Ads We Love: Galaxy Defense Force Harlock!

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Branded content means giving your audience more than what they bargained for...

 
 

Brand: STAR CASE | Director: Jason Ho

Why it's cool?

Tongue-in-cheek sharply executed story and humor. We'd watch a series based on these guys.

Why we love it?

We love it because it dared to be more than just a commercial for an action figure. It took on a life of its own, but still managed to properly represent the brand and the product. This is the essence of 'Branded Content'. Next week, I'll post a blog entry all about branded content. But first...

What can you learn from it?

You can tell bigger stories than just 'this is our product and here's how it fixes your problem.' Especially if you have have an item aimed at disposable income. At the end of the day, you're still addressing your customer's problem (re: what do s/he do with their free time?). The point is, you're looking to gain credit in a potential customer's mind by giving them more value than a standard commercial. In this case, its five minutes of good entertainment that just happened to also sell a toy.

Branded content can be narrative or informational (in a documentary style). Either way, the point of branded content is to provide viewers a positive experience with your brand beyond just selling them something.

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Patrick Kirk

No one knows the exact day Patrick Kirk was born, because he was carried into town by a pack of wild coyotes, but the end of March seems to have some consensus built around it. The townsfolk hadn’t much need for a coyote-raised wild boy seein’ as they already had a town idiot. So, they set Patrick off with the next traveling circus that rolled through town. It was there that the young boy learned of books and math and writing and other cultural offerings from Martha, the kindly old bearded lady, and her husband, Harold, the world’s tallest midget. In between shows, he would explore each new town, never having the chance to make friends with children his age, mostly because they didn’t speak coyote… However, it was on one such trek in his later teen years that Patrick happened upon a small cinema playing an engagement of Major League II. From then on, he knew that he must dedicate his life to motion pictures. The members of the circus were sad to see him go, some angry calling cinema ‘beneath them’, but Patrick took his leave and headed off to university to study the filmic arts. Over nearly half a decade of study, Patrick learned from notables such as Fritz Kiersch, director of Children of the Corn, and Gray Fredrickson, producer of the Godfather Trilogy. Patrick has worked locally in the Oklahoma City market as a grip, camera operator, and editor. He has directed a number of short films and commercial projects and aspires to do more. When not in the editing suite or on set, Patrick can be found relaxing at local sporting events or playing a round of golf. He is particularly fond of poker and has been known to frequent the local casinos. Patrick also experiments with cooking and can make a mean batch of tacos. Among things he still would like to accomplish, Patrick hopes to fly to the moon one day and get into an old fashioned pistols at dawn duel; preferably both at the same time.

Ads We Love: Badger Car Salesman

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He may look cute and cuddly, but when you're not looking, "Poweee!" He just sold you a car!

 
 

From: Johnson Automotive Center | Ad Firm: The Martin Agency

Why They're Cool?

For starters, it's an animatronic badger in a cheap suit selling cars. They're also funny and edgy without crossing the line. And most importantly, these ads are for a local car dealer! 

Why We Love Them?

These ads have killer watchability. They're as sharp as they are funny. And we repeat: they're for a local car dealer! This campaign proves once and for all that local car ads can be so much more than a guy in a giant cowboy hat screaming numbers at you. 

What You Can Learn From Them?

Don't be afraid to tackle your industries negative stereotypes head on.What makes the humor, and more importantly, the message succeed is that almost everyone can relate to a bad experience they've had with a car dealer. Too often, advertisers are in such a rush to sell you their product or service, they forget to relate it to your problem or past experiences. Without that vital connection, you don't ask or have answered the key question anyone watching an ad asks: 'what's in it for me?' In this case, it's a car buying experience without being badgered.

The badger ads work because they emphatically signal to customers that Johnson Automotive Center truly understands the pain they experience when buying a car and the Johnson. 

