Budweiser Dream Job Launches in Ireland

Kevin Dillon helps launch Budweiser Dream Job

Budweiser today announced details of their latest marketing campaign, Budweiser Dream Job. The new project offers Irish fans the opportunity to kick-start their dream career. Basically, Budweiser are offering someone a prize fund valued at €50,000. The Dream Job prize fund is made up from a €40,000 cash prize, a €5,000 equipment bursary and practical mentoring sessions with experts in the winner’s area of interest. 4 runner-up finalists will each receive an equipment bursary of €2,000.

Star of ‘Entourage’ Kevin Dillon was in Dublin to launch the project. Dillon explained, “Budweiser Dream Job is an amazing opportunity for someone in Ireland to kick-start the career they’ve always dreamed of. The reality is most people don’t get the chance due to lack of funds, support or encouragement. I say if you have a talent and you’re passionate, go for it!”

To get involved, members of the public over 18 years can apply for their Dream Job on the Budweiser Ireland Facebook page by uploading a creative CV from today until 9th August.

Budweiser Dream Job has some well-known judges from various backgrounds to help with the shortlisting of applicants, all of whom are inspiring figures who have been brave enough to follow their passions in life. Once the judges have narrowed it down to the best five applications, the public will decide on the overall winner that inspires them the most.

The judges include Dave Harris, a well-known music mogul in Ireland, is Marketing Director at Universal Music Ireland. He recently joined Rihanna on her famous 777 tour and is coined as the man responsible for singer Imelda May’s rise to fame. He also selects the music for RTE’s The Voice of Ireland.

Alongside Harris, Budweiser is excited to have successful fashion designer and business woman, Heidi Higgins. Heidi graduated from NCAD in 2008 and less than a year later she proudly introduced her own label to the Irish market. Heidi’s Spring/Summer 2013 Collection has taken to the rails of several exclusive boutiques across the country including leading department store, Brown Thomas. Two additional judges will be announced midway through the application period.

Speaking about the Dream Job campaign, Budweiser Senior Brand Manager, Colin Donnelly commented, “The winning applicant must convey real passion, belief and determination to succeed. Dream Job is part of Budweiser’s new campaign ‘Today Is The Day’, which is all about inspiring some of the hugely talented and passionate people living in Ireland today to fulfill their dreams.”

The Budweiser Dream Job campaign is supported by ATL, Digital, and PR. The campaign will use the twitter hash tag #DreamJob.

Budweiser Dream Job Promo

The Doritos Mariachi Band Add Mexican Flavour to Dublin

The Doritos Mariachi Band add Mexican Flavour to Dublin!

Dublin enjoyed a flavour of Mexico as the infamous Doritos Mariachi band conducted an impromptu concert of their classic covers with a Mexican twist on a recent visit to the city. The famous five amigos were in town to celebrate the launch of three exciting new Doritos flavours Hint of Lime, BBQ Rib and the limited edition flavour Jalapeno Fire.

The quintet of musicians brought all the excitement and fun of a Mexican fiesta to the city centre as they serenaded unsuspecting passer-by’s from a barge travelling along the Grand Canal. Hordes of people, commuting to and from the office on their lunch break, were met with the band’s unique versions of classic pops songs including ‘Don’t You want me Baby ’and ‘Love Machine’.

Katie Hanlon, Doritos Ireland brand manager, said: “We are delighted to have the Mariachis with us today to help the public try our new flavours that promise to add a little Mexican to their day. We are thrilled to add the new flavours – Hint of Lime, BBQ Rib and Jalapeno Fire to our already hugely popular range. Doritos is a household favourite here in Ireland, and even more so during the summer months. Doritos chips and dips are perfect for picnics, barbecues, summer parties and evenings in with friends.”

Those who didn’t manage to catch the Doritos Mariachis on their visit will soon be able to enjoy their unique take on classic hits as Doritios launches its first TV ad in Ireland. The fun and engaging TV ad features the Mariachi Doritos band playing inside the lights of a jukebox to the famous track, ‘I love Rock ‘n’ Roll’. Designed to increase consumer awareness and engagement with Doritos, a brand synonymous with sharing, the advert concludes as the Mariachi band rock and roll in a light hearted way, getting the party started.

Heineken - The Voyage Commercial, Exclusive Version

Today, Heineken launched their brand new campaign, ‘Voyage’. This is the 5th instalment in the Heineken ‘Legends’ series and is a cross-platform, integrated campaign, which uses broadcast, digital and mobile.

The main campaign element is a newly created tv ad. The ad, set in India, follows the Legend from arriving in a remote Indian outpost to finding himself in all sorts of awkward and bizarre situations when he loses his pet goat.

