MINI - NOT NOR MAL

Iris Worldwide came up with this brilliant activation that served as an extension of Mini's already famous "Not Normal" campaign. If you don't know anything about it, the campaign celebrated the 'not normal' relationship that Mini drivers have with their cars. It started with a range of big billboards situated around the UK that illustrated the passion of Mini drivers when it comes to their cars. This was taken a step further however recently when Mini decided that even the billboards had to be 'not normalized'. 

In this new activation, Mini drivers cruising through London were targeted individually via certain billboards and treated to a number of thrilling brand experiences; from free car washes to complimentary gourmet meals - all in an attempt to be 'saluted' by the brand. How did it work? The company relied on trained human spotters that were positioned close to certain billboards. These spotters identified specific Minis that drove past and relayed signs to their drivers on the billboard that they were approaching. A sample of the individual messages includes, "Hello Blue Mini Driver, How Would You Like a Free Coffee?".

Mini UK international communications manager, Anna Inglese, explains; "Our Not Normal campaign is all about celebrating the unique and inventive spirit of Mini drivers and saluting them". 

Vision Mission

Vission Mission is a CSI initiative that was started by Ster Kinekor, one of South Africa's biggest and most popular cinema chains, which actively and continuously aims to contribute towards the elimination of degenerative eyesight amongst the country's youth. The initiative was launched in 2005 during Eye Care Awareness Month to highlight the issue of low vision as a major public health concern in South Africa. It is currently estimated that, of the three million learners in Grade 1, 2, and 3, one tenth have eye problems which, if left uncorrected, could lead to severe vision impairment in adulthood. 

Since its inception, Vision Mission has screened over 249 000 learners from disadvantaged backgrounds across the country. They have provided glasses to over 10 000 students. This has been made possible by some of the initiative's partnerships and contributions by Spec Savers, the National Department of Health, Edcuation and Social Development, the Nthulisa Foundation, Bonteheuwel Organisation for Youth Development and Pareto Limited. Ster Kinekor has also made consumer donations possible and easy by giving consumers the options of adding R2.50 to their movie ticket at the self-service terminals if they want to contribute. 

Here are three of the brilliant ads that were created by South African film school, AFDA, for Vision Mission. They are a big favorite of mine. 

Mastering Vine!

Since launching in January 2013, the six-second video publishing app, Vine, has become one of the most popular apps in the mobile market. With over 13 million users, it just seems to be getting more and more popular, despite its competition from Instagram's new video feature. People are now even competing globally for the most watched Vine, through platforms like Facebook. But just how do you create a successful video? These five tips, which are brought to you by the Seventh Chamber, may help:

1: Always use hashtags

2: Create how-to video content

3: The distribution strategy is key to success

4: Create content to match the call to action

5: Be creative

Have a look at this hilarious compilation of Vine videos:

If you are still a bit confused about what Vine really is, have a look at a post I wrote earlier this year which explains the app in detail: Vine Ventures

Nike's "Possibilities"

As part of its 25th anniversary of 'Just Do It', Nike has released this kick ass commercial, "Possibilities" which seeks to inspire viewers to push their limits and strive to reach new goals. The commercial, which was created by Wieden + Kennedy in Portland, Oregon, features basketball star and reigning NBA MVP, LeBron James; world No. 1 tennis icon Serena Williams; Gerard Pique of FC Barcelona and Spain; and boxing sensation Andre Ward. Actor Bradley Cooper narrates the commercial which was directed by the acclaimed Nicolai Fuglsig, and features a guest appearance by actor Chris Pine. These characters expose different challenges that encourage viewers to push themselves to new limits, and explore their own "possibilities". The challenges include everything from running a marathon, to riding an electric bull and taking part in one of the Nike+ Running and NikeFuel challenges. 

I think it sends out a brilliant message - We are all capable of a little more.

2013's SUPER Bowl!

The Super Bowl has always been a showcase for Madison Avenue, and this year was no different, with commercial broadcasting TV network CBS charging between $3.7 - $3.8 million for 30 seconds of ad time in a broadcast. Ridiculous? Not really! You see, with football being America's most popular sport, the NFL is most widely-watched, profitable league. The numbers back that up: the Super Bowl is routinely the most-watched television event of the year, pulling in numbers that make other TV events look like child's play. According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), there was an average of 179 million people worldwide watching the Baltimore Ravens take on the San Francisco 49ers in this year's Super Bowl - up from 172.5 last year. This year's Oscars netted around 40 million viewers. Naturally this makes ad spend HUGE, and for the brands that make it onto the screen during this time, where viewership is absolutely mind-blowing, there is huge pressure on them to be the 'best' and come out on top. 

Here are what were rated the "Funniest Super Bowl Ads of 2013":

Some more facts about this year's Super Bowl:

1. Shoppers in 2013 spent  a combined $12.3 billion on food, gear and electronics for the Super Bowl this year, up from $11 billion last year.

2. An estimated $434 million was poured into the New Orleans, where the Super Bowl was held this year, through retail and shopping, hotel, car rental and entertainment spend.

3. The average Super Bowl Party Host spent $240 this year. 

4. Tickets for a 30 people suit at the game went for up to $325 000.

5. Top 5 advertisers from the past 10 years (according to ad spend):

i) Anheuser-Busch: $248.6 million

ii) Pepsico: $182.7 million

iii) General Motors: $97.2 million

iv) Coca-Cola: $80.8 million

v) Walt Disney: $74.3 million