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Patrick Kirk

No one knows the exact day Patrick Kirk was born, because he was carried into town by a pack of wild coyotes, but the end of March seems to have some consensus built around it. The townsfolk hadn’t much need for a coyote-raised wild boy seein’ as they already had a town idiot. So, they set Patrick off with the next traveling circus that rolled through town. It was there that the young boy learned of books and math and writing and other cultural offerings from Martha, the kindly old bearded lady, and her husband, Harold, the world’s tallest midget. In between shows, he would explore each new town, never having the chance to make friends with children his age, mostly because they didn’t speak coyote… However, it was on one such trek in his later teen years that Patrick happened upon a small cinema playing an engagement of Major League II. From then on, he knew that he must dedicate his life to motion pictures. The members of the circus were sad to see him go, some angry calling cinema ‘beneath them’, but Patrick took his leave and headed off to university to study the filmic arts. Over nearly half a decade of study, Patrick learned from notables such as Fritz Kiersch, director of Children of the Corn, and Gray Fredrickson, producer of the Godfather Trilogy. Patrick has worked locally in the Oklahoma City market as a grip, camera operator, and editor. He has directed a number of short films and commercial projects and aspires to do more. When not in the editing suite or on set, Patrick can be found relaxing at local sporting events or playing a round of golf. He is particularly fond of poker and has been known to frequent the local casinos. Patrick also experiments with cooking and can make a mean batch of tacos. Among things he still would like to accomplish, Patrick hopes to fly to the moon one day and get into an old fashioned pistols at dawn duel; preferably both at the same time.

Ads We Love: Butter + Love

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Caution! You might fall in love with this one... 

 
 

From: Butter + Love | Agency: Show & Tell

Why It's Cool: 

A girl from Kansas goes to New York City to pursue a Broadway career and winds up with a growing business baking cookies in the heart of Brooklyn.

Why We Love It: 

It's simply without being fussy. Just like the cookies. In the first minute, you feel like you've known Alison for years. Her story is one of dreams and winding paths that take you not where you set out to go, but where you were meant to go. As we saw with Founder's Brewing, the filmmakers deploy subtle techniques to allow Butter + Love's story to flourish.

What You Can Learn From It: 

Life is full of twists and turns. You likely didn't arrive where you are in your business by following a straight line (but if you did, that's cool too). However, those twists and turns can help you weave your story into the fabric of the community around you.

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Patrick Kirk

No one knows the exact day Patrick Kirk was born, because he was carried into town by a pack of wild coyotes, but the end of March seems to have some consensus built around it. The townsfolk hadn’t much need for a coyote-raised wild boy seein’ as they already had a town idiot. So, they set Patrick off with the next traveling circus that rolled through town. It was there that the young boy learned of books and math and writing and other cultural offerings from Martha, the kindly old bearded lady, and her husband, Harold, the world’s tallest midget. In between shows, he would explore each new town, never having the chance to make friends with children his age, mostly because they didn’t speak coyote… However, it was on one such trek in his later teen years that Patrick happened upon a small cinema playing an engagement of Major League II. From then on, he knew that he must dedicate his life to motion pictures. The members of the circus were sad to see him go, some angry calling cinema ‘beneath them’, but Patrick took his leave and headed off to university to study the filmic arts. Over nearly half a decade of study, Patrick learned from notables such as Fritz Kiersch, director of Children of the Corn, and Gray Fredrickson, producer of the Godfather Trilogy. Patrick has worked locally in the Oklahoma City market as a grip, camera operator, and editor. He has directed a number of short films and commercial projects and aspires to do more. When not in the editing suite or on set, Patrick can be found relaxing at local sporting events or playing a round of golf. He is particularly fond of poker and has been known to frequent the local casinos. Patrick also experiments with cooking and can make a mean batch of tacos. Among things he still would like to accomplish, Patrick hopes to fly to the moon one day and get into an old fashioned pistols at dawn duel; preferably both at the same time.

Ads We Love: Founders Brewing

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Telling the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth... 

