Indigo - Love of Reading Commercial
Awww... I love this ad. Softsell yet hard hitting.
Mccann 'Truth Well Told' Party - Night Time
Ok this is the part where 'good behaviour' from the day session below goes out the window yah. But everyone had fun and it was still a blast!
McCann 'Truth Well Told' Party - Day Time
The party was great. Everyone was on their best. We had movie screening, talks by top people in advertising, good food and even better company.
Blehh...!
What the hell!? I hope this is not gonna turn into some soap opera drama shit!
Beautiful Disaster
Wow! For a huge disaster, this is beautifully illustrated! Now this is what you call an eye for beauty. Even the ugliest of situations can be breathtaking. Relating myself back to an older post, i have to say this... Now if THIS is the kind of work anyone produce, i guess being a Diva while they work is OK.
As part of London Festival of Architecture 2008, award-winning media production studio Squint/Opera envisions London life in 2090, long after sea levels have risen from global warming. Imitating some of the techniques of the super-idealistic Victorian landscape painters, Squint/Opera have used a combination of photography, 3d modeling and digital manipulation to present five unique visions of a tranquil utopia in a familiar, yet drastically altered, landscape
Euromonitor International: 25 Global Consumer Trends 2008
Have been reading up on the Euromonitor International: 25 Global Consumer Trends 2008. It’s a VERY loooooooog read but I’ll summarize it you’re your easy reading (I hope).
Basically the mood for 2007 and 2008 is really different - like day and night. A year ago there was a more positive mood. Those people who warning of dark days to come economically were regarded as doomsayers. But now 2008, it is somewhere between anxious and gloomy! People now are worried of high inflation and recession. It hasn’t really come to depression-era or anything like that but one thing for certain is that people are uncertain of what the future may hold. And uncertainty is bad for business especially in the new interconnected world which is hugely dependant on confidence. Dun dun dun!!!
With dark clouds, there’s always a silver lining. It’s no acceptation in this case. With doubt and instability (in some sectors. Too long to get into that right now), the people want change. Locally, we are seeing the biggest lost for Barisan National and the rise of opposition party. In the US, Barack Obama’s talk of change appears to be resonating well with many American voters. In China, the Beijing Olympics is anticipated to draw the world’s attention to China and there’s debate as to weather it will lead to more or less freedom for the people of the country. On top of that, “New technology” is becoming normal and access to the internet is growing. People are putting their thought and opinions online and User Generated Content are becoming more and more popular.
OK! On with the 25 Global Trends….
HEALTH & WELLBEING
Expanding Waistline
Despite widespread advice on eating less and rising awareness on healthy living, people of the world are getting FATTER.
Paying for health
Consumers are spending more and more on health. Medical care, pharmaceutical products, insurance, hospital bills, etc.
Hearts & Minds
As the world’s population is ageing, many are looking into supplements to promote their health. Especially products for the heart and mind. Ginko Biloba, Glucosamine, Fish Oil, Garlic, Vitamins, etc
Health Inequalities
The gap between life expectancy of rich and poor is growing wide as the gap between rich and poor are getting wider within nations.
Gut Feeling (Probiotic & Prebiotic)
Probiotic & Prebiotics are becoming more popular as healthy ingredients within foods. USA, Japan and Italy are the biggest contributor to the world value sales. Trend could possibly grow in other countries.
IDENTITY, SELF-EXPRESSION & HAPPINESS
Happiness
Economies with a large population tend to be less happy. (China, Japan, India).
Pirated Goods
Many people are happy to pay for fake goods without asking questions. Affecting the entertainment industry mostly where music and movies are concern.
Return of rarity and Rise of Simplicity
As luxury brands look for mass appeal, many are also looking for exclusivity. People are looking to be different to impress. Manufacturers are now turning to “Limited Editions” , “Customizables” and “Exclusivity” to market their products/brands.
As for simplicity; status always require rarity, and with “luxury” being ubiquitous, sometimes less is more and simplicity is a signifier of luxury.
Rise of connoisseurship
Specializing in a category is a rising global trend. The rise of the internet has facilitated the rise of connoisseurship. For example, online booksellers and music sellers makes it easier to find rare editions.
Rise of middle class? Or the consumer class?
“Middle class” people are growing could also mean the rise of spending power. Consumers who spends more now are seen as the “norm” as household incomes had grown with both men and women working.
BELONGING
Social Networking
The nature of communication has been taken to another level where people are reconnecting with lost friends, collage mates and other social groups. Facebook may be the flavor of the month but social networking is here to stay.
New business models for networks
Consumer appeal of social networking has been strong which are also attracting advertisers. A balance must be struck to keep it non-invasive yet money making. Myspace’s advertising revenue was USD805 million while facebook a mere USD305 million.
Online Etiquettes
New online etiquettes are forming with the rise of the internet and social networking. Privacy, courtesy and ethics are all new and developing rapidly.
DIY
“Made for me” overlaps with the move towards greater luxury. Those seeking to find discernment are looking to buy original. For some there is also the added advantage of being able to specify how the goods are made.
Brands are identity.
When people have to create their own identity, brands become symbols that help them to navigate the world and find others whom they share values and dreams.
TECHNOLOGY
Identity anxiety
Concerns about identity theft are increasing. Travelling on-line leaves footprint, now as visible as anything left in the real world. Identity fraud is rising and so people are more guarded on this matter.
My mobile my home
For many young people, their mobile is their home. Music, videos, movies, clips, contacts, calendar, reminders and games are all on their phones and that makes it very important to them.
The new MTV – Mobile TV
The interaction between on line-and off-line is blurring. Manufacturers and broadcasters are catering and contributing more to this new media. While TV is not dying off as predicted, mobile TV is definitely picking up.