As well as airing the TV ad, Heineken is going a step further and testing men to see what they are truly made of when taken out of their daily lives and dropped into the great unknown. Welcome to “Dropped”.

‘Dropped’ arrives on Monday, June 3rd 2013, and takes different men from across the world and drops them in remote global locations with nothing but the most basic of supplies and directions. The result is a series of episodic adventures following our intrepid explorers on their legendary travel experience.

Each experience will be in a different location with different challenges and every travel adventure will be tailored towards the character of its main protagonist - forcing them to discover their own limits and conquer their fears. The outcome of ‘Dropped’ adventure is unscripted and the outcome unknown!

Watch the series via the Heineken Dropped YouTube channel and follow each voyage, access documentary-style content and also contribute your own videos to the ‘casting couch’ for the chance of undertaking your own legendary travel adventure.

In the coming weeks, Heineken Ireland will also begin the search to find an Irish explorer - the ‘Irish Dropped’! Details of Heineken’s search for an Irish explorer will be revealed online in the coming weeks.

Conor McIntyre, Heineken Brand Manager - Communications, commented, “With ‘Voyage’, the fifth instalment of our Legends campaign, we want to go further and inspire men to be resourceful and open to the world. We are giving a few lucky people the chance to go beyond the borders of their comfort zone. The Irish are seen as a nation of global explorers who have made themselves at home in their own unique way in some of the most exotic cities and outposts around the world. The trademark wit, charm and ability to make friends wherever we go have become synonymous with the Irish travel experience. We have no doubt that ‘Dropped’ will uncover some legendary explorers who will display their true character on the adventure of a lifetime.”

Freerunning Takes to the High Seas

Freerunning takes to the high seas with Thomson Platinum Cruises

For the first time ever, freerunning has taken to the high seas as world renowned Parkour professionals are captured on film leaping over stairwells, jumping from balconies and even scaling the side of the ship.

The short film was created by record breaking freerunning team, 3RUN who’ve worked on Hollywood blockbusters like Casino Royale and Harry Potter and use awe inspiring stunts to give customers a unique look at the makeover on the Thomson Dream.

Filmed against the stunning backdrop of the Caribbean, the freerunners pushed their bodies to the limit as they were captured flipping over the pool, vaulting tables in the restaurants and even recreating the iconic ship’s flag 20 feet above deck.

The film ends with a glimpse of the 3RUN crew relaxing with cocktails on a nearby Caribbean beach, having left the newly renovated ship and swam ashore.

Fraser Ellacott, Managing Director of Thomson Cruises says: “To celebrate the launch of the two newly renovated ships to sea and with 64,000 people expected to travel on the new Platinum Cruise ships this summer, we wanted to do something completely different to showcase the renovations. Partnering with 3RUN gave us the opportunity to highlight the multi-million pound makeovers in a truly entertaining way. We’ve moved towards a more contemporary look and feel onboard both the Thomson Dream and Celebration with refurbished cabins, revamped restaurants and bars and a luxurious spa and wanted to show it off in an equally modern way.”

Chase Armitage, CEO of 3RUN says: “The new look Thomson Dream provided the ideal free running playground for us to create some never done before stunts that show off both the ship and the skills of our team. In true action film style we’ve tried to create content that will entertain every generation.”

Heineken's New TV Commercial

Heineken - The Kick

Heineken’s brand new TV ad launches tonight. It’s another great rugby themed ad which was filmed in the south of France (fitting, given both the HCup finalists are both French!) by Irish agency Rothco.

Today Heineken Ireland unveils a brand new TV commercial that is sure to excite rugby fans in the lead up to Europe’s most prestigious rugby competition, the Heineken Cup final. The all-French final culminates at Aviva Stadium, Dublin on 18th May and to whet fans’ appetites for the clash, Heineken, the tournament’s title sponsor, has come up with another engaging mini-movie to feast your eyes on. ‘The Kick’ is the next installment of a number of successful ads that continue Heineken’s theme of stepping up to the challenge and reaping the rewards.

‘The Kick’, a fun and lighthearted tale documents one man’s epic journey through an iconic French town v chasing the unpredictable bounce of a precious rugby ball. From a scrum with a rogue flock of sheep to a quick-reacting truck driver and a solid lineout lift in the ever-twisting and turning chase, the protagonist steps up to each challenge with imagination and reaps the final reward of a cold Heineken in the closing scene.

The ad was created by independent Irish creative agency Rothco and was shot over four days in the picturesque settings of three towns, St Paul de Vence, Frejus and Valbonne, in the south of France. The main cast is mostly made up of locals from the three towns; this gifted the TV commercial with an authenticity that Heineken seeks at every occasion. Renowned for his visual and emotive productions, Director, Steve Cope (Rattling Stick) worked seamlessly alongside Oscar- nominated Director of Photography, Barry Ackroyd (The Hurtlocker), to create the mini-movie which will air from this evening May 3rd. The music is ‘Sing Sing Sing’ by Benny Goodman.

