Kildare Village in association with Cartoon Saloon is creating a free family cinema experience to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Guests will walk the green carpet into a cosy family screening area with rugs, cushions and complimentary popcorn before enjoying a feast of short animated films including the award winning animation, The Secret of Kells. To coincide with the screenings, Kildare Village will be hosting workshops for 9 to 12 year olds. During “An Introduction to Animation”, children will create their own animation character and storyboard and bring it to life in a cartoon flick-book. The ‘group’ animation will be available for viewing on YouTube following the workshop.
The Secret of Kells is Cartoon Saloon’s first feature film and was directed by Tomm Moore. Nominated for an Academy Award ® for “Best Animated Feature”, the film has screened and won awards in major festivals worldwide. This vibrant animation is a spirited retelling of the provenance of Ireland’s most cherished artefact, the Book of Kells. With the Viking hordes approaching, the monks of Kells are forced to turn their attention from transcribing manuscripts to building barricades. The future of the precious book is in jeopardy and it falls to Brendan, young nephew of the abbot Cellach, to save the day.
Festivities in Kildare Village begin on St. Patrick’s Day itself, Thursday 17th March with a host of short animated films from Cartoon saloon shown hourly between 11am and 4pm. The Secret of Kells, a bewitching animated fairytale, will have a green carpet screening daily at 2.30pm while workshops will take place from 11am until 1pm daily from Friday 18th until Sunday 20th March. Celebrations will continue all weekend with workshops and activities for the whole family to enjoy.
Friday, March 11, 2011
‘Animated’ - Irish Animation at Kildare Village for St Patrick’s Weekend
Thursday, March 3, 2011
2011 ESB Electric Ireland Feis Ceoil
Ireland’s biggest classical music festival, ESB Electric Ireland Feis Ceoil, is set to showcase the talent of over 4,000 musicians from all over Ireland at the annual festival from 4th to 15th April. The competition now boasts over 190 individual classical music competitions including voice, piano, strings, wind, brass and orchestra.
Laura Gilsenan, CEO, Feis Ceoil, said “Since its foundation in 1896, the Feis Ceoil has set the standard for the performance of classical music. We are vey grateful to our sponsor ESB Electric Ireland for their support which enables us to continue this competition, which plays a vital preparatory part in the career development of aspiring professional musicians, as well as a significant role in musical education in Ireland.”
Brid Horan, Executive Director, ESB Electric Ireland said, “ESB has sponsored the Feis Ceoil since 2008. This year is particularly exciting for us as we are supporting the Feis under our new brand name, ESB Electric Ireland. We are very proud to support Ireland’s emerging and extraordinary talent in classical music, reflecting the energy and passion that is evident in the performances of all the participants”.
Some of the most outstanding competitors from the 2011 ESB Electric Ireland Feis Ceoil will be showcased at a special Gala Concert in the Dublin Convention Centre on April 16th 2011. The concert will feature The Celtic Tenors, and will be attended by the Patron of Feis Ceoil Association, President of Ireland, Mary McAleese.
For the performers, in addition to the prestige of winning at the ESB Electric Ireland Feis Ceoil, successful competitors will also enjoy over €50,000 worth of prizes.
Ticket prices for the competition are €5 per day and open to everyone.
Former well known Feis Ceoil participants:
- John O’Conor, internationally renowned concert pianist,
- Siblings Finghin & Dearbhla Collins, both renowned pianists who perform worldwide,
- Acclaimed opera singers Virginia Kerr, Regina Nathan, and Cara O’Sullivan,
- Young up and coming pianist Sophie Cashell,
- Harpists Anne-Marie O’Farrell & Cormac de Barra,
- Celebrated Composer Conor Linehan,
- John McCormack, Ireland’s most famous and critically acclaimed Tenor,
- Author James Joyce, who won a Bronze Medal for Tenor Solo.
Other Competitors of Interest:
- Comedian Risteard Cooper who won the Baritone Solo competition in 1987,
- Broadcaster Liz Nolan of Lyric FM,
- Contemporary eclectic cellist Vyvienne Long.
Current competitors of interest:
- Quaid Family siblings who perform as individuals soloists and in an ensemble, winners of Family Ensemble 2010 – all of whom will be competing individually in 2011,
- Seán Óg Boylan, accomplished pianist and organist and the son of former Meath manager, Seán Boylan (both pictured above).