Life’s a Game
Online life/gaming is growing especially for the youth market. People are spending more and more time is virtual world compared to the real one.
Magical Technology
Technology is moving at great speed. Things that seem like sci-fi are now becoming possible. The new becomes old fast so developers will always need to be on their toes.
WORK, REST & PLAY
Wealthier but not better off
The increase in overall economy wellbeing are not being translated directly into consumer income.
Home & The Basics
In developed markets, most home owners have mortgage but vice versa in less developed markets. However trends are showing upcomers like China & India are slowly changing towards home owners with mortgage.
Food or Fun
Americans have spent more money on eating out and especially foodservice rather than on buying food for home consumptions. This could be a following trend especially if the world is heading towards ‘convenience’ and ‘too busy to buy food’ people.
Unemployment
Unemployment, and the fear of unemployment, is the largest driver of changes in spending behavior. This might affect all market sectors.
Fast Money
Fast money is looking to be strong trend globally. More people are opting for Credit cards, ATM cards, Debit Cards, Smart Cards as compared to before. This could incur more spending unconsciously since people do not feel the money going out.
Divas & Dramas
Yesterday was abit of a stressful day for some of my colleagues. As usual, timelines are tight and work still needs to get done so drama happens. I understand that the creatives can get bogged down with a lot of things, but that's no excuse for being RUDE. It’s fine if you argue back on work and give your opinions but there is no need to be Divas and throw tantrums. It just reflect how poorly some people are brought up – IMHO lah.
My New Zen Song
Israel Kamakawiwo'ole - Somewhere Over the Rainbow
Edit: Dedicated to Michael Turner. May you rest in peace. You will be missed...
(Mp3 @ source)
For The Love Of Petrol Card
With all the crazy petrol increase I feel lucky that our company gave us a petrol card right from the very beginning. With all the hike in prices, it would definitely blow a hole in my monthly gaji if it weren't for the card. Cheers!
Fragile Balance
Having said that, I think its a fragile balance right now cause of the 'other' acct which I'm suppose to be helping out temporarily is getting more and more.....Hectic. I haven't been doing any actual execution work but I have been attending some of their meetings. YA ALLAH!!!! One meeting can go on for 5 HOURS! And they will keep changing and changing everything on the visual or/and script. I cant blame them also cause the clients side have many levels of approvals and on top of that, they are not familiar with the whole advertising process. So, I have a very bad feeling that I'm gonna get raped by this acct very soon.
Team Picture!
Another random picture when Zahir went trigger happy with the camera. He was so overwhelm by the hotness of this picture that he took MC the next day (Serious!). And look at Zack in the picture. Classic tongue pose.
Wesak Day
Its Wesak day today! Happy Wesak day to my Wesak celebrating friends. Even though it's a holiday today on Monday, my body clock still wakes me up at 5.30am. O well... might as well enjoy the morning!
Coca-Cola - CHUP! Commercial
One of my favorite Malaysian ads. A Coca-Cola advertisement that was done back in 97/98. Honestly I thought they did a great job in localizing the brand but yet making it fun and preserving the brand essence.
Ari's Law
On Traffic Jam
As soon as you switch lane, your original lane will start moving faster.
On Advertising (Client Servicing)
Your job brief will never be clear enough for the creative team.
On Advertising (Creative)
Your award winning visuals will never be as good as the client’s stick drawings.
Cleverly Stupid Ads
I don't have any example right now but I've noticed some ads in Malaysia are trying to be clever or appear witty. Maybe its because I'm in this industry and I tend to pick on the littlest thing but I really don't like it when the ad feels forced or when there are too many layers in the joke. An ad is suppose to SELLLLLLL the product. It's great if creativity can flow within the delivery but it should not be forced.
I'd rather listen to those hard-sell Kamdar / Beras Jati ads rather than so-called clever witty award winning ads. No doubt some of them are good but not those who are trying too hard or have too many layers in the delivery. Like my clients always say.."dumb dumb it abit" or simply put it, KEEP IT SIMPLE!
I'll try to find some sample one of these days and post em here.
Tie
Today will be my first time wearing a tie in a looooooooooooooooooong while. Meeting some bigshot clients. Almost forgot how to tie it but thanks to the internet everything is fine now.
I want my jeans and tshirt!!
Coke Euro 2008 Launch
We were at the Coke Euro 2008 launch this afternoon at KL. It was a private event but we had lots of fun. Got some of cam whore moments. Sadly the camera died halfway through.
Carole King - Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow
I love her version of this song. Simply beautiful.
MP3 @ Source
Mariah Carey - Touch My Body
With the stress of facing work tomorrow morning, this song brings me solace. Yes i know it's a weird zen song but it works for me. I'm not kidding!
MP3 @ Source
Worry Wart
I get paranoid when I have things pending at work.
1. Our LRT / Lightbox design got rejected due to some anal people on the media approval board. We have to revise it and I hope the clients are agreeable to the solution I have in mind. If not then we're in deep shit.
2. I have to follow-up on some minor translation for our press ad.
3. I need to go for Coke Euro launch on Tuesday. The operative word here is NEED. Even though I have all this crap on the old account (not my fault!), I NEED to focus on my new account. It's a matter of principles. I will not put Coke on hold any longer. I've delayed it ENOUGH.
4. My boss is on leave. I really hope my other colleagues can help me out while I'm away on Tuesday.
5. I have to shift place tomorrow and I hope the internet connection is up and running when I move.
6. I got discussion with the team over a new project Coke tomorrow. Need to balance the leftover crap on the old acct with the new acct.
7. Whatever happens, all the crap on the old acct need to be settled by Friday cause I'll be away for 2 weeks overseas. Tiket dah beli 2 months in advance already. No way can cancel at this point (not that I want to anyway). I need this break or I'll crack.