viral marketing
07/24/2007
"Set IT Managers Free," Directed by Christopher Guest
Okay, I'll admit it: I don't know the first thing about hardware-based security. But thanks to this ad for Intel's vPro and Centrino Pro, directed by the inimitable Christopher Guest, I want to know more.
In the spot, "Old School" rocker Dan Finnerty strolls through a cubicle maze, crooning about his software and IT problems of yore, before meeting up mid-office with indie artist Rob Giles, who's done up for the occasion like the unholy spawn of Axl Rose, Ozzy Osbourne, and, uh, several other unholy people. Together they rock the place out with lyrical tales of the magic things that happen with hardware-based remote managability.
Did I leave the experience knowing more about the topic than when I started? Not so much. But I was left with a powerful urge to forth and look stuff up about it. So there you go. Plus, I dig that one guy who can't get his lighter to work. Hee.
07/09/2007
Epuron Gives a Lost Soul New Purpose
In this quirky advertisement, a wobegone Frenchman describes the sad life he once led. He was a misunderstood loner, his playful attempts to engage strangers -- knocking off their hats, mussing their hair, lifting up their skirts -- leaving him ignored and friendless. Hmm. Hard to imagine why.
But just when you start to think that maybe this socially dysfunctional Froggie was alone for all-too-good reasons, the story turns. He tells you the story of a man he met who gave him a job, a purpose -- a reason to go on. And THEN the whole thing gets flipped on its ear as the Frenchman's true identity is revealed, and the esoteric meets the metaphorical in a resolution that is sweet, clever, and frankly just super-cute.
06/22/2007
Cisco Systems: Don't Have a Meltdown
In this elaborate viral campaign, Cisco Systems leaks us the "candid" video Businessman has meltdown in hotel lobby, featuring a man losing his mind after being unable to reach a colleague, find an electrical outlet, or get a cup of coffee. The video ends in a link for Don't Have a Meltdown, where a kindly therapist explains the toll poor business communications systems can take on your mental health. This leads to a "treatment session" (commercial), which eventually leads to a phone number, which you can then use to get all your business communications integrated, making it easier to reach anyone anytime, and filling your life with bliss thereafter.
What is never explained is how Cisco Systems would prevent any of the problems that drive the poor businessmen over the edge. Are they going to make the colleague answer the phone? Install new outlets at the hotel? Fill the coffee urns? Get him treatment for his anger management issues and flagrant abuse of prescription drugs and crystal meth?
I fear not.
06/05/2007
The Internet Loves Beer (Commercials)
Rolling Rock tried once before to fake a scandal, so their claims that this commercial is too cool for school (or network television) have us all a little suspicious. I'll admit to chuckling around the twenty second mark -- it is COMMITTED to hitting men in the junk -- but it's nothing mindblowing or outlandish.
Meanwhile, "Swear Jar," this new spot from Bud.TV, is actually very charming and well-produced, while actually delivering on its promise of sauciness. Both of these ads are fun, but no one likes an attention whore, Rolling Rock. And Bud.TV has earned our interest.
