Commentary

Out to Launch

Jameson Irish Whiskey launched a U.S. TV spot depicting the story of the "Lost Barrel." A storm in 1781 caused John Jameson to lose a barrel of whiskey. Not one for letting go, Jameson left his crew and dove into the ocean to retrieve his barrel, which he found, along with a ginormous octopus. Weeks later, an ocean funeral was held for Jameson. All of Ireland attended, including a soggy Jameson -- and his barrel. "Taste above all else" closes the ad, seen here and created by TBWA/Chiat/Day New York.

Ask.com launched a TV and online promotion for its latest product, Ask Deals. Users who search for products will be shown where the best deals are online, along with coupons to redeem for additional savings. TV ads feature people dancing in squares (think "Hollywood Squares") singing about their desire for a deal. "Hey ladies, who wants a deal?" asks an MC. "I do! I do," reply overly eager respondents. When a dancer is singled out, the Ask.com search bar appears, offering the user a coupon to use on his or her searched item. See the TV ads here and here. There's also a microsite for those who can't get enough of the song. Users can enter an item they want a deal on, and then record themselves, via webcam, dancing and singing to the song. Agency.com San Francisco created the campaign and handled the online media buy. Mullen handled the TV buy.

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Adidas Basketball launched a global campaign for the 2009-10 NBA season dubbed, "It's On Me for My Brotherhood." In one video, shown here, Derrick Rose uses fancy footwork en route to a slam-dunk. "It's on me to be faster than the game. To keep you guessing," he says. The next ad, seen here, is a compilation of NBA players Derrick Rose, Dwight Howard, Kevin Garnett, Chauncey Billups, Tim Duncan, Tracy McGrady and Josh Smith showcasing the talents of the brotherhood. 180 Los Angeles created the campaign.

Ada E. Yonath, Elizabeth H. Blackburn, Carol W. Greider, Herta Müller and Elinor Ostrom. These are the five women awarded Nobel Prizes this year. Levi's placed an ad in the New York Times last weekend honoring their accomplishment. With all the empty space in the ad, seen here, why not actually name them, as well? It's not as if there wasn't enough room. Wieden + Kennedy Portland created the ad.

The Kia Forte takes the best car qualities and combines them into one car. "The First of its Kind" pairs notable qualities of animals to create one hybrid beast standing alongside a Kia Forte. A peacock-turtle (turcock?) is safe and stylish, like the Forte. A camel-cheetah symbolizes speed and fuel efficiency. See the ads here, here and here, created by David&Goliath.

 

The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority launched its latest TV spot, "Reason," under the "What happens here, stays here," umbrella. A man and woman are about to be married. The priest asks the congregation if there's any reason the couple should not be married, prompting awkward looks among the bridesmaids, groomsmen, camerman, family members and even the priest, who's surprised by the lack of objections. "OK, moving on," he says. See the ad here, created by R&R Partners.

Porsche launched a TV spot promoting the Panamera, the brand's first four-seat sports car. "Family Tree" brings 50 production and racing models from Porsche's past together for a drive through the desert. Viewers first see glimpses of older models racing through the desert, eventually forking to the sides to allow room for the newest member of the family, the Panamera, to burst through. The spot ends with an aerial shot of the cars making branches of a family tree. See it here. There's also a Web site where visitors can share Porsche stories and photos, watch behind-the-scenes video from the commercial shoot, and take a personality quiz to determine which "branch" of the Porsche tree suits them. Cramer-Krasselt Chicago created the campaign.

Scorpion Sports launched an online video promoting its line of motorcycle helmets that keep riders dry no matter what the temperature. A scantily clad gas station attendant sexily perspires while waiting for her next customer. Enter hot man on motorcycle, who removes his helmet, showing a sweat-free face. He doesn't start sweating until he sees the attendant, who conveniently wipes the sweat from his brow. Or maybe he's sweating because he caught a glimpse of her nipple through her shirt? See the video here, created by Marshall Advertising.

Random iPhone App of the week: Runner's Worldlaunched its first app, sponsored by Nike. "Runner's World Shoe Shop" offers reviews from the RW Shoe Lab, shoe-buying advice and reviews divided into five categories: trail, motion control, stability, performance training and neutral-cushioned. Runners can watch various "how-to" videos, including "How To Find The Right Shoe For Over Or Under-Pronaters" and "How To Determine Your Arch Type" to decide on an ideal shoe. NearbyNow created the app, available for free at the App store.

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