 
 

From Founders Brewing | Production Company: Eskimo 

Why It's Cool: 

Beer. Craft Beer, that is. Craft Beer is in, and it's a good thing too. Craft Beer is a democratic response to lackluster mass-produced store shelf libations. The local brewery movement has produced some stellar beers and shifted the landscape. It's a natural extension of the keep it local movements. Why get something that's mass produced by a corporate conglomerate when you can buy it local and hand crafted from your neighbor?

Why We Love It:

The owners of Founders have a compelling story. It's a relatable situation to countless small business owners. The shot selection and editing style don't get in the way but rather makes Founders accessible to the audience. A deft touch can be the difference between connecting with the audience or turning them away.

What You Can Learn From It: 

Being bold in your video production doesn't always mean epic shots, big music, and high-concept. This video is bold because they chose to tell you their whole story, warts and all. They made mistakes and it had pushed their business to the brink. But out of that moment came the courage to turn their business around and make the kind of beers that they are known for today. Their hardship was a crucial part of their story. By sharing their struggles, they relate to their customers and their customers get to share with them the satisfaction of overcoming those struggles. When you relate to customers on that level, they begin rooting for you. And rooting is the manifestation of loyalty.

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Patrick Kirk

No one knows the exact day Patrick Kirk was born, because he was carried into town by a pack of wild coyotes, but the end of March seems to have some consensus built around it. The townsfolk hadn’t much need for a coyote-raised wild boy seein’ as they already had a town idiot. So, they set Patrick off with the next traveling circus that rolled through town. It was there that the young boy learned of books and math and writing and other cultural offerings from Martha, the kindly old bearded lady, and her husband, Harold, the world’s tallest midget. In between shows, he would explore each new town, never having the chance to make friends with children his age, mostly because they didn’t speak coyote… However, it was on one such trek in his later teen years that Patrick happened upon a small cinema playing an engagement of Major League II. From then on, he knew that he must dedicate his life to motion pictures. The members of the circus were sad to see him go, some angry calling cinema ‘beneath them’, but Patrick took his leave and headed off to university to study the filmic arts. Over nearly half a decade of study, Patrick learned from notables such as Fritz Kiersch, director of Children of the Corn, and Gray Fredrickson, producer of the Godfather Trilogy. Patrick has worked locally in the Oklahoma City market as a grip, camera operator, and editor. He has directed a number of short films and commercial projects and aspires to do more. When not in the editing suite or on set, Patrick can be found relaxing at local sporting events or playing a round of golf. He is particularly fond of poker and has been known to frequent the local casinos. Patrick also experiments with cooking and can make a mean batch of tacos. Among things he still would like to accomplish, Patrick hopes to fly to the moon one day and get into an old fashioned pistols at dawn duel; preferably both at the same time.

Ads We Love: 1960s IBM Clock

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Can something as simple as a clock tell a compelling story?

 
 

From Schoolhouse Electric & Supply Co. | Agency/Production Company: Four + One Productions

Why it's cool:

We are lovers of nostalgia at Indian Head. The story of this clock reminds us of our time in grade school when a similar styled (though not as great) clock adorned the wall in each of our classes. The soft hum of the second hand sweeping through time was often the loudest thing in the room during a test. And that test was the last thing between you and after-school cartoons. Unless you count the neighbor's scary dog at your bus stop... 

Why we love it:

From a simple, minimalist designed clock is crafted a compelling story. The clock is shot from subtlety heroic angles to open the piece. The filmmaking piques your curiosity and makes you feel like there is something more to this clock. The narrative works to tie the story of the clock to the story of our everyday lives. It reminds us that, often, the small things done well are what make the difference.

What you can learn from it:

Everything has a story, even something ordinary like a clock. Listing a product's features and functionality can win you a sale. Giving it a story that allows a customer to connect to it can win you repeat business long after someone builds a better clock. In your video, focus on telling your product or business's story as well as what your product and business can do for your customers.