Competitions of ‘note’ at ESB Electric Ireland Feis Ceoil 2011:
Tuesday 5th April, RDS Concert Hall, from 5.00pm
Category: Choral
ESB Electric Ireland Feis Ceoil School Choir of the Year Finals
Thursday 7th April, RDS Concert Hall, 7.00pm
Category: Piano
Mabel Swainson Pianoforte Award
Friday 8th April, RDS Concert Hall, 7.30pm
Category: Vocal
Cuisine de France John McCormack €8,000 Vocal Bursary Finals
Tuesday 12th April, RDS Dodder Room B, 7.00pm
Category: Chamber Music
Chamber Music Cup
Wednesday 13th April, RDS Concert Hall, 7.00pm
Category: Woodwind
McCullough Cup & RTÉ lyric FM €1,500 Radio Award
Thursday 14th April, RDS Concert Hall, 12.00pm & 2.00pm
Category: Strings
Aileen Gore Cup (for recital by Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Concert Harp, Guitar)
Thursday 14th April, RDS Concert Hall, 7.00pm
Category: Piano
Morris Grant €2,500 Bursary
Friday 15th April, RDS Concert Hall, 7.00pm
Category: Vocal
Gervase Elwes Memorial Cup
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Lyons Gold Blend: Ireland’s Top Storyteller
Today Lyons Gold Blend has started a search for Ireland’s Top Storyteller. There latest campaign teams up with comedian Karl Spain, author and actress Claudia Carroll and storyteller Clare Muireann Murphy in a search for Ireland’s Top Storyteller - essentially Ireland's top talker.
Bringing on their ongoing campaign around the ‘secret ingredient’ in Lyons Tea and the adding of ‘richer talk’ to the tea to give Lyons Gold Blend its richer, full bodied taste, the campaign will seek out those with the gift of the gab and ask them to tell a rich and original two minute tale for a chance to win €10,000.
To enter just visit the Lyons Tea website and upload your entry in an MP3 or video file, or call 1513 415 010 to record their richer tale over the phone*. The story can be fact or fiction, from everyday life, from a favourite childhood memory, to a folk tale or even modern take on a classic children's story.
The six entries with the most votes will attend the National Final in Dublin in April and the entry with the most votes per province following the closing date will also receive a special prize.
On the site you can also hear a two minute tale from each of the judges to give you some inspiration.
Speaking of the search for Ireland’s Top Storyteller, Liz Finlay, Marketing Manager, Lyons Tea said, “Irish people all love a good story over a cuppa. Our Gold Blend richer tasting tea celebrates the telling of rich and colourful stories by searching for the best of Irish storytellers. And we really hit the "teapot” with our judging panels, some of Ireland’s best storytellers, Karl Spain, Claudia Carroll and Clare Muireann Murphy. So if you have a great story, or just want to have a listen, we urge everybody to go online and vote.”
In addition, Lyons Gold Blend will be running week long radio promotions on Dublin’s Q102, Galway Bay FM, Limerick Live 95FM and Cork’s 96FM from today to find four finalists to compete alongside the other six at the national final.
Speaking about the storytelling competition, Claudia Carroll, said, “We've a long a proud tradition of storytelling in Ireland and I think it's brilliant that Lyons are keeping the flames burning. I'm so looking forward to this gig as I know only too well, with most of us, the problem is never getting us to tell our stories...it's getting us to shut up that's the hard part. So if you think you've got the gift of the gab...we want to hear from you!"
Sharing his thoughts on what makes a good story, comedian Karl Spain said, “Well I obviously think humour is one of the key things for a good story to keep the audience interested. It can be difficult to get the funnies in but it can be hard to listen to a story without them. But the most important thing is the story itself, a good tale well told. When people get together in Ireland whatever the occasion it’s always about the swapping of stories. Be it birthdays or even funerals…its all about the stories.”
"This is a great chance for anyone in the country to try out their storytelling skills. It's brilliant to see Lyons tea promoting this dynamic art form that is such an integral part of the Irish personality. I can't wait to see the stories that get sent in", said Clare Muireann Murphy, renowned Irish storyteller.
Ireland’s Top 10 storytellers will go to a national final in Dublin where they can talk themselves into winning a Golden Cup and €10,000. The finalists will be given a series of storytelling challenges to complete in front of the panel of judges to see who wins the title of Ireland’s Top Storyteller. Closing date for receipt of entries is at midnight on Monday 11th April 2011.
*Calls cost €0.60 per call including VAT. Calls from mobile and other networks vary. You have two minutes to record your story. SP Phonovation Ltd. Helpline 0818 217 100
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Arthur Guinness Fund - 'My Good News, My Guinness'
The Arthur Guinness Fund has joined forces with Sile Seoige, Alan Brogan, Baz Ashmawy, Jamie Heaslip and Shane Horgan, to share the good news of the projects benefiting from the Arthur Guinness Fund. Each of them will follow the progress of a specific project, and report back on a variety of milestones and good news updates via video messages and personal updates on the Guinness Ireland Facebook.
Activities that have already benefited from the Arthur Guinness Fund include:
* Failte Isteach with a national office in Meath has grown from 22 to 33 English language centres in three months
* Speedpak based in Clonshaugh, has provided FETAC level 4 qualifications to 40 people
* Pieta House has opened two new support locations in Limerick and Ballyfermot in Dublin
* GIY Ireland has increased its GIY groups in towns around Ireland by 13 since June to a total of 82 groups
* Growing Locally has recruited their first fifteen people for a yearlong training programme - the programme is underway
* Camara has opened computer recycling centres in Belfast and Galway
Speaking today Jamie Heaslip, who will be reporting back on the achievements of Camara Education, an organisation that reuses computers for educational purposes in Africa, said, “The work these different projects do is so inspiring. It is amazing how one simple idea can benefit a whole generation. I am really looking forward to following the journey of my old PC through Camara’s online tracking system as it makes its way to Addis Ababa in Ethiopia in the coming months.”
