the Febelfin ad, this spot has a low-fi production value that lends to its authenticity. It is interesting to compare the two advertisements: both follow the criteria of the “prank” genre, but one has a large corporate budget while the other has a guerilla, D-I-Y feel to it.

Ironically, I found myself wishing some of the reactions were more extreme. I guess the Dutch don’t go ga-ga over iPhones the way us Yanks do. Maybe they’ve been inoculated with an iPhone flu shot. Makes sense, given their health care system.

Viral Video Ad Round-Up: August 30th, 2012

Posted on August 30, 2012 by Seedwell Creative Studio

Little Baby’s Ice Cream | This is a Special Time

Certainly an interesting ad from Philadelphia based creamery Little Baby’s Ice Cream. The team here at Seedwell know the folks at Little Baby’s intimately, having worked with them in an episode from the Philly section of our American Hipster documentary series. This ad is so peculiar and out there, it fits the humorous sensibilities of the folks at Little Baby’s perfectly! But the video also illustrates an important Internet rule of thumb: strange is good.

When people see a deranged, chalk-white man who seems incapable of blinking as he shovels ice cream from the top of his head into his mouth, it triggers a strong innate reaction in people to share that vision with others. No use fighting it, it’s just in our biology. So enjoy, and spread the gospel of Little Baby’s far and wide!

Carlton Draught | Beer Chase

The nature of contemporary advertisements have fundamentally changed with the proliferation of streaming video. As sites like YouTube commercialized over the past five years they have, in turn, influenced the formatting, style, and distribution of mainstream commercials. Traditional fifteen and thirty second television spots are by no means gone, but they are no longer the central focus of advertising campaigns. Long format commercials – a minute or two in length – intended for online distribution (and later edited into shorter TV spots) are increasingly important to brands. One of the many benefits of this approach is it allows for a more engaging and creative advertisement.

Certainly these sorts of ads have become increasingly cinematic in recent years: instead of offering us trailer-like glimpses of a pseduo-film, these long format commercials feature complete mini-narratives. The new spot for Carlton Draught is a perfect example. It takes a film convention (the getaway car chase), pokes fun of the cliches associated with it, and is branded in a way that is entertaining but not distracting.

Four bank robbers stop in for a pint after a successful heist. It’s only after they’ve ordered their beers that they realize the bar is full of cops. The chase is on! But it’s a footrace: the robbers, beers in hands, have the good sense not to use their getaway vehicle (because drinking and driving is a guaranteed no no!). Despite being on foot all the tropes of the high-speed car chase appear: getting air over hills, avoiding glass-carrying window repairmen, and barreling through a police blockade. The video ends happily for our anti-heros; the quartet, having attempted to jump the gap of a bridge, land on a boat full of attractive women and more Carlton – safe from the wrath of the police. Unfortunately they seemed to have left all the money behind at the bar…

Old Spice | Muscle Music

Ohhh Old Spice, you’re at it again. And in such a fantastically interactive manner. Terry Crews, the king of Old Spice randomness, is back – this time with his muscles hooked up to a variety of a musical instruments. When Crews flexes, a particular note or drum plays. Soon he is using his body to create a symphony of sound. Needless to say, it’s a lot of fun to watch.

But it’s even more fun to do. After the video ends, Crews engages the viewer directly, encouraging them to click his muscles to make their own jam. You can record your original tune and even download it to show off to your friends at a later date. But alas, all good things must come to an end. Eventually, the excitement of playing Crews’s body as an instrument wears off we are left staring at our computer screens wondering, what will Old Spice think of next?

Old Spice Muscle Music from Terry Crews on Vimeo.

Intel & Toshiba | The Beauty Inside Offical Trailer

Intel and Toshiba have come together to create an ambitious branded video project that combines online interactivity, original YouTube content, and Hollywood filmmaking. The premise revolves around a man, Alex, who wakes up everyday in the body of a different individual. Talk about first world problems!

The campaign incorporates aspects of different media to create an interactive and unique branded experience. In an attempt to build word of mouth buzz like a viral video “The Beauty Inside” utilizes audience engagement by giving viewers the opportunity to audition online to play one of the “Alexes”. The short is broken up into six episodes that follow the basic format YouTube has pioneered with its Original Content Initiative. But “The Beauty Inside” has all sorts of film pedigree: it is directed by Sundance award-winner Drake Doremus, features Topher Grace as the voice of Alex, and has the aesthetic & production value of a Hollywood-produced film.

“The Beauty Inside” campaign is a creative and original experiment in online advertising. It’s generated a lot of buzz thus far but we will have to wait and see if that excitement continues for the duration of the “film”.

Viral Video Ad Round-Up: July 31st, 2012

Posted on July 31, 2012 by Seedwell Creative Studio

DC & Ken Block | Gymkhaha Five “Urban Playground San Francisco”

The most incredible part of this video is not Ken Block’s driving, the city of San Francisco, or the DC shoes that appear for all of twenty seconds; it is the sheer scale of the production. Mad props go out to the location scout that secured shooting in some of our fine city’s most iconic locations: the Financial District, Russian Hill, and even the Bay Bridge.

