Contagion – Billboard

I’ve always been a fan of clever, creative advertising, especially when it breaks out from the constraints of traditional media while reinforcing the message of the advert. This ‘billboard’ from Warner Bros, for the upcoming film “Contagion”, does just that. It’s a viral ad campaign. Literally!

(ok, not really ‘literally’ because, biologically speaking, viruses and bacteria are two different things, but you know what I mean!)

The clever use of bacteria to develop the message over time is great, and reminds me of another clever campaign from a few years ago by Audi which rusted over time to reveal an advert for the Aluminium A2 car (clever because aluminium doesn’t rust).

Here’s some words about the campaign that I’ve ‘borrowed’…

“Building on its reputation for always being ahead of the curve, Warner Bros. Pictures Canada created a unique outdoor installation merging science and advertising that is guaranteed to leave movie lovers, science buffs and art enthusiasts in ‘awe’ or ‘eww’.

In support of Academy Award ® winner Steven Soderbergh’s latest film “Contagion” — in theatres September 9th, Warner Bros. Pictures Canada teamed up with microbiologists and immunologists from around the world to create a one-of-a-kind bacteria message board located at 409 Queen Street West in an abandoned store-front window. On August 28th, two large Petri dishes were inoculated with live bacteria including penicillin, mold and pigmented bacteria and almost overnight have revealed the true Contagion — an artistic interpretation of the spread of a virus as depicted in the film.

The public was invited to witness first-hand the remarkable growing power of natural bacteria on Wednesday August 31st from 11:00 AM — 2:00 PM. The first 50 people who arrived received passes to see “Contagion” in theatres and other themed prizes.”

Find out more here on Advertblog

A day in the life of an Audi driver – Amazing Video

Put your pedal to the metal!

So I don’t know about you, but this here robot is actually a bit of a petrol head. While I’ll quite happily watch a game of football, cricket, or at a push, rugby, I’m not massively into ball sports. This is mainly because I’m not very good at them. What I am good at, however, is motorsport. Read more »

A Pot Noeldle Christmas – by Pot Noodle

Here’s a great animated ad from Pot Noodle which is an amusing take on the usual sugar-coated Christmas ads. The noodle van is coming… noodle van is coming…

Credits go to:
Agency: AKQA
Creative director: James Hilton
Production company: A Large Evil Corporation
Director: Seth Watkins
Lead animator: Eva Bennett
Lead modelmaker: Ahmed Hussein

6 billion people – 6 billion colours

Nokia E71 – Universal Everything – 6 billion people, 6 billion colours from Sermad on Vimeo.

Nokia E71 – Universal Everything

Here’s a video (another old one I’m afraid) which gives an interesting take on social connections and building communities. Gives human characteristics to abstract shapes and spheres, Matt Pyke’s file shows the shapes interacting with each other – colliding, attracting, forming groups and populating the landscape.

‘The more connections I make, the further I can reach across the world finding inspiration in every person I meet.’ Matt Pyke

Find out more about Matt Pyke over at Computer Arts…

Sony Bravia Bouncing Balls Advert

Ok, so I know this is a really old advert, but I just stumbled across it again and remembered how amazing it was to watch the first time – especially in the cinema! It really is a beautifully shot piece of film and the visual works perfectly with Jose Gonzalez’s cover of The Knife’s original electro track, “Heartbeats”. The LCD TV at the end looks a bit dated though!

😉