October 2006

Here’s the latest installment in the Mini campaign done by SanFran based Butler, Shine, Stern & Partners. This time there is no decoder kit required to view the message, instead we are given a “Mini Parking Amulet.” Made for non-mini owners, this amulet is supposed to aid owners of big cars with finding parking spaces as “It’s not easy squeezing a mastadon into a marmot hole.” Combined with the usual witty copy, this punch-out amulet was a pretty novel idea. First they went after mini-owners, now it seems they are going after the “other” crowd. The best part is the text on the back:

Still circling? In the very, very , very remote chance your amulet is defective, remain calm. Cursing the amulet will only summon forth additional fire hydrants and loading zones from parking purgatory. Take a deep breath, visit miniusa.com, and restore your faith in parking magic.

Needless to say, I’m a fan of this project.

—[UPDATE]—

Ian Cooper from www.gpmini.net just sent me the billboard accompaniment found “on Route 1 in Saugus just north of Boston, Massachusetts.” Thanks Ian.

Here’s an interesting animation for two new spots out by GE. Directed and produced by Tronic(with music and sound by Statique Sound), I especially like the world blowing up at the end only to re-form as the GE logo.
You can view the other spot, utilizing 3d text, here.

I thought that this spot was pretty clever in the way they show all the various products available for your kitchen at Ikea. The changes are slight, but still works well in showcasing the many different kitchen items that are for sale. My only critique is the choice of music, I think they could have done a lot better. Done by TBWA for Ikea Portugal and produced/directed by Conkerco. Creative work done by Paulo Afonso and Tiago Viegas.
You can view the other spot entitled, “Wedding Album,” here.

Looks like Chicago is eagerly vying for the 2016 Olympics as they have unveiled their proposed logo early this week. Done as pro-bono work by VSA Partners, it definitely looks better than some of the previous years concoctions, [cough]Sydney 2000 [cough].

Taken from the press release:

The Chicago 2016 logo is styled in the shape of a torch and consists of three distinct visual components. The flame, in the shape of Chicago’s skyline, reflects the international significance of Chicago architecture and speaks to the vitality of a city that rose from the ashes. The body of the torch merges a color palette that represents the blue of Lake Michigan with the vibrant green of the city’s park system — further underscoring Chicago’s commitment to the environment and sustainability. Together, these visual elements evoke the spirit of the Olympic Games and its values.

Seems like a power-play on the part of Mayor Daley, it should be interesting to see if it pays off.

I thought this was hilarious. You’ve probably seen those “picture a day” videos done by a few folks (here, here and here.) on YouTube, well here’s a pretty clever spoof of the concept done by The Olde English Comedy Group. Watch as Ben takes a photo of himself everyday while undergoing various lifestyle changes. Hilarity ensues.

thanks to threeminds.organic.com for the link.