ITV

Category: Media and Advertising

  • Unilever partner Big Sync Music opens Singapore office

    Unilever partner Big Sync Music opens Singapore office

    MUMBAI: On the eve of Asia’s premier music conference, Music Matters, which kicks off in Singapore this week, specialist music agency and global Unilever partner, Big Sync Music, has officially opened its new Asian regional office in Singapore.

     

    The company has appointed Angel Lee as country manager and Marine Cremer as music supervisor.

     

    Lee, who comes from the Singapore Economic Development Board, is now responsible for overseeing all of Big Sync’s work across Asia – supported by Cremer.

     

    Big Sync, with current offices in London and New York, works with brands and creative agencies on global and regional advertising campaigns. It recently announced a global partnership with Unilever, making Big Sync the single supplier for its music services across all 400 plus brands in all territories covering music strategy, licensing, creative music search and amplification.

     

    In her previous role, Lee was responsible for charting and driving growth in Singapore’s music and entertainment industry by successfully establishing music businesses in Singapore for Asia. In her new role at Big Sync, she will drive the company’s business development strategy in the region as well as work with creative agencies on advertising campaigns for some of Unilever’s biggest brands such as Cornetto, Ponds and Lux.

     

    Lee said, “It is a privilege to be joining a young, fast growing, creative and energetic company that is both passionate about music and highly strategic in branded partnerships. It is an exciting time to be joining the company as there is tremendous growth in viewing music as a key building block of brand owners’ content strategy across Asia. I’m looking forward to leading a dynamic team to help different clients across Asia find the best sonic strategies for their brands, the right music solutions for local campaigns and being able to tap into Big Sync’s huge global network of music providers to do that.”

     

    Lee has over ten years’ experience in strategy, marketing and management roles across a range of music companies including digital roles at Interscope Records in Santa Monica and Sony Music in Los Angeles.

     

    Cremer was in-house music supervisor and audio producer at DDB Paris for 12 years and a creative at JWT before that, working on global campaigns from VW and Audi to Neutrogena and Nike.

     

    Big Sync Music CEO Dominic Caisley said, “Angel and Marine form the ideal team to help build on our successful first 18 months in business. Their combined talents in the music and advertising industries and also their local knowledge enhance the overall Big Sync Music offering and with a team firmly on the ground in Singapore. We look forward to helping more brands with their music strategy and also building even better relationships with local music providers. I’m taking part in a panel discussion at Music Matters Live in Singapore on Wednesday 20 May discussing how music is licensed in advertisements and look forward to learning more about the music industry in this region.”

  • ZEEL launches new corporate brand film

    ZEEL launches new corporate brand film

    MUMBAI: In a bid to strengthen its global positioning of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbkam – The World is My Family,’ Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (ZEEL) has launched a new corporate brand film, which has been created by FCB Ulka.

     

    Reaching over 959 million viewers across 169 countries, the film reiterates Zee’s role as a global brand, a cultural ambassador, uniting people in India and across the globe with its 33 domestic and 36 international channels.

     

    In 2013, ZEE Entertainment unveiled their new corporate identity of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – The World is my Family.’ The concept originated in the Maha Upanishad in a shloka and it means – “Only small men discriminate saying: One is a relative; the other is a stranger. For those who live magnanimously the entire world constitutes but a family.”

     

    On the new brand film, ZEEL corporate brand head Roland Landers said, “In its journey of 22 years, ZEE has made a significant place in the hearts and minds of millions of viewers across the world. Through this film, we not only cherish their presence, but also welcome the world to be a part of this family.”

     

    Speaking on the brand film, FCB Ulka CCO Satbir Singh said, “ZEE is today this massive family with millions of family members around the world, connected through highly engaging television and movie content. We are celebrating this inclusive value of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, or the World is a Family, with this film.”

     

    The film will go live from today 18 May, 2015 across all platforms of ZEE Entertainment and ZEE Media. The film’s roll-out will be supported by a print ad as well as intensive promotion on YouTube and other social media platforms.

  • Godrej Appliances VP marketing Ramesh Chembath quits

    Godrej Appliances VP marketing Ramesh Chembath quits

    MUMBAI: After a nine year stint, Godrej Appliances vice president marketing Ramesh Chembath has called it a day at the white goods major. The launch of the NXW, Godrejs’ premium category of refrigerators, was possibly Chembath’s last media appearance as a part of Godrej. 

     

    Chembath served his tenure and silently quit last week. His next move still remains unknown.

     

    When contacted by Indiantelevision.com, Chembath confirmed the news, but refused to say anything further.

     

    With vast experience in brand management, communication, product management, sales and P&L, Chembath was helming a strategic role in one of India’s leading consumer durable companies until last week.

     

    Prior to Godrej, Chembath worked with Draft FCB Ulka and the Aditya Birla Group.

  • Pepsi ropes in Raghu & Rajiv for Crash the IPL TVC

    Pepsi ropes in Raghu & Rajiv for Crash the IPL TVC

    MUMBAI: Rajiv Laxman and Raghu Ram have garnered a cult following thanks to their histrionics on MTV Roadies. Now global cola giant Pepsi has roped in the terrible twins in a bid to stoke the voting instincts of online video guzzlers in India to help it decide which consumer generated commercials (as part of its Crash the IPL campaign) make the cut and make it on broadcast television. 

     

    The duo has produced a commercial under the umbrella of their production house Monozygotic. The TVC is slated to go on air in the next day or two (on MAX and SIX respectively), though it has already made its debut on YouTube. 

     

    Both Rajiv and Raghu have gained notoriety over the past decade as the very hostile audition hosts of MTV Roadies (which they quit late last year) who bludgeon contestants with their nastiness.  