SKY Launches €10 Million Marketing Campaign

Sky Ireland - Sky Broadband Has Arrived

This week Sky Ireland launched their biggest ever marketing campaign to promote their new Broadband and Telephone offerings. The €10m campaign combines TV, press, radio, outdoor and digital. The above ad forms the centrepiece of the campaign.

Featuring Pierce Brosnan, the 60-second ad sees the famous Irishman returning home to Ireland to the apparent delight of the public. However, it is soon revealed that the cause of their excitement is in fact the arrival of Sky Broadband. In a series of everyday scenes showing Brosnan on Dublin’s quays, walking along a town main street, and enjoying a drink in a pub, the ad shows that not even a global celebrity can eclipse the arrival of Sky Broadband.

Launching the new Sky Broadband campaign, Mark Anderson, Director of Sales & Marketing at Sky Ireland said, "The inspiration for this campaign came directly from our customers, many of whom have been waiting for us to introduce broadband for ages. Our research showed that people in Ireland are excited about the prospect of getting their TV, calls and broadband from Sky in one bundle and the ad’s creative idea taps into that sense of anticipation."

Pierce Brosnan comments, "It’s great to be involved in the launch campaign for Sky Broadband in Ireland. I always love returning home whether for work or on holiday and this time was no different. The charm and tongue in cheek humour of the Sky ad really appealed to me and shooting in Dublin was a lot of fun. Hopefully, viewers will like it as much as I enjoyed making it."

The campaign was developed by ad agency WCRS who won the launch project following a competitive pitch. It was shot by director Taika Waititi (Flight of the Conchords, Boy) and Oscar & BAFTA nominated cinematographer Danny Cohen (Les Miserables, The King’s Speech).

Sky Research Reveals Our Daily Digital Diet

The following research into consumer trends was conducted by Sky Ireland. It looks at when and how our digital consumption peaks on a daily basis.

Breakfast: Commuter Snacks
The research showed that during their commute:
· 81.8% of people use their tablet or smartphone
· 49.4% will check their social media sites up to three times
· 51% read the news online
· 46.5% play games
· 44.2% catch up on emails


Digital indigestion
However, patchy Wi-Fi and mobile connections were cited as major frustrations, interrupting commuters’ connectivity. To compensate, 55.5% download books or music in advance of their commute and now the recently launched Sky Go Extra app lets Sky customers download the latest blockbuster films from Sky Movies and TV content from channels such as Sky 1 and Sky Atlantic to watch when and where they want, without the need for a Wi-Fi or 3G/4G connection.


Dining Digitally At home
With recent Comreg figures showing that broadband penetration rates stand at over 65%, people still see the laptop as the main digital dinner plate. However, with ownership of tablets and smartphones set to reach 2.38 million by the end of 2013, we are set to consume online content in a more a la carte way.


Sky seeing strong uptake of its Apps
According to Sky Ireland’s own download figures, this digital diet trend has seen total iOS downloads of its most popular Apps reach over 1.2 million in Ireland, including:
· Sky Go App - 295,782 downloads
· Sky News App - 318,259 downloads
· Sky Sports News App - 144,798 downloads
· Sky+ App - 177,326 downloads


“We are seeing a massive change in our digital diet,” says Mark Anderson, Director of Sales & Marketing, Sky Ireland. “Our research and download figures combined show that Irish users are very discerning when it comes to consuming digital content on the move. More and more often users are using home broadband to download content to mobile devices for later consumption – it’s the digital equivalent to a home-packed lunch! With unlimited broadband now available nationwide from Sky, and increases in multi-device usage by consumers, we expect that our digital diet will feature more media meshing as time goes on.”

Bushmills Live to Return to The Old Bushmill Distillery in 2013

Bushmills announces the return of Bushmills Live, to be headlined by Of Monsters And Men

The Old Bushmills Distillery today announced that it will once again throw open its doors to play host to ‘Bushmills Live’ - a unique two-day festival celebrating handcrafted whiskey and music. Following the huge success of last year’s inaugural event, ‘Bushmills Live 2013’ will take place on Northern Ireland’s stunning North Coast on 19th and 20th June 2013.

To celebrate the launch, Bushmills commissioned Wishbone Dagger to make a 3D art installation that depicts the Bushmills Live poster using materials inspired by the handcrafted whiskey and music at the heart of the festival. The master craftsmen - who cemented their friendship when creating the stage set for a hugely popular American television epic that was filmed in Belfast – used 254 casks, 250 bottle tops, 30 bottles of whiskey, five metres of AMP wiring and four guitars to handcraft the 10ft by 16ft installation artwork.