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Patrick Kirk

No one knows the exact day Patrick Kirk was born, because he was carried into town by a pack of wild coyotes, but the end of March seems to have some consensus built around it. The townsfolk hadn’t much need for a coyote-raised wild boy seein’ as they already had a town idiot. So, they set Patrick off with the next traveling circus that rolled through town. It was there that the young boy learned of books and math and writing and other cultural offerings from Martha, the kindly old bearded lady, and her husband, Harold, the world’s tallest midget. In between shows, he would explore each new town, never having the chance to make friends with children his age, mostly because they didn’t speak coyote… However, it was on one such trek in his later teen years that Patrick happened upon a small cinema playing an engagement of Major League II. From then on, he knew that he must dedicate his life to motion pictures. The members of the circus were sad to see him go, some angry calling cinema ‘beneath them’, but Patrick took his leave and headed off to university to study the filmic arts. Over nearly half a decade of study, Patrick learned from notables such as Fritz Kiersch, director of Children of the Corn, and Gray Fredrickson, producer of the Godfather Trilogy. Patrick has worked locally in the Oklahoma City market as a grip, camera operator, and editor. He has directed a number of short films and commercial projects and aspires to do more. When not in the editing suite or on set, Patrick can be found relaxing at local sporting events or playing a round of golf. He is particularly fond of poker and has been known to frequent the local casinos. Patrick also experiments with cooking and can make a mean batch of tacos. Among things he still would like to accomplish, Patrick hopes to fly to the moon one day and get into an old fashioned pistols at dawn duel; preferably both at the same time.

Ads We Love: Dollar Shave Club

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How to make shaving cool again:

 
 

From Dollar Shave Club | Agency/Production Company: Paulilu 

Why it's cool:

Frank talk, well-placed expletives, dancing bears, and 'Merica! 

Why we love it:

The history of advertising razor blades follows this simple formula: get a pro athlete, have him shave, show a graphic comparing your razor to your competitors, finish with an attractive woman feeling the pro athlete's face. Dollar Shave Club is a prime example of doing the exact opposite of what your competition is doing. They broke from their industry's mold with gusto. 

What you can learn from it:

Be proud of your brand, how it came to be, and what it can do for your customers. We as a country have a love for pull-yourself-up-by-your-bootstraps entrepreneurs. We take pride in patronizing companies with those types of stories. That's almost every small business in America. Use that sense of pride to your advantage.

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Patrick Kirk

No one knows the exact day Patrick Kirk was born, because he was carried into town by a pack of wild coyotes, but the end of March seems to have some consensus built around it. The townsfolk hadn’t much need for a coyote-raised wild boy seein’ as they already had a town idiot. So, they set Patrick off with the next traveling circus that rolled through town. It was there that the young boy learned of books and math and writing and other cultural offerings from Martha, the kindly old bearded lady, and her husband, Harold, the world’s tallest midget. In between shows, he would explore each new town, never having the chance to make friends with children his age, mostly because they didn’t speak coyote… However, it was on one such trek in his later teen years that Patrick happened upon a small cinema playing an engagement of Major League II. From then on, he knew that he must dedicate his life to motion pictures. The members of the circus were sad to see him go, some angry calling cinema ‘beneath them’, but Patrick took his leave and headed off to university to study the filmic arts. Over nearly half a decade of study, Patrick learned from notables such as Fritz Kiersch, director of Children of the Corn, and Gray Fredrickson, producer of the Godfather Trilogy. Patrick has worked locally in the Oklahoma City market as a grip, camera operator, and editor. He has directed a number of short films and commercial projects and aspires to do more. When not in the editing suite or on set, Patrick can be found relaxing at local sporting events or playing a round of golf. He is particularly fond of poker and has been known to frequent the local casinos. Patrick also experiments with cooking and can make a mean batch of tacos. Among things he still would like to accomplish, Patrick hopes to fly to the moon one day and get into an old fashioned pistols at dawn duel; preferably both at the same time.