Meanwhile, RTE presenter and DJ Baz Ashmawy added “I signed my name in support of the Arthur Guinness Fund to help raise €2.5 million, so I am delighted to have this opportunity to show just where that money is going. My chosen project, Failte Isteach, does fantastic work uniting Irish people with those from other cultures, with the common goal of teaching and learning English.”
Dublin Football captain, Alan Brogan will be providing regular updates on the work carried out by Speedpak. Based in Clonshaugh, this innovative company has developed a Workplace Accreditation scheme, which captures workplace learning and skills development and converts them into a recognised education qualification in the form of a full FETAC level 4.
Meanwhile Irish Rugby star, Shane Horgan will be getting in touch with his green fingers whilst working alongside GIY (Grow It Yourself), a network of online and community based groups from all over Ireland who are committed to encouraging more and more people to grow their own food. The groups meet regularly to share information learn from each other and exchange tips, ideas and produce.
Radio and TV presenter, Sile Seioge who is also lending her support to the Arthur Guinness Fund, will be sharing Anam Cara’s good news. Anam Cara offers help and comfort for bereaved parents and siblings, through their loss. Since receiving the funding, Anam Cara has set up a sibling support group enabling them to deliver a schedule of support presentations nationally for bereaved parents.
The Arthur Guinness Fund 2010 Awardees were:
* Anam Cara – bereavement support service focusing on the needs of parents and siblings
* Camara – re-using technology to tackle global waste and education in disadvantaged areas
* Growing Locally – training people on low incomes to grow their own produce and improve their diet and exercise
* Fáilte Isteach – supporting older people to make a difference especially within migrant communities
* Grow It Yourself – promoting and encouraging food growing skills and the sharing of knowledge
* Kanchi – driving best practice in the inclusion of people with disabilities within society
* Pieta House – service focused on suicide prevention and intervention in a supportive environment
* Rediscover Fashion – recycling textiles establishing a new generation of eco-conscious socially aware consumers
* Speedpak WAM – a social enterprise providing employment and up-skilling for the long term unemployed
* Suas – a Service Learning Programme for young Irish people to help them become the leaders of the future
The Arthur Guinness Fund Globally
The Arthur Guinness Fund, which was born out of Guinness’ 250th celebrations, is a recognisation of the original social entrepreneur of his day, Arthur Guinness. Since establishing the Arthur Guinness Fund in 2009, a total of €7.4m has been invested in the Fund. This figure includes the €2.5m allocated to the Arthur Guinness Fund in Ireland. Guinness has also invested in some remarkable projects in Africa, Indonesia, United States and the UK. Most recently, Guinness announced a global partnership with Ashoka to enable the deployment of the funds to new social entrepreneurial projects around the world.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Ballygowan 'Think Pink' Week
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This week (14th – 20th February) is "Think Pink Week" in support of Breast Cancer Awareness and the Marie Keating Foundation, with thanks to Ballygwowan Pink. Throughout the week Ballygowan Pink are encouraging people to raise awareness and get behind this worthy cause by ‘Thinking Pink’ in aid of the Marie Keating Foundation.
Above, sporting stunning pink dresses courtesy of Covet (Powerscourt Centre, Dublin), models Sarah McGovern and Emily MacKeogh kicked off Think Pink Week. The girls, College students and office workers all over the country will be ‘Thinking Pink’ this week, by wearing a pink accessory or by sporting a pink outfit, to show their support and help raise funds for the Marie Keating Foundation.
For those of us who don't have any pink to wear Ballygowan Pink is encouraging us to ‘Think Pink’ by choosing the pink Ballygowan bottle which is now a permanent part of the Ballygowan range. So by simply choosing pink people can make a difference and help raise awareness for breast cancer.
Lillian McGovern, CEO, the Marie Keating Foundation said, “While breast cancer remains the most common cancer in women in Ireland, the good news is that survival rates are improving both overall and for all age groups. A large contributing factor to this is an increase in breast awareness and early detection so we are calling on people to ‘Think Pink’ and show their support this week.”
Working closely with the Marie Keating Foundation, Ballygowan continues to raise awareness of breast cancer and highlighting the importance of early detection. Ballygowan Pink has already raised over 200K for the Marie Keating Foundation and will continue to raise much needed awareness throughout the year.
Ballygowan was at the IFTAs on Saturday to generate awareness and support from the stars and they got some amazing video footage featuring Kim Cattrall, Pierce Brosnan plus lots lots more. Check it out, it's well worth a watch, with Kim singing at the end!!
Monday, February 14, 2011
Carphone Warehouse: I Just Called to Say I Love You
The nature of how people communicate has changed in the last twenty years in ways that no one could have predicted. So when it comes to a day like today, built around telling someone special exactly how you feel, there are now a multitude of public, private, digital and non-diital ways to do it. What may surprise you is that a poll conducted by The Carphone Warehouse has revealed that 53% of people use their mobile phone to say I love you on St. Valentine's Day.
