And Don't Call Me Shirley

There's only one thing that today's post can be about. Rest in peace, Sir Leslie of Nielsen. You made us laugh so much that it is impossible to watch your serious films without laughing at you in those, too.

Bill Bernbach Said #26

One of my personal favourites this, and number 26 in our Bernbach series...

“Forget words like ‘hard sell’ and ‘soft sell.’ That will only confuse you. Just be sure your advertising is saying something with substance, something that will inform and serve the consumer, and be sure you’re saying it like it’s never been said before.”

Read all of the previous Bernbach Said posts here.

Will It Blend? - Old Spice

When two classic campaigns collide.  I'm sure this has been doing the rounds for sometime now but I've only just clocked it.  The parody falls a little flat but it's still worth watching and pretty funny nonetheless.  Encouraging to see that the Will It Blend campaign is still running fours years on.  Good on Blendtec for keeping it going.

Here's my favourite one of the lot - "Diamonds".

Eadweard Muybridge

The Eadweard Muybridge (formerly Edward Muggeridge) exhibition at Tate Britain showcases a whole host of photographs and some of the earliest documented motion graphics. Muybridge's chequered past and obsession with photography and fame led to the development of his 'Motion Studies' and the discovery that horses do indeed fly in motion (well, they have all four legs off the ground at the one time).
An inspiration to Degas, Francis Bacon and anthropologists the world over, this collection is well worth a look, if not for the sheer amount of meticulous documentation alone. The Muybridge exhibit is displayed at the Tate Britain till 16th Jan.

How To Create Advertising That Sells By David Ogilvy

This classic ad was written by the great Mr Ogilvy many decades ago. What do you think, how much of it is still relevant? (click on the picture to see it bigger)

Early Learning Centre Campaign

These ads have been on the box for a little while now and never fail to make me chuckle. As a parent, I think they're bang on. Good writing. Excellent voiceover. Engaging and charming. It's a really simple and strong campaign idea that has the power to run and run. Let's hope it does. It also goes to show that you don't have to break the bank to come up with a great commercial. Top marks to those kool kats at Karmarama.

Lovely New Land Rover Print Ad

The humble print ad is a neglected breed these days, but we still believe in the power of good ones to get noticed and work hard. This new print ad for Land Rover does everything well, the positioning of the landy as a tool is spot on, and the idea is beautifully executed, managing to be both bold and finessed. Hats off to RKCR/Y&R and in particular art director Steve Williams and copywriter Adrian Lim.