Did You Know? Movies

All movies have their own unique selling proposition because they’re all tailored for different people with different tastes. Some people have no interest in seeing the Avengers, but that is why advertising is so important! Because it is possible to sway those people on the fence with strategic marketing efforts!

Movies have a huge advantage when it comes to advertising because they don’t have to worry about indirectly promoting a substitute (similar product). If you were to see a commercial for shampoo or lotion, but it told you it wasn’t coming out for a couple of months, what would you do? If you’re like %99 of people, when you go out to buy shampoo or lotion, you’re not going to go home empty handed because the new brand wasn’t there. You may recall the brand and even the commercial, but in the end you buy what’s available. And movies have the ability, unlike many other products, to build anticipation before their release! This is good news for the people sitting in the Box Office. IF YOU MAKE MOVIES, THEY WILL WATCH THEM.

Shark Week Is Coming

The title says it all. It’s a bad week to be a seal!

Honda Accord Domino Commercial

Hands Down, one of the coolest commercials ever. I don’t even want to know how long this took to make, but it sure is fun to watch! This was done using only parts from the Honda Accord. Pretty impressive, right?

Commentary: Ford Ad

Based on THIS article, is there an ethical issue?

In this situation, Ford Motor Company is under scrutiny for releasing some questionable advertisements last week. The advertisements originated from their Indian unit which used an advertising agency outside of Ford, called JWT India. As of today, it’s still unclear whether anyone at Ford India had actually approved or even seen the ads. Either way, these ads have been labeled “Disgusting” and “Demeaning to women”. Needless to say, the ads caused a sever uproar with online consumers.

The ethical situation here is obvious once you’ve seen the ad. For any company to connect their organization with such a blatantly sexist advertisement is risky to say the least. Many news readers have even used the word “stupid” and it really is. It’s just logic and common sense. Even hinting at the fact that men are superior to women is unethical; and untrue. Not to mention the fact that women (in India) are already in the spotlight from recently passed violence against women laws. There is no excuse for this kind of behavior. Ford has been in the game a long time and will probably remain here for many years to come. All Ford can do is learn from this error and keep moving forward.

This article honestly surprises me and the advertisement surprises me even more. I don’t think I’m the only one though. Ford expressed genuine shock and concern for this event. Their first action was to apologize to the public and locate the source of such advertisements. This was honestly the only option that Ford had. There’s no point in trying to deny or cover up their mistakes. We all make mistakes, and I think as people we must learn to be accepting of others mistakes.

Commercial: Carlton Draught “Big Ad”

This is another hilarious advertisement and yet again, a foreign company has really outdone themselves. Carlton Draught is an Australian lager that released the memorable “Big Ad” in 2005. I found it interesting that this advertisement was promoted even before its broadcast on television. The promotion in this case was a viral marketing technique which consisted of streaming the advertisement over the internet. With over 100,000 downloads the first day; The viral release of the “Big Ad” was so successful that the company reduced its television media budget so as not to overexpose the advertisement. Well done.

Mad Men

I’ve just recently got into this show recommended to me by my father. He obviously knows my plans to major in marketing because that’s a lot of what this show is about. I watched the first episode of season one and was instantly in love with the show. Two days later I’m already starting on the second season!

Mad Men is set in the 1960’s. Donald Draper, played by Jon Hamm is the protagonist in the show. In the first season, Donald is an Account Manager at the fictional Sterling Cooper advertising agency. Don’t let these big words fool you though, there is plenty of excitement to go around. When you see Mr. Draper get himself into a predicament, you’re gonna want to see him smooth talk his way out of it.

When I see Donald in action and I see what he does for a living, it makes me want to pursue something similar.  I haven’t been specific which way I would go with my marketing degree, but I know it will be something like this. Advertising. Making money by getting people to pay for a product. No doubt a challenge, but I think I’m up to it.

Since it’s time on air, Mad Men has received critical acclaim, particularly for its historical authenticity and visual style. The show has also won multiple awards, including fifteen Emmys and four Golden Globes. I’m not saying that this show is for everyone, but awards aren’t won for nothing. A lot of talented people put their time into making this show, and it’s apparent in every episode. Check it out!