The Icelandic five-piece acclaimed indie folk band, Of Monsters and Men, are currently enjoying enormous worldwide success having just won the 2013 European Border Breakers Award, which honours the best new European music acts. Of Monsters and Man have been dubbed the ‘must see act’ of the year and this summer marks the beginning of a busy festival schedule for the group which will include a performance at one of the biggest international festivals, Coachella in California - making their intimate appearance at Bushmills Live unlike any other that fans will experience this year.

Only 500 tickets are available globally for Bushmills Live, and these ‘money can’t buy tickets’ will not go on general release. Instead, music and whiskey fans can win the chance to attend the festival by entering a draw on the Bushmills Irish Whiskey Facebook page. Entries to the draw will open this Sunday, on St Patrick’s Day at 16:08 GMT.

Of Monsters and Men, said: “Playing a show in such a unique location, around the centuries-old warehouses and whiskey barrels, to such an intimate audience, is an experience we are very excited about. It’s going to make our first gig in Northern Ireland a memorable one, and not just for us, for the fans too, we hope!"

Of Monsters and Men are in good company. They join a list of fellow indie rockers such as the iconic Snow Patrol, singer-songwriters Foy Vance and Iain Archer, Elijah Wood, Benjamin Francis Leftwich, Marcus Foster, The Staves, General Fiasco and David C Clements who all played electrifying performances at Bushmills Live last year.

Speaking at the launch of Bushmills Live 2013 event Master Blender at The Old Bushmills Distillery, Helen Mulholland, promised fans that they can expect to enjoy “more great music between great friends at this year’s event.”

“Whiskey and music have always gone well together”, added Helen Mulholland. “And at Bushmills Live we like to make both by hand, bringing this fusion of handcrafted whiskey and handcrafted music together against the backdrop of our beautiful distillery with performances from artists who are friends - which makes for a cracking atmosphere!”

“It goes without saying that we’re looking forward to extending a warm Bushmills welcome to our new friends, Of Monsters and Men, and to emerging artists who we’re proud to support by creating a music platform that allows fans to discover new and upcoming talent.

“I can’t wait to reveal the rest of the line up in the coming weeks. We’re of course just as excited to open our doors to whiskey and music fans the world over who want to attend Bushmills Live, so get your entry in and good luck!”

Irish Market the First to Air New Ad Themed Around the 1960 Box Office Smash ‘Spartacus’

Innocent have just launched their latest campaign, Innocent Goodness Juicer, over on Facebook. It's powered when people use the hashtag #innocentgoodness or enter a goodness message into the tab. Fans can then see their orange juiced live on the app webcam.

In addition to the straight forward funky awesomeness, Innocent are also giving away lots of great prizes all week for the best innocent goodness messages!

Carlsberg launches new TV ad ‘Spartacus’

Irish Market the First to Air New Ad Themed Around the 1960 Box Office Smash ‘Spartacus’

Yesterday, Carlsberg unveiled their latest TV ad with an Irish market exclusive. The ad, called 'Spartacus', follows Carlsberg's 'That Calls for a Carlsberg' creative / brand route and sees a modern interpretation of the 1960's film of the same name. Set in an ultra-modern skyscraper office with hundreds of people working in an extremely regimented and drone-like environment, the ad is the story of one workers mini rebellion and the revolt that then ensues.

The film starts when the overbearing company boss enters the room in a fit of rage. He shows a YouTube video depicting him as a dancing monkey, created by the user, Spartacus. He demands to find the culprit of the prank. Reluctantly, the hero ‘Spartacus’ stands up and identifies himself with a bold 'I am Spartacus'. In quick succession his fellow colleagues decide to support their friend and join him one by one claiming to be Spartacus as well. Within in seconds the entire room is standing up in force to take the heat.

‘Spartacus’ ends with the team of workmates heading to the bar for a well-deserved pint of Carlsberg – underlining the brand’s positioning, That calls for a Carlsberg.

Speaking about the new ad, Julie Allman, Senior Brand Manager at Carlsberg, said: “We’re delighted with our new TV ad ‘Spartacus’ which will hopefully excite the Carlsberg drinker and reiterate solidarity amongst friends, something which is embedded in the brand ethos. To coincide with the launch we will be running a themed competition on the Carlsberg Ireland Facebook page, starting on 18th February, to give away Expedia holiday vouchers worth €1,500 and €500 spending money.”

The ad was created by London-based creative agency Fold7, in partnership with Carlsberg's International Brand Marketing Team. The ad will be rolled out across Carlsberg's global markets, starting in Ireland. It will be aired across traditional media and digital channels and will be complemented by a suite of activations, based on the same theme of standing up for your mates, The ad will be supported by substantial media spend in the Irish market.