The video, shot over four action packed days, opens with Block revving the engine of his custom Ford Focus on a seemingly empty Bay Bridge – traffic having been slowed down by CHP. Once the initial disbelief over the improbability of the setting wears off, Block slams down on the gas and takes us on the wildest ride through the city since the days of Steve McQueen. He drifts around moving Cable Cars, zooms past buddy Travis Pastrana, and gets some serious air soaring over the hilltop streets of SF before eventually crossing a finish line atop Twin Peaks. All of it is shot from a variety of angles, in excessive slow-motion, and even incorporates bullet-time effects.

Not unlike automotive cousin NASCAR, the video is bubbling over with branded advertising. DC’s name is obviously all over the place but let’s not forget Block’s Ford Focus and the slew of additional sponsors the vehicle displays as it tears up the city streets. And after seven and half minutes of Block’s stunning display the brands get their chance to shine, taking over the rest of the ten minute video to promote themselves while Styk’s “Sailing Away” blasts in the background. It’s a win-win-win-win for all parties involved.

AMC | Put Zombies Back on TV

AMC is not standing idly by while Dish Network removes the channel from its programming. They’ve taken the fight to the streets… literally.

Using top of the line make-up, AMC’s team has transformed a dozen or so New Yorkers into zombies, not unlike the ones you’d find on their hit show The Walking Dead. Released on the streets among the general population the zombies elicit a range of reactions: everything from startled to fleeing to laughter to disbelief. The best moments come when the undead appear in uniform and on the job (a zombie postman, construction worker, & meter maid). I mean the undead have to make a living too, right? Perhaps unintentionally, AMC is making a point about the mindlessness of blue-collar city work.

Only at the end of the video do we get a clue as to AMC’s real intent: a zombie drags a satellite dish behind him, as he stumbles forward text appears, asking us to put the zombie’s back on TV. Clicking the link at the bottom of the video brings you to The Walking Dead homepage and it finally becomes clear that this is indeed a branded video, not some random prank with a huge make-up budget. The subtleness of AMC’s approach is what will allow this video to become a viral hit.

And what is up with Zombie pranks lately? Back in May there was the man who was found eating another man’s face , then last month this video appeared online, and now this AMC spot. What’s the world coming to? Then again, it is 2012…

Virgin Mobile Australia | Meet Doug Pitt “Fair Go Bro”

Wait, that’s really Brad Pitt’s brother? Then this is genius. We are introduced to Doug Pitt a.k.a. the “second most famous Pitt in his family” in Virgin Mobile’s new viral ad “Meet Doug Pitt” (catch the reference to one of brother Brad’s flicks?).

Doug’s life is a far cry from Hollywood royalty. When he shoots, he doesn’t always score (literally). Sure he’s an amatuer gourmet (he can make lasagna!) but the misses controls what’s on TV and Doug is forced to go into his “man cave” to listen to his 70’s rock music – on headphones.

Luckily for Doug, Virgin Mobile is here to make sure that he gets his 15 seconds of fame – a concentrated dose of brother Brad’s lifestyle. So they’ve built their ad campaign around Doug, giving him his first endorsement, and are asking fans to throw the poor guy a bone – or in this case a “like”- by visiting their site.

Bravo to Doug for being a good sport about everything. He might not posses the dramatic range of Brad but he nails the deadpan delivery and is comfortable parodying himself. Let’s hope this isn’t the last we see of him.

Airtime | “Best Internet You’ve Ever Had”

It’s paying off to be cheeky on the Internet these days. After the spot for Dollar Shave Club went viral back in March it has become clear that the ironic, direct-address approach pioneered by the folks at Old Spice is now an advertising standard. The new video-chat service, Airtime, is the latest company to embrace the strategy.

Airtime is the biggest invention since the sextant and phonograph, at least that’s what fictional millionaire Buckley Rivington would have you believe. Buckley introduces the service while simultaneously showing off his eccentric lifestyle: he uses Airtime to meet attractive girls, chat with pal Kurt Russell, and take business advice from MC Hammer. The spot is a fantastic parody of pompous millionaires and shows off the new company’s sense of humor – which Old Spice and the Dollar Shave Club have shown us is increasingly important. We’ll just have to wait and see if that strategy pays off for the young Airtime.

Viral Video Ad Round-Up: June 30th 2012

Posted on June 30, 2012 by Seedwell Creative Studio

Pepsi MAX & Kyrie Irving | “Uncle Drew”

They just don’t make ‘em like they used to. Or do they? In this hilarious new video, Pepsi MAX teams up with NBA Rookie of the Year Kyrie Irving to give us a vision of an old school baller we could only imagine. Makes me wish MJ still had these kind of moves instead of spending his time running the Charlotte Bobcats into the ground.