The poll also revealed:
- Only 2% of people favour a traditional love letter to say “I love you”
- 20% of people have sent a saucy text to the wrong person
- 89% of people would not break up with someone via text or in an email
- Flowers are the most popular gift to buy online (36%) for a loved one on Valentine’s Day, with DVD’s and CD’s the next most popular online gifts
- The gift people most covet is the iPad, with the iPhone and other smartphones following closely behind
Visit www.carphonewarehouse.ie for more information.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Kildare Village & The Dublin Chinese New Year Festival 2011
Kildare Village will play a key role this year in the Dublin Chinese New Year Festival, which is taking place from today, Thursday (3rd February), until Sunday next (13th February). Events are a fascinating mix of Chinese culture and heritage, and Kildare Village will be marking the start of the Year of the Rabbit in spectacular style with Chinese arts and entertainment from a host of home-grown artists.
The festivities at Kildare Village will take place next weekend (12th - 13th February) with a number of traditional and contemporary entertainment acts such as vibrant and energetic Lion and Dragon Dance displays and traditional Chinese kite-making classes for the whole family to enjoy. Se sure to don your finest red fashion pieces and head to Kildare Village for a great time.
To help you celebrate the weekend anyone visiting Kildare Village will have the chance to win one of the thousands of prizes by simply picking up a fortune cookie. Ranging from Kildare Village VIP cards to gift vouchers and much more, this is just another reason to pop down to Kildare.
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Maria McGovern, Marketing and Retail Director of Kildare Village said, ‘Kildare Village is delighted to be involved with the Dublin Chinese New Year Festival again this year. It’s an opportunity for our customers to celebrate experience and engage in Chinese culture, while also being a great family day out. Supporting the Dublin Chinese New Year allows us to further extend our offering as a cultural and shopping destination for shoppers and tourists alike and we look forward to welcoming new visitors to Kildare Village.’
Declan Hayden, Dublin Chinese New Year Festival Director, at Dublin City Council agrees that the collaboration has again been a success, “We at the Chinese New Year festival are delighted to be working with Kildare Village again this year and hosting a weekend of Chinese festivities. Kildare Village is a popular shopping destination among the Chinese community in Ireland and we are proud to partner with them on such a unique cultural event”.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Lyons Gold Blend 'Rich Talk'
Anyone reading my blog should remember the two previous Lyons Tea campaigns that I've written about. Well I'm delighted to say that the latest in the series of Master Teablender ads is right on the ball, and continues this great campaign.
The latest advertising campaign reveals that a ‘richer talk’ added to the tea is what gives Lyons Gold Blend its richer, full bodied taste. The new campaign launched on television screens this week bringing to life those richer, more colourful conversations, where what begins as a casual chat, delivers more than expected.
The campaign has been developed by Rothco with this 30 second instalment directed by JJ Keith, produced by H2 Films and post-produced by Windmill Lane Studios. The campaign also comprises of one radio execution, and outdoor advertising on 48-sheet and 6-sheets, which will roll out next Monday (31st January 2011).
Speaking of the new advertising campaign, Liz Finlay, Marketing Manager, Lyons Tea said, “Irish people come from a long line of storytellers, poets and authors – talking is one of the things we do best. Lyons Tea is all about talk and the fuller flavour of our Gold Blend enhances this talk, making it richer, more colourful and leading to the slightly exaggerated tales we all know and love. We’re delighted with our new TV advertisement and we’ll be supporting the new campaign with some really exciting BTL and PR activity over the coming months.”
Ad Outline
The TV advertisement opens on the magical Lyons tea factory and the Master Blender and his young apprentice. The apprentice quizzes the Master Blender on why Lyons Gold Blend is so special, who replies, “It’s richer. Richer taste.” We see the rows of different boxes each with a different type of Gold Blend talk and the Master Blender continues, “So we put in richer talk… which leads to…. Richer STORIES.” The two then enter the Blending Room where we see the Master Blender adding the richer talk to the tea, creating Lyons Gold Blend.
The ad then cuts to a family home with Dad, Mum and their 3 year old boy sitting on the couch. Mum and Dad are enjoying a cup of Lyons Gold Blend and Dad is recounting the age-old fairytale ‘there was an old woman who lived in a shoe’ to his son. Dad begins the tale, takes a sip of his Lyons Gold Blend and then continues with a somewhat embellished version of the story, “which if her taste was anything like your mother’s...it wouldn’t have been cheap….still at least she only had one shoe…not 50 pairs. The voiceover then reveals ‘A richer taste for richer talk’.
Visit the Lyons Tea Facebook page for more Lyons info, or check out the ad here...
About Lyons Tea
- Lyons Tea employs expert master blenders and tasters to select the best blends and combination of some of the finest teas from Kenya, Assam from India and Ceylon from Sri Lanka to produce the highest quality tea. Lyons Tea is available from leading supermarkets and retailers nationwide.
- Lyons is Ireland’s number one tea brand with 42.8% market share***; Lyons is an iconic Irish brand with more than 100 years of tradition in Ireland, having started business in Dublin in 1902 near Christ Church Cathedral. It is now owned by Unilever Ireland.