Guinness Storehouse Welcomes Jasmine Guinness Home to Launch Ambassador Programme for ‘The Gathering’

Jasmine Guinness at the Guinness Storehouse

Yesterday, Jasmine Guinness launched the Guinness Storehouse Ambassador Programme as part of the year of ‘The Gathering’. The programme invites Irish residents to apply online for 1 of 50,000 exclusive ambassador cards entitling them to complimentary admission to the Guinness Storehouse throughout 2013. Friends and family who come home for ‘The Gathering’ will also receive a 10% discount off admission.

Paul Carty, Managing Director of the Guinness Storehouse commented that “during the year of ‘The Gathering’, Irish people are encouraged to invite family and friends ‘home’ to Ireland. We want to reward and encourage those who get behind this special year for Irish tourism by opening our doors to them, free of charge, throughout the year. The Guinness Storehouse is the ‘Home’ of Guinness, and in celebration of ‘The Gathering’, our 50,000 ambassadors are welcome to make our home theirs”.

Welcoming the announcement, Jim Miley, Project Director of the Gathering Ireland 2013 said “we’re delighted to see that the Guinness Storehouse is rolling out the green carpet for visitors to Ireland throughout 2013, the year of the Gathering. The concept of the Gathering is based on a personal invitation from the people of Ireland to our friends, family and connections overseas. The Guinness Storehouse ambassador programme will facilitate those of us hosting gatherings to offer our guests a unique experience at one of Ireland’s most popular attractions”.

Throughout the year, active ambassadors will be entered into a competition to win their own Gathering party for 100 of their friends in the Gravity Bar at the Guinness Storehouse with food, refreshments and entertainment provided. Card holders will also be offered a range of benefits during 2013 including exclusive competitions to win tickets to Guinness events, Guinness merchandise and a range of special Guinness Storehouse experiences to be won throughout the year.

SoundCloud Sound Banner

Today, Monday January 28th, SoundCloud will be advertising the platform (for the first time) in online outlets such as The Guardian, selected domains from Vice Network UK and US, and ad network placements ranging from MTV.com, to Cosmopolitan, to BBC Music with the message: "Hear the World's Sounds."

What makes the new advertising campaign interesting is that SoundCloud developed - internally - a sound banner. A sound banner is a radical new format developed by SoundCloud's Creative Technologist to broaden brand awareness by maximizing the power of audio, SoundCloud's signature waveform, and the visualization of sound. Audio is at the heart of the message, is in alignment with the company's "sound first" outlook, supplementing the visuals in the banners.

The sound banner uses an advanced audio-enabled HTML5 specification and CSS3 animations (vs. Flash). The infrastructure of the sound banner uses the same SoundCloud SDK as our widgets, allowing them to easily communicate with and pull sounds from the wider SoundCloud platform.

Guinness Launches New Ad with Clock that Controls Time

Guinness launches second installment of 'Made of More'.

On Friday (18th January), Guinness launched the second installment of its ‘Made of More’ Marketing campaign with a second TV ad that sees a magic clock being able to fast forward and rewind time. The new ad ‘Clock’ was made available for fans to preview live on www.Guinness.com from noon on Friday before it hit TV. The TV premiere of the ad will be 24th January (Ireland and the UK).

‘Clock’ follows on in the celebration of the Guinness attitude shared by the famous stout and its drinkers – that you get more out of life by putting more in. 'Clock' is set in the Czech Republic in the 1890s and tells the story of a town’s clock that doesn’t settle for the ordinary; the clock starts to control time to enhance the townspeople’s days; either by accelerating time to make a task go faster or reversing time to avoid an unfortunate event and pausing time to allow a precious moment to last longer.

Nick Britton, Guinness Marketing Manager at Diageo, said: “Guinness has a history of iconic advertising and we are really excited about the new advert ‘Clock’ and about giving people the chance to preview ‘Clock’ live online from 12pm on Friday 17th January before it is aired on TV. The extraordinary clock in this advert is Made of More and has the ability to enhance peoples’ lives; we expect the clock to strike a chord with Guinness drinkers who are also Made of More and do not settle for the ordinary and who love the distinctive look and taste of Guinness and our iconic advertising.”

‘Made of More’ is the biggest Guinness Marketing campaign to date and kicked off in October 2012 with an advert entitled ‘Cloud’. The new advert ‘Clock’ has been created by advertising agency AMV BBDO together with renowned Director Peter Thwaites and continues to reinforce the Guinness attitude of never settling for the ordinary via the attitude ‘Made of More’.

