The Bottom Rung

Last night while watching the Toronto vs. Philly game, the most ridiculous ad ever appeared during one of the breaks. Before I say anything, here is a quote from a random message board on ihaveanidea.org about this campaign.

“I almost feel bad bringing this up because I know we should applaud a client and agency that try to do something different but this time I just can’t do it. I never thought I’d long for majestic driving shots with a Jack Bauer VO but that is what these spots make me desire.” -Mr. Opinion

It’s odd associating myself with someone called Mr. Opinion. However when he’s right he’s right. This spot, at face value, is everything an ad agency could want. It’s out there, it’s creative, it’s a totally new direction for the genre and Ford bought it! Ford, the guys that do vanilla ads like almost every other car maker (except Toyota) bought into the concept of Lion Man. Just wow.

But the ad is corny, the “7 colour ambient lighting” made my entire living room erupt with laughter and it’s a Ford Focus. I’m sorry but no. Social Life Accelerators include Lamborghinis, Ferraris, Astons and Bentleys. NOT Fords. Trying to swallow the idea that buying a Ford Focus will somehow make me cool is laughable. Sorry dudes.

(This excludes Tom & Martha who owned one for a while cause they are actually cool)

HOWEVER, if Ford made more ads like the one below…they could actually start competing with Toyota.

(No offense to Pepper or Angel, I miss you both)

UPDATE: Or how about this Lexus ad, brought to my attention by one of my favourite people.

Have a good remembrance day weekend.

Source: Geoff Wyatt (My roommate and esteemed business colleague)

Source: ibelieveinadv.com

Who will be Canada’s next top agency? Tough to say given the competition.

Capital C
Extreme Group
Fuel Industries
John St.
The Karo Group
Lowe Roche
Media Experts
Ogilvy & Mather
Sid Lee
Taxi

I have heard of most of the contenders on the list, but there are a few surprises. Most notably Rethink, one of my favourites, is absent. As is Leo Burnett, while John St. made it on the list (they are the ones with the freaky girl on their website).

Vote Now, Vote Often. And don’t forget…

HEMA is an international retail organization with stores in the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxemburg and Germany. Customer-friendly and with a unique profile, HEMA distinguishes itself from other retailers by selling its own brand. In addition, HEMA develops its own assortment and likes to surprise customers with timely offers of products for daily use. HEMA products are typically convenient, practical and attractive and of good quality.

Yes, I copied that directly from their website. But I really had no idea who these people were. All I know is that somehow Get Elastic stumbled across them and they are amazing.

It’s a totally new direction for online shopping retailers in terms of advertising their site and I love it. All the stuff interacts so organically, it’s like it was meant to be. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a little out there…but that’s the Dutch for you. Click on the picture to check it out.