- Lyons Tea is Ireland’s favourite tea. The Lyons Tea range includes Lyons Gold Blend, Lyons Original Blend, Lyons Gold Blend Reserve, Lyons Kenya Blend, and Lyons Decaffeinated Tea. Lyons Green Tea is available in original, with Lemon and with Mint. For further information on Lyons Tea visit www.lyonstea.ie
- Lyons tea is currently working with the Rainforest Alliance - independent experts in sustainability and by 2012 all our tea will only come from Rainforest Alliance Certified™ farms.
- For more information visit www.lyonstea.ie
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Maltesers The Great Indoors
Maltesers have just launched a new campaign - celebrate the great indoors. Through a multi-channel startegy Maltesers want to help their fans through the January blues by staying in and enjoying everything the great indoors has to offer. The campaign has hundreds of 'Great Indoors' packs to be won.
To be in with a chance of winning the prizes enter either by texting MALTESERS to 51500, through the Maltesers Facebook Page or by tuning in to the Ian Dempsey Breakfast Show on Today FM every morning from Monday 24th until Friday 28th January.
The prizes include a fantastic Rock Band Starter Kit including game, guitar, drum kit and mic (Rock band starter kit prizes available online only) or “Great Indoors” packs. The packs are a one stop kit for your perfect night in including a blanket, slippers, a DVD and, of course, some Maltesers.
Of course it's not just a matter of staying in, sometimes you need a reason to avoid having to go out. For that Maltesers have even created an “excuse generator” right on their Facebook Page, to help you come up with hilarious reasons why you must stay in!
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Monday, January 17, 2011
ESB Meter Reading App
The ESB have just launched a meter reading app for both iPhone and Android. The free app, which is available from today, is the first energy provider app for both iPhone and Android Smartphones and the first app developed by an Irish utility for electricity meter reading submissions.
The app allows customers to submit their electricity meter reading using their phone, effectively making estimated bills a thing of the past and giving them more control over their bills. The app is also capable of managing multiple properties and provides a Useful Contacts section with all the ESB emergency contact numbers at their fingertips.
I for one absolutely love to see utilities embracing technology in this, but also doing so in a way that is genuinely beneficial to their customers. I can think of so many times, especially living in apartments, that your meter reading gets estimated and you wind up hitting a huge bill the following month. I can't imagine any ESB customers who own an iPhone or Android and not downloading this! Get to it...
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Haiti: One Year On
It's hard to imagine that the devastation suffered by Haiti was over a year ago. Of course I say 'was' over a year ago but the truth is that the last year has been anything but trouble free as the country tries to rebuild itself. A good friend of mine works for Concern and spoke to me recently about what they're doing in Haiti. From a digital perspective I thought it was really interesting that it’s the first time that an Irish International charity has done anything of note on Facebook so I thought it might be of interest to you folk.
To mark the anniversary of the earthquake in Haiti Concern ran an awareness campaign within Facebook. Concern are the first Irish charity to harness a Facebook homepage takeover, which is driving to a custom tab on their profile. The tab acts as the landing page for visitors that have not previously ‘liked’ Concern and outlines the key areas that Concern and ECHO have been working on. In addition, within the tab they have embedded a campaign specific video that is streamed from their YouTube channel, an interactive Google map that details what has been achieved in each location Concern is working in and twitter feeds from @Concern and staff that are in the field at the moment.
You may also like to take a look at this post from The Boston Globe. The images are absolutely incredible.
This is the Concern 'Haiti One Year On' video:
Monday, January 10, 2011
UpStart – Promoting The Importance of Creativity in Ireland
So what is all this about?
UpStart is a non-profit arts collective which aims to put creativity at the centre of public consciousness during the Irish General Election Campaign in 2011. The whole initiative is about reinterpreting the spaces commonly used for displaying election campaign posters in Dublin City. The objectives of UpStart is to encourage a debate on the role of the arts in this state. To do this they're asking artists to submit work for placement around the city to highlight the importance of creativity and ingenuity when society is in need of direction and solutions, and to emphasise the value of the arts to public life.
Submissions for the project are being sought from the full range of artistic disciplines and the hope is that over 500 submissions will be received from writers and visual artists, photographers, painters and graphic designers. These works will be duplicated and 1,000 pieces will be printed as election size posters and erected throughout Dublin city. They are also accepting works from musicians and film makers which will be hosted and exhibited through their website which will be launched on the day of the electoral poster campaign.
They believe that the future development of the country requires a healthy cultivation of the Arts and want all creative types to get involved with the project to spread the word as much as possible. To do this they made the above animated video to explain what they’re all about. As you'll have already noticed, Stephen Rea kindly did the voice over for them.
UpStart comprises artists and writers from Ireland and abroad and are non-aligned to any political party.
So why not favourite the video, share it to your blog or Facebook page, and remember to mention UpStart to other folk.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Guinness Dark Life (New TV Ad)
Last year Guinness produced a really cool New Year's Eve experience as part of their Guinness 250 campaign (posts here and here). In true epic form Guinness have again produced something new this year. You may have seen the new Guinness ad already in the cinema (where it went live from December 17th) but it won't be seen on tv until this evening when it will be aired in Ireland exclusively. The ad, entitled ‘Dark Life’, is all about Guinness's life and energy from its unique swirls and surges from a settling a pint of Guinness. The ad was shot in various locations including Hong Kong, Columbia and New York.