The TV advert was created by AMV BBDO, who also created the first advert ‘Cloud’, and featured a total of 162 actors (4 featured actors, 8 walk on actors and 150 extras that made up the town people and the army). The ad was filmed in Český Krumlov, Czech Republic, a city which is best known for its historic architecture. Peter Thwaites previously directed AT&T ‘Birthday’, Martini ‘Luck is an attitude’ and Barclaycard ‘Waterslide’. Thwaites has also won the Directors Guild of America's prestigious Best Commercial Director prize for 2008.

Meteor Christmas Ad & New Jingle

Meteor’s new Christmas Jingle Composed by former Bell X1 Brian Crosby

Next week Meteor will launch their 2012 Christmas campaign, “Let’s Get Christmassy”. The campaign will be driven by a new TV ad which debuts Meteor’s new Christmas song composed by Brian Crosby, former member of Bell X1.

Following in the character tradition of Meteor ads, the latest ad will feature a new Meteor character Steve. Steve is followed from the moment he realises that Christmas is here. During the ad we then hear his internal thoughts as he anticipates all the things that he loves about an Irish Christmas. In typical Meteor style, the ad features a series of vignettes capturing Steve getting Christmassy: taking it easy in work; eating a selection box for lunch; abandoning Christmas shopping in favour of drinks with mates; being gifted with an annual supply of underpants by his Mam; being late for Christmas mass; and “enjoying” a Christmas dip in freezing Irish waters.

“We wanted our ‘Let’s Get Christmassy’ campaign to celebrate a very Irish Christmas and all of the things that make Christmas our favourite time of year. There was no Christmas song out there that reflected this so we wrote our own,” commented Lisa Comerford, Head of Brand and Advertising, ‘We were delighted to work with a talent like Brian, who not only composed the song but acted as musical director on the project in its entirety and in conjunction with the creative team at Rothco, Bobby Byrne and Stephen Rogers.”

“The best and most unique things about an Irish Christmas are free or cost very little. These are some of the things that set the Irish Christmas apart and this is what we wanted to convey with our “Let’s Get Christmassy” campaign. Value is what Meteor is all about and our Christmas phone range reflects just that. We have some real Christmas crackers of phones this festive season including exclusive colour ranges not available anywhere else” she added.

The “Let’s Get Christmassy” ads showcase the Meteor device offering for Christmas.

A 10 second sequel ad also forms part of the campaign, developing the storyline, and featuring the hero Steve buying a handset as a Christmas gift for his office crush Sarah.

Created and filmed entirely in Ireland, the Meteor “Let’s Get Christmassy” TV campaign launches Thursday 15th November and will be supported with radio, press, online display and social media from November 19th. #whatmakesmechristmassy.

The ad was developed by Meteor with Rothco and creative team Stephen Rogers and Bobby Byrne, was directed by Mike Ahern and Enda Loughman from Team D.A.D.DY. and produced by Gary Moore from Red Rage Films.

Smirnoff: Yours For The Making

Sarah-Jane Wai O’Flynn, lead singer of the Dirty Epics is pictured under the world’s largest free-hanging mirror ball to announce the Smirnoff “Yours for the Making” campaign.

Smirnoff's latest campaign, Yours for the Making, is a challenge to all their customers and fans, throughout Ireland, to make more of our free time by trying something new on nights out. To drive this, Smirnoff have brought together a collective of the most creative and innovative nightlife experts, including Dirty Epics front woman Sarah-Jane Wai O’Flynn, to uncover extraordinary nights.

To amplify the campaign and create real engagement and feedback, club promoters, night owls and partygoers are being called upon to fuel the search by tweeting their suggestions for new nights to @SmirnoffGB_IRE using #yoursforthemaking. Whether it's a silent disco or rubiks cube party, Smirnoff will reward the best submissions by turning suggestions into reality.

To celebrate the launch and to get people to make the most of the extra hour this weekend, Smirnoff has created a giant mirror ball suspended over London.  Sarah Jane Wai O’Flynn who attended the impromptu set by DJ Maya Jane Coles under the mirror ball, commented, “With an extra hour this weekend, it’s a great opportunity for people to get out and make the most of their night.  I am really excited to be involved in the Smirnoff Yours for the Making campaign in Ireland to find the next big thing in nightlife, I can’t wait to start seeing the ideas coming through and hopefully getting to see some of these ideas become a reality.”

The Smirnoff mirror ball is currently the World’s largest free-hanging mirror ball.

Situated in the centre of London, the giant Smirnoff mirror ball marks the clocks going back this weekend and calls on the 80% of Irish who plan to sleep for longer, to make the most of their extra hour. With over half the population likely to forget the clocks going back all together, the world’s largest mirror ball spinning is not just a bold reminder to set our clocks but also to feel inspired to try something new.