     

    The Pepsi TVC begins with the producer of a show tearing his hair out about the low audience ratings it is garnering. His team informs him that the ratings have fallen because the brothers have been extremely kind towards the contestants appearing for the auditions. And a flashback follows. Almost every participant sails through the brothers with them telling each one “What the Stress Yaar?” 

     

    In the TVC, the producer then schemes with Rannvijay to help them get their trademark hostility back. He hides their Pepsi while they very sweetly select a contestant. When they discover their Pepsi is missing, they flip their lid and their nastiness erupts again to the delight of the producer and Rannvijay. The TVC ends with the tagline “It’s beeping awesome.”

     

    Speaking to Indiantelevision.com, Laxman says, “When we got a call from Pepsi, we were overwhelmed and decided to be a part of the creative innovation. We decided to play around with our USP and come with something quirky and progressive and that’s how ‘What the stress’ came in.”

     

    Adds Raghu Ram, “We are very excited to partner with Pepsi on the Crash the Pepsi IPL since it is a first of its kind property that empowers viewers to become content creators on both the TV and digital screens.”

    The TVC, which was completely shot in Mumbai has been directed by Bollywood director E Niwas.  “It was made on an extremely shoestring budget as the major departments including the casts, cinematography, music were taken care of by friends who collaborated for free,” says Laxman. “Raghu and I have been in the creative space for more than 20 years and now we want to use our experience to provide creative solutions for brands, which will be interactive and modern and help them develop a strong youth connection. Creativity is evolving every day and as screens start to merge, brands will have to be more innovative and interactive. So I think creative innovations like Crash The IPL have  the potential to become a strong precedent,” he adds.

     

    Speaking about the launch of the new TVC, PepsiCo India Beverages senior director marketing – social Ruchita Jaitley says, “This ad film by Raghu and Rajiv definitely adds more spunk to the campaign and will mobilize consumers to go vote for their favourite ad. We are overwhelmed at the kind of response Crash the Pepsi IPL has seen so far. It has been amazing to see how consumers and fans have taken on the creative challenge and shown their love for the brand. This is an all-important phase for the campaign, as we now hand over the reins to the consumers. India will now decide the next winner of this campaign and we’re keen and excited to see how this will play out.”

  • Pepsi, Usher and UrtheCast partner to create film adventure

    Pepsi, Usher and UrtheCast partner to create film adventure

    MUMBAI: In a first-of-its-kind, Pepsi is creating and producing a short film that will include footage from UrtheCast – the world’s first full-color Ultra High-Definition video system located aboard the International Space Station (ISS), feature Pepsi consumers from around the world and leverage the creative and artistic direction of eight-time Grammy award winning entertainer Usher. As part of this year’s Pepsi Challenge (#PEPSICHALLENGE) campaign, the interstellar short film combines video, music, technology and storytelling, with Pepsi consumers across the globe playing a role in the experience.

     

    “On one level, the ambition of this short film is mind-boggling because it’s an original screenplay that features real-life footage shot from outer-space. But, having visionary creators, cutting-edge technologists like UrtheCast and an iconic artist like Usher make it a realistic, exciting collaboration across tech, film, music and pop culture,” said PepsiCo Global Beverages Group chief marketing officer, global consumer engagement Frank Cooper III.

     

    To be released this fall, the short film will be shot from multiple locations and perspectives – both on Earth and in space. Designed to unite and inspire generations around the world as part of the #PepsiChallenge, Pepsi will invite consumers to participate in this unique film phenomenon. Filming will take place in more than 10 countries across four continents where thousands of consumers will join together to be filmed by UrtheCast’s proprietary HD video camera – permanently and impressively leaving their mark on history as part of this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

     

    While UrtheCast captures a powerful perspective from space that few have ever experienced, Usher will invite fans to capture through a single photo an image that they feel inspires and amazes others to look at the world in a new way. Beginning today through June 2nd, fans around the world can submit one photo each day to PepsiChallenge.com. Usher will select the most powerful image and invite the talent behind the lens to meet him on set at the upcoming film shoot, with the winning image also featured in the short film. For contest official rules, including eligibility requirements, and to view a selection of the best images from around the world, visit www.PepsiChallenge.com.

     

    “Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to be a part of some truly amazing experiences. I’ve always tried to push boundaries and to inspire others to go beyond what they perceive as their limits. I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to partner with Pepsi and UrtheCast to be a part of creating this intergalactic short film shot from space and am excited to jump in and take on this once-in-a-lifetime challenge and experience,” said Usher.

     

    With a launch that marked #PepsiChallenge as the #1 Twitter trending topic worldwide, and engagements by and with Pepsi global brand ambassadors and international luminaries, fashion houses and sports celebrities alike, the Pepsi Challenge continues throughout 2015 with additional global and local challenges designed to galvanize consumers around the world to live life to the fullest and make every moment – big or small – epic. Challenges are issued on Pepsi social channels, PepsiChallenge.com and via global and local ambassadors. 

  • Dentsu acquires 85% stake in UK’s John Brown Media

    Dentsu acquires 85% stake in UK’s John Brown Media

    MUMBAI: Dentsu Aegis Network has acquired an 85 per cent stake in UK based branded content agency John Brown Media.

     

    As per the deal, Dentsu also has an option that would allow expansion to 100 per cent shareholding after 2018.

     

    Founded in 1987, John Brown Media started out as a publisher of consumer magazines and newsletters, and then evolved into a company that provides its portfolio of high-profile, multinational clients with a range of services such as print and digital publishing, content management, website strategy and film production.

     

    In addition to the U.K., John Brown Media has offices in South Africa, Hong Kong and Dubai, facilitating the expansion of innovative content marketing services on a global scale.

     

    The Dentsu Group has to date provided its clients with services in the digital performance domain through iProspect. The acquisition of John Brown Media will strengthen the