Speaking about the new ad, Head of Marketing for Guinness, Tanya Clarke said “Guinness is an iconic Irish brand that is celebrated globally and at the heart of our new ad is the idea that there is more life in the dark. Daytime scenes from around the globe are transformed by the coming of a magical liquid which brings on the night. The captivating film connects with consumers across borders and cultures.”
The Ad Storyboard:
From East Village in New York, the liquid swirl continues on a journey of vitality throughout the ad. Dark Life is unveiled as we see people gathering together in anticipation of something exciting. They begin to unite in field where they start to build a bonfire. As the stunning sky comes alive, darkness falls.
Then we see a woman happily sitting on a swing, waiting patiently as the magical liquid darkness appears. Then a couple are seen excitedly running through a field chasing the liquid darkness. We then see a flash of a steel works station on the edge of a remote town. Then quickly it pans to an urban scene where we see a train heading into the striking sky line. From there we are transported back to East Village where the young guy is seen joining his mates in a bar.
As the energy builds we are presented with a bicycle light in Hong Kong, As the camera pans out it reveals hundreds of people cycling with their lights beaming and creating a sense of occasion and togetherness. From there we are taken back to Hong Kong where a beautiful colourful light scene is formed as the day turns into night
As the liquid surge in the sky unveils magical scenes we see people celebrating and enjoying life in the dark. By the bonfire, in a field, on the busy street of Hong, all bringing to life the unique energy of the Guinness surge.
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And here's the ad itself:
Some interesting facts about the ad:
- The street drummer at start was found on youtube.
- The surge effect was achieved by constructing a special tank into which pieces of wood matching the shape of buildings in the specific shot were placed. Then liquid was injected and shot at very high speed. This replicated the liquid night descending around the buildings.
- Bicycles Scene: 75 cast members were recruited on the street. Streets cannot be closed for filming in Hong Kong, so the ad was shot around the constant busy traffic.
- The New York Fire Department assisted by opening the fire hydrants for shooting the street dancing scene.
- The cornfield shoot was shot through the night and only stopped shooting when dawn light prevented us from continuing.
- The ad was shot on a traditional 35 mm film and Canon 5D. The 5D gave great freedom when shooting on the streets as it is light and easy to transport.
- The skyline shots were all shot from the top of buildings. Over many hours the skylines were captured as darkness fell and these different exposures were then combined in post production.
Production Info:
The music track used in the ad is entitled ’10 mile stereo’ by the band Beach House. The American indie rock duo from Baltimore recently played a sold out gig in Vicar Street. Their third and latest album released this year, received positive critical and commercial reaction. Their track ’10 mile stereo’ was chosen as it “perfectly carries and enhances the magical, uplifting energy of the ad” said Irish International BBDO’s Mark Nutley.
The ad was directed by the award winning French director, Frederic Planchon and was joint production between the Guinness marketing and BBDO teams of both Ireland and Great Britain. Frederic is a prestigious French director, whose work has been recognised globally including the Masters of Advertising, where he won Director of the Year and at Cannes where he picked up a Silver Lion for Jeep Treacherous Terrain. He continues to be a prolific, and much sought after director worldwide.
Frederic Planchon about the new Guinness ad, “The different parts of the ad combine to create an atmospheric arc that starts at the end of a normal working day around the world, and culminates in a New York bar where the surging of a freshly pulled pint mirrors the urgent buzz and anticipation of a New York City night getting underway outside”.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Last Minute Shopping...
As someone who's definitely going to be doing last minute shopping I thought I'd share this...
[Press Release]
Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre has confirmed that it has extended its opening hours due to the challenging weather conditions over the last few days, to allow for some last minute Christmas shopping!
Speaking earlier today, Greg Devitt, Manager, Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre said; “The challenging weather conditions have made it very difficult for people to go about their Christmas shopping, so we have decided to extend our opening hours until 10pm tomorrow, Thursday, 23rd December, to give people the opportunity to do some last minute shopping”.
Footfall to the Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre is up 15% when compared to the same week last year, which would suggest that consumers are making a last minute dash to get their Christmas shopping done.
“Dublin City Council has worked very hard overnight to clear the footpaths in the city centre, which has made conditions underfoot much better. We look forward to welcoming last minute shoppers through the doors tomorrow and we will also be opened until 6pm on Christmas Eve”, continued Mr. Devitt.
Friday, December 17, 2010
Buzzword Bingo
I got an email today from the folks at Modea, a digital ad agency in the US, about a new app that they have just developed, Buzzword Bingo. Modea describe themselves as being different in their approach and culture, and decided to create a free app instead of a regular 'Agency Christmas Card'.
Buzzword Bingo is a free iPad app designed to "end the workplace buzzword epidemic by turning meetings into an interactive, social game experience that allocates crucial attention toward inauthentic ad speak".