Irving’s skills are on full display in this video, both on the court and in his performance as Drew. After four hours of make-up, he is Uncle Drew – old and crotchety, bemoaning the state of basketball nowadays. It’s safe to say Kyrie has actually met a few old timers like this.

The ruse is simple: Drew accompanies his “nephew” Kevin to a game down at the local court. When a player on Kevin’s team is unexpectedly injured, Uncle Drew subs in. Drew is rusty at first, missing wide open jumpers (“bank!”) and lay ups, but it doesn’t take long for Irving to turn on the juice. Before you know it, Drew is throwing himself an oop-pass off the backboard and dunking to the amazement of all those gathered. It’s truly a treat to watch Irving school everyone on the court while referring to them all as “youngblood”. Pepsi remains low key in their branding, quietly appearing in the hands of a few spectators, letting Irving, an NBA superstar in the making, shine: not only does he “wow” on the court, he has the charisma and sense of humor to produce the best basketball commercials since this man.

Tipp-Ex | Hunter & Bear’s 2012 Birthday Party

Rule of thumb: sequels are never as good (except for The Empire Strikes Back). It applies to films as much as it applies to viral videos and marketing campaigns. Doesn’t mean that they can’t be fun.

Well the boys at Tipp-Ex are at it again, attempting to recreate the magic of their 2010 hit with the return of Mr. Hunter and Mr. Bear. This time around the duo (and their voyeuristic camera man) are in the midst of a birthday party when they are interrupted from the festivities by the impending arrival of a meteor sure to wipe out any and all traces of life on planet earth… yikes!

Like in the original we, the viewer, are given an inane choice – to either “End the Party” or to accept the inevitability of death and enjoy our last remaining moments by clicking “Don’t End the Party”. However, it seems the choice doesn’t really matter because clicking either option leads to the same outcome: the hunter decides he doesn’t want to to die, magically reaches outside the confines of the YouTube box (my god – is he breaking the fifth wall?), and grabs the conveniently placed Tipp-Ex eraser from the adjacent advertisement. He covers up “2012” from the title of the video and then pleads with the viewer to select another year, you know, when we were all better off.

And here’s where things get interesting. We pick a date, the screen flashes white, and Mr. Hunter and Mr. Bear enact out a scene from the corresponding year (or decade or century). All in all, there about 40 different variations: everything from a 9/11 tribute to Jesus’s birth to the year 3000. What’s interesting and exciting about Tipp-Ex’s campaign is not so much the content but the interactive strategy they are exploring. It’s like a choose-your-own-adventure book but with marketing. Tip-Exx is taking full advantage of the Internet’s ability to engage consumers and have been rewarded handsomely: 9, 565, 801 as of 10-22-12. It will be interesting to see how this kind of interactive approach will play out in other campaigns.

PBS – Mr. Rogers Remixed

Well PBS certainly stepped outside the box with this one. Working with YouTube creator John Boswell, aka Melodysheep, PBS has created viral tributes to its most revered figures. For those unfamiliar with Melodysheep, he is a master of autotune, selecting sounds bites and crafting them into full-fledged songs. If you haven’t already, check out his amazing (and informative) series of videos “Symphony of Science” featuring the works of Carl Sagan, Stephen Hawkins, and others.

Melodysheep has selected three of PBS’s most iconic broadcasters to auto-tune: Bob Ross, Julia Child, and Fred Rogers. No disrespect to Mr. Ross or Mrs. Child, their videos have put up respectable numbers, but Mr. Roger’s is blowing them out of the neighborhood!

And with good reason. Just about anyone who was a child at any point over the past thirty years has a fondness in their hearts for Mr. Rogers. But when was the last time you watched him as an adult (without children present)? Therein lies the genius of Melodysheep and PBS’s collaboration: by acknowledging the inherent silliness of Fred Rogers and the things he says, they can affectionately poke fun of him. Mr. Roger’s Remixed walks the fine line between childhood sentimentality and an adult (or at least adolescent) sense of humor. For instance, the creepy glitter in Roger’s eye when he says “In the garden of your… MIND” has me nervously laughing every time yet still manages to get across the sincerity of the man’s message. Working together, PBS and Melodysheep have taken Roger’s legacy a step further and successfully brought him to the tongue-in-cheek world of the Internet.

BMW – Bullet

BMW, now that’s a classy car company. Instead of opting to go the Carl’s Jr. route (I’m looking at you Kia!) and attempt to sell a car based on its merit to get women, they have decided to compare it to an entirely different sort of phallic object: a gun. Well technically a bullet, but it’s all relevant.

In the new online spot “Bullet” a BMW M5 races out of a pseudo barrel, quickly reaching top speed, and destroying anything in its path. Sure the things in its path happen to be made out of glass, balloons, and cardboard — but the M5 doesn’t care, it wrecks them all just the same! And in glorious slow-motion backed with classical piano accompaniment. It just goes to show that everything looks cooler slowed down.

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