TV advert featuring Caoimhe Rathmone which shows the lengths Chill Insurance will go to get you the best deal on your insurance. Don't stress out searching for insurance when we can do it for you.

An interesting move by Chill Insurance in their latest TV ad - instead of hiring professional actors and actresses they held open auditions for their 120 staff members who fancied themselves as the new faces of Chill Insurance.

I think this was a great move by the firm and shows a trust in their staff. Plus, for an insurance business, I really like the ad. Thumbs up all around.

Big Knit 2012: Dublin’s Statues

Dublin’s statues tip their hats for the innocent Big Knit 2012

Today saw something a little bizarre happen in Dublin. The statues of Daniel O'Connell, Jim Larkin, and Charles Stewart Parnell all got kitted out with woolly hats to celebrate the start of Innocent's Big Knit 2012 in aid of Age Action.

Since 2008, the innocent Big Knit has helped to raise over €60,000 for Age Action by knitting over 180,000 little woolly hats. The hats, which range in design from classic bobble hats to Jedward hats to Santa hats, are all created by the public. So this year innocent are urging everyone to help the cause by knitting 80,000 little woolly hats to raise €20,000 and much needed awareness for Age Action.

Follow the campaign with #IrishBigKnit, check updates on the Innocent Twitter Account, through the Innocent Ireland Facebook Page or on the Innocent site.



Statues that were hatted:

• Constance Markievicz
• James Connolly
• Chariot of Fire
• Meeting Place (Two Women at the Ha'penny bridge)
• Patrick Kavanagh
• Oscar Wilde
• Molly Malone
• Phil Lynott
• John McCormack
• Henry Grattan
• Jim Larkin
• Charles Stewart Parnell
• Daniel O Connell
• Robert Emmet
• Arthur Guinness

Smirnoff Limited Edition Bottles

Smirnoff have just launched a new series of limited edition bottles. The bottles are part of Smirnoff's bid to awaken the senses through touch before taste. The innovative design concepts bring to life the look and feel of each delicious flavour inside with each design emulating the natural fruit or flavour in startling clarity. Created to capture the imagination, the bottles are crafted using pioneering design techniques.

Pick up a Lime Smirnoff Limited Edition to discover its unique lime skin texture or feel the peel of Green Apple Smirnoff Limited Edition. Blueberry Smirnoff completes the full limited edition range.

Smirnoff Limited Edition Flavours will be available exclusively at Dunnes from 15th October for six weeks.

Guinness: 'Made of More' Ad Campaign

 

Today Guinness launched a brand new advertising campaign to run in the UK and Ireland, 'Made of More'. The campaign features a TV ad entitled ‘Cloud’, which was exclusively previewed on the UK and Irish Guinness Facebook pages today at 12 noon. The ad will be on TV, digital and in cinema from 4th October. Created by AMV BBDO, the campaign celebrates the brand philosophy and reinforces its positioning strategy - getting more out of life by putting more in.

‘Cloud’, directed by award-winning Peter Thwaites, was shot on location in South Africa in both Johannesburg and along the Durban coastline. It follows the extraordinary journey of a rather unusual cloud, a metaphor to show the amazing things that can happen when we challenge ourselves to make the most of who we are.

The campaign also includes creative using four extraordinary visuals shot by renowned photographer Nadav Kandar on location at the Olympic National Park, Washington State. These reveal unique creatures which evidently refuse to settle for the ordinary: a woodpecker has sculptured itself an elaborate home, a caterpillar has delicately nibbled out highly detailed scene in a leaf, and a spider has spun an intricate web depicting other insects to tempt its prey.  A fourth poster shows a swarm of fireflies that have come together to make the shape of a beautiful chandelier on an overhanging branch.

Nick Britton, Guinness Senior Brand Manager, said “We think the new brand creative will resonate with people who are open-minded and alive to opportunity and it will inspire them to never settle for the ordinary. The idea of something being made of more is one that really reflects a shared attitude Guinness has with its drinkers who love the distinctive look and taste of Guinness and aspire to get the most out of every aspect of their lives. It’s not defined by a single age, class or demographic.  Guinness has always been synonymous with iconic advertising and this new creative direction for the brand presents great territory to connect with consumers that never settle for the ordinary.”

Executive Creative Director BBDO on Guinness Western Europe, Dave Buchanan,  said, "We all have a choice.  Many years ago Arthur Guinness chose to transcend the ordinary and produce an extraordinary drink, a drink made of more. Today our cloud bucks the trend. Instead of being blown by the wind it takes its own extraordinary journey; our spider spins an extraordinary web and our woodpecker fashions an extraordinary house. This campaign is about that choice: Do we settle for the way things are or do we take the bold choice to step up and be made of more? Do we settle for an ordinary drink or do we choose one that is made of more?”

Filming was captured over 4 days including 2 half day helicopter shoots. Weather conditions were critical as a clear sky and calm conditions were essential to the shoots success.

Soundtrack information:
“The Grand Finale” – Danny Elfman

Ad credits:
Director: Peter Thwaites, Gorgeous
Prod Co. Producer: Ciska Faulkner, Gorgeous
AMV Producer: Olly Chapman

Creative team:Executive Creative Director: Dave Buchanan
TV: Alex Grieve and Adrian Rossi
Print: Ant Nelson and Mike Sutherland
TV Producer:  Olly Chapman

Guinness: Arthur's Day

----- Press Release -----

Over 600 International and home grown artists perform across Ireland for Arthur's Day

Mumford & Sons, Tinie Tempah, Ellie Goulding, Example and more make Guinness 2012 Arthur's Day celebration the biggest yet

September 28th - Yesterday saw a record number of GUINNESS® lovers worldwide come together to celebrate Arthur’s Day 2012. Fans from 55 countries across the globe, spanning six time zones, raised a toast to the founder of the legendary stout, Arthur Guinness.

The global events kicked off on 27th September across Europe. Spanish festivities were led by the former lead singer of popular rock band Pereza as 1,200 GUINNESS fans raised a toast to Arthur. While in Germany and Italy, Revolverheld and Max Gazze continued the Arthur’s Day celebrations.

An hour later, GUINNESS lovers at Senate House in London were treated to an exclusive gig from music icon Tom Jones performing a one-off collaboration with R&B superstar Wretch 32. To top off the evening, a silent disco and an impressive light projection of the St James’ Gate brewery in Dublin allowed fans to feel like they were almost at the home of GUINNESS. GUINNESS lovers at Senate House in London were treated to an exclusive gig from music icon Tom Jones performing a one-off collaboration with R&B superstar Wretch 32. To top off the evening, a silent disco and an impressive light projection of the St James’ Gate brewery in Dublin allowed fans to feel like they were almost at the home of GUINNESS.

Simultaneously, surprise gigs from the likes of Mumford & Sons, Professor Green, Example, Fun Lovin’ Criminals and Fatboy Slim took place in pubs across Ireland giving fans a once in a lifetime opportunity to get up close to these renowned music stars for a truly remarkable evening.

Ellie Goulding shot a music video using audience participation at her Arthur’s Day TV Special in Cork’s Crane Lane while Mika did a unique performance of some of his songs with Dublin Gospel Choir.

Irish Highlights
·  Texas surprised locals with an early performance in Smyth’s Bar, Denmark Street, Limerick before heading for a late gig in a local pub in Galway city
·  The Coronas played a surprise gig in Geary’s Bar, Charleville, Co Cork
·  Mumford & Son’s performed to a packed Toner’s pub, Baggot Street, Dublin
·  Primal Scream turned up at The Silver Granite, Palmerstown, Dublin
·  Mika showed up at The Graduate, Dun Laoighaire, Dublin
·  Tinie Tempah played to a surprised audience in Whites Tavern, Belfast city
·  Fun Lovin’ Criminals turned up at Kazbar in Waterford City

Celebrations will continue in countries including Singapore, Malaysia and Australia over the next 24 hours with performances from Asian superstars such as Shin, Della Ding Dang and Paul Wong.

Example who performed at the celebrations in Dublin commented; “Well, what better way to come back to Arthur’s Day than with my mates P Money, AlunaGeorge and the boys from Rudimental in tow. I was excited to see where we would all be playing and loved meeting all you Guinness fans! Thanks for having me back Ireland.”

Fatboy Slim said, “27th September only means one thing…Arthur’s Day! I knew it was going to be a big day for Ireland and the fantastic Irish crowds didn’t disappoint. Thank you for having me!”.

Fun Lovin’ Criminals, commented “Wow THANK YOU Ireland. We put on a spectacular little show for those of you who were lucky enough to be in the right pub. To Arthur!”

Nearly €8 million has been donated to the Arthur Guinness Fund to date thanks to Arthur’s Day and other GUINNESS projects. Contributions were made on behalf of people who “checked-in” to Arthur’s Day events via Facebook, so that this year, the celebrations continued the philanthropic legacy of Arthur Guinness and were true to the long standing tradition of the brand, to support those who are in the business of doing good.

With the 2012 festivities celebrated in style across the globe and a record number of people raising a toast to Arthur Guinness, plans are already beginning to ensure Arthur’s Day 2013 provides yet another night to remember for all those involved.

Ellie Goulding said, "Wow – what an incredible experience Arthur's Day was… Cork you were unbelievable! It was a night full of surprises all across Ireland – a great way to bring the whole country together in celebration of one incredible man. To Arthur!"