Definitely an interesting idea and something I thought worth sharing. You can find it at here.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
1,000 Posts
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Helena Christensen’s Top 5 Photographic Tips
At the beginning of November I posted about Baileys ‘Let’s Do This Again’ Facebook photo competition to give one fan a chance to attend a VIP party in NYC. Helena Christensen, an accomplished photographer, is the personality of the competition and photographed a day in her life as part of the campaign for Baileys. Today, I'm delighted to post Helena’s top photography tips for the competition.
Helena’s top five photographic tips are as follows:
According to Helena; “Capturing these special moments on camera is very important to me, because those are the ones that stay with you forever, so to be able to look back at them for the rest of ones life is something to be grateful for and look forward to.”
The competition will give one lucky person in the Republic of Ireland the chance to attend an exclusive party in NYC co-hosted by Baileys and Helena. Facebook fans can simply upload a picture of themselves and their friends sharing special moments with Baileys onto the Baileys Facebook page before the 16th December to be in with the chance to win.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
10 Years of the Guinness Storehouse
10 years ago on 2nd December 2000 Guinness Storehouse first opened its doors to the public. Those humble beginnings weren’t all that humble either, with former US president, Bill Clinton being the first in a long line of famous faces to pay a visit. Today the Storehouse is recognised as Ireland’s No.1 visitor attraction and has received over 8 million visitors.
Managing Director, Paul Carty, speaking about the auspicious milestone, said “We are delighted to mark 10 years since we first opened our doors back in December 2000. We have welcomed millions of people from countries all over the world, and this year we were particularly delighted to see a 25% increase in Irish people coming to visit Guinness Storehouse, to learn more about their own genealogy and an important slice of Irish culture.”
Paul continued “2011 promises to be another exciting year for Guinness Storehouse as we will be undertaking a €2 million investment in a new restaurant and catering facilities on our fifth floor. We’re obviously hoping that plenty of Irish visitors also take the opportunity to come and enjoy a great meal here, accompanied by the fantastic views we have out over Dublin.” Further details of these exciting plans will be made available in the New Year.
Beyond Mr. Clinton, some of the other famous faces to make up the 8 million happy patrons that the Guinness Storehouse has enjoyed over the past decade are Chris Rock, Will Ferrell, Susan Sarandon, Dermot O’Leary, Adam Sandler, Beyonce Knowles, Pink and Sean Penn. Each of whom had the pleasure ofa complimentary pint of Guinness the Gravity Bar, the highest viewpoint of Dublin City.
Interestingly, it is estimated that in total over 7,086,142 pints of Guinness have been served up in the Gravity Bar over the ten year period.
If you’re somehow unaware, the Guinness Storehouse is a seven storey treasure trove of everything Guinness –allowing visitors to gain an understanding of why Guinness has become one of the world’s most iconic and best loved brands. For further details on Guinness Storehouse visit www.guinness-storehouse.com.
Guinness Storehouse Over the past 10 years
- Has welcomed approximately 8,336,638 visitors
- Over 1.6 million visitors have tasted Guinness for their first time
- Over 400,000 visitors have learned how to pour a pint of Guinness
- The Guinness Archive has collected over 7,500 linear meters of paper records
- Has provided nearly a quarter of a million servings of Beef & Guinness stew
General Guinness Storehouse Facts
- General building was erected between 1902 and 1904 for use in the fermentation process
- The building is 125 feet high, 170 feet long and 151 feet wide.
- It would take 14.3 million pints of Guinness to fill the giant glass atrium in centre of the GUINNESS STOREHOUSE building
- Gravity Bar is the highest bar in Dublin located 46 metres off the ground
- The interactive genealogy pods contain the records of nearly 20,000 former Guinness Brewery employees dating back to the 1880’s.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Absolut's Drinkspiration Home Edition
About a year ago I wrote about Absolut's iPhone 'Drinkspiration' app. There was a huge amount of interest and I thought that you’d be interested to know that there is now a 'Drinkspiration Home Edition' app available exclusively for the iPad.
Where the mobile Drinkspiration was the perfect going-out bar companion, the iPad Drinkspiration app is the ideal at-home entertaining tool. With more than 3,000 drink recipes and images, six pre-installed drink collections, drink suggestions based on ingredients, a shopping list creator, social media sharing, and even 'how to' videos the home edition app is a totally inspirational resource for all party hosts and bartenders.
Fredrick Tallroth, Senior Manager Interactive Marketing, at The Absolut Company, said: "At ABSOLUT, we continuously want to make the most out of new technology, and learning to mix drinks has never been this fun. With its large high-resolution display, and multi-touch functionality, the iPad is the perfect platform for making drink mixing a social happening at the party."
Check out the app's promo video below and go here to download the app.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Smirnoff 'Be There' - Nightlife Exchange Project
So last night..... WOW! I couldn't even begin to tell you how brilliant last night was. I was surprised last week by being invited to host a Smirnoff warm-up party. As is tradition in Argentina before a big night out, people through warm up parties for all their friends to get together and plan out what's happening, listen to a few tunes and enjoy a drink or two. Well I was lucky enough to be one of 3 people invited by Smirnoff to host such a party.
