Rivalry with Taste (of Pepsi)

There’s nothing I love more than a SMART advertising campaign, and Pepsi has done it. I am LOVING the smart use of a rivals campaign to enhance the brand. Pepsi has taken Coke’s campaign and turned it on its head…hehe. Love it.

For anyone living in this country more than a minute, you know that the United States Christmas season is sponsored by Coca-Cola. Santa is the official spokesman and whether you drink the drink or not, you’re going to be exposed to his winter-kissed cheek, smile and wave everywhere you turn. He IS Christmas…and in turn, so is Coke.

Pepsi has cleverly taken the Christmas spokesman and revealed his “personal” preference. See, Santa is paid to drink Coke, it’s his job around the holidays. On his off season, he prefers Pepsi…didn’t you know?

(I only found the TV spot, but the radio one is even better. Could there be a print version coming?)

To give credit where its due:

Agency:
 TBWA/Chiat/Day
Chief Creative Officer: Rob Schwartz
Group Creative Director: Brett Craig
Creative Director: Xanthe Hohalek
Art Director: Chris MacNeil
Copywriter: Michelle Lewis
Executive Producer: Anh-Thu Le
Senior Producer: Mila Davis
Agency Producer: Lacy Plunk
Managing Director: Bill Brooks
Group Account Director: Mike Litwin
Account Director: Tara Mellett
Management Supervisor: Ellie Brigden
Account Executive: Kendra Schaaf
Assistant Account Executive: April Shapiro
Director of Business Affairs: Linda Daubson
Business Affairs Manager: Laura Drabkin
Talent Payment Coordinator: Nora Said
Director of Broadcast Traffic and Clearance: Saeyoung Kim
Broadcast Traffic Coordinator:Eugene Gandia


OUTSIDE VENDORS:
Production Company: Pytka
Director: Joe Pytka
Executive Producer: Tara Fitzpatrick
Producer: Michele Atkins
DP:Joe Pytka
Editorial Company: Union Editorial
Executive Producer: Michael Raimondi
Producer: Joe Ross
Editor:Einar Thorsteinsson
Visual FX: Quiet Man
Executive Producer: Carey Gattyan
Sound Mix: Union Editorial
Executive Producer: Michael Raimondi
Mixer: Milos Zivkovic

MUSIC:

Licensed Track: Montell Jordan “This Is How We Do It”

Great job by the entire creative team. Awesome strategy!

Martha Stewart’s Sense of Humor

Martha Stewart is a very interesting woman. She’s a home style guru, a corporate criminal (with a record) and now she’s funny too? Yep, you got it. I think Martha is rapidly climbing her way back up to Oprah’s platform. If you don’t already know, Martha has recently come out with a line of pet products, all designed with the “Martha Stewart” charm. The line, not surprising; the commercial, almost shocking.

Martha’s introduction of the pet line shows her actually sampling her pet supplies- trying on the collars, eating from the dog bowls, sleeping in the dog bed, etc. Honestly, it’s pretty great. She’s finding a way to connect to her long-standing fan and simultaneously reel in a younger audience that values humor and vulnerability (by that I mean someones ability to make fun of themselves). It’s very refreshing Martha, good for you. I may even check out the product…except there are not product for cats.

I don’t have a link to the commercial yet, but here’s a screen shot:

Quiznos’ Blatant Subliminal Advertising

One my way home from my delicious sushi dinner, I drove past a billboard advertising Quiznos’ latest product “The Torpedo.” The billboard was simple: an image of the sandwich next to a cup of coffee. One line of unreadable text above with a clear and visible $4. The message is easily understood…or is it?

I couldn’t find an image of the billboard, so above I’ve placed an image of the sandwich itself. Take a good look at it. Look familiar? Take a step back and blur your eyes a bit (like looking at a magic eye picture). How about now? Remind you of a lit cigarette maybe, a classic Marlboro? Kind of does, doesn’t it.

That is some messed up S***!

Now place that very same sandwich next to a hot cup of “All-American” Joe. Even more messed up, huh? I’d say this is a very powerful statement Quizno’s is trying to make, especially with the smoking bans all over the land. I wonder how they profit margin is doing with this new sandwich?