So last night basically kicked off in my apartment with 12 close friends and I. We enjoyed a few, extremely tasty Smirnoff Mules (Argentina style - see below) expertly mixed and served by a Smirnoff barperson and listening to a little mix that I put together. From here we all boarded taxis and set off for The Wright Venue in Swords.
To say that The Wright Venue was spectacular would be a grievous understatement. Upon arrival we were greeted by pyrotechnics, a mechanical horse and a venue that begged to be entered and explored. We were welcomed inside by our Smirnoff hosts and shown to a private suite overlooking the dancefloor. The thing is, as difficult as this may sound, the rest of the night just got better and better.
As well as having our own room and bar to chill out in between nightclub expeditions, we also got to sample the best of Argentinian nightlife as selected by the people of Argentina and curated by DJ Ale Lacroix. From cocktail glasses of fresh fruit to Argentinian BBQ delights to free-styling football skills, we spent the rest of the evening having a thoroughly wonderful time. For me personally, a huge part of this was the opportunity to meet the folk from Smirnoff and really get an understanding of why all this was done, what the inspirations were and how they themselves were enjoying the event.
As an extra bonus I also got the chance to catch up with the Irish curator, Siobhan O'Dowd. While I'm sure Siobhan would have loved to join her crate in Argentina, she was definitely as excited as all of my guests and I to experience an amazing Argentinian night out.
And with all of that said, I for one am very, very happy to be able to say that I was there. And there, was very, very fun and exciting. I'm not sure what Smirnoff will do next, and I'm not even sure I can imagine what will top this, but I said that before about the their Wedding Night and the Masquerade Ball. So basically, I don't know what is next but you can be certain I will be waiting in eager anticipation.
Serious hat tips to all involved. You've got a fan for life :)
Smirnoff Mule Argentina
Ingredients:
35.5ml Smirnoff Vodka,
20ml Pomelo juice,
2 fresh wedges of lime
and topped with ginger ale.
Fill your glass with cubed ice before pouring all the liquid ingredients. Squeeze your fresh lime on top and stir well to mix all the ingredients together and enjoy!
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Miwadi - Miwadifesto
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Yesterday, Monday 22nd November, Miwadi launched its brand new packaging and branding. To celebrate the event, Miwadi is calling on Irish kids to tell them what they would do to make our island a more fun place to live in!
Through a brand new website kids can upload their suggestions for and ideas. Of course as being kids these ideas don't exactly need to be too grounded and anything goes...
- Little boys could be given super powers
- Girls provided with fairy wings to get to school
- Buses would be replaced with pretty pink carriages drawn by unicorns
- Trains would provide special areas for kids to host a Teddy’s Bear Picnic, and
- Every shopping list could include magic dust!
Miwadi is looking for all fascinating and magical suggestions to be collated into a Miwadifesto containing the most colourful suggestions - ideas that fill a dull moment with colour and make the mundane fantastic. With the help of their Mums or Dads, kids can enter their Miwadifesto, for the chance to ultimately see their own suggestions up on the site and perhaps win a family holiday or a host of other prizes.
Speaking about the Miwadifesto, Miwadi Marketing Manager, Christine Keohane said “We are delighted to introduce our new look Miwadi and what better way to celebrate then asking our biggest fans, kids, about their world. The aim of the the Miwadifesto is to tap into the imagination of children and to capture how our world might look if it were run by kids!”.
The campaign was launched with the help of Lucy Kennedy yesterday morning outside Government Buildings on Merrion Street. A rather fitting location considering everything going on right now.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Meteor and Barnardos Launch Christmas Text Appeal
Meteor customers just text ‘Barnardos’ to 57502. These texts cost the customer €2 and every cent goes directly to the charity. For the appeal Meteor are waving all costs.
Meteor’s Chief Commercial Office, John Penberthy Smith, said: “Our Meteor Christmas Campaign this year is focused on ‘Spreading the Christmas Spirit’ and we really hope to do exactly that for people who need it the most at this special time of year. We have been charity partners now with Barnardos for a number of years and really hope to raise lots of funds for this very deserving charity. Our sponsorship of The Spirit of Christmas Ball and The Today FM ‘Us2’ book which will be launched later this month are just some of the other projects that we’re working on together over the coming weeks. We hope that our customers will join with us in supporting Barnardos this Christmas. Every cent will go to making Christmas special for families and children that are suffering the most, especially at this time of year.”
The text activity is also being supported with a range of other fundraising activities taking place over the next couple of weeks by Meteor staff. These will include a collection day in Connolly station, volunteering at Barnardos Christmas project parties and the ‘Give a Gift Campaign’ where staff members buy gifts for Barnardos to distribute to children this Christmas.
Speaking at the launch, Barnardos’ CEO, Fergus Finlay said: “We truly appreciate the support of Meteor. For many of the children and families we work with, Christmas is an exceptionally difficult time. It’s great to know that every cent of the two euro donation will go directly to the children and families that we work with. Support like this will help us to continue our work with more than 5,500 children and hopefully bring them some comfort this festive season and it really couldn’t be easier to help out, simply text ‘Barnardos’ to 57502.”
The Meteor Barnardos text appeal is fully live and available to all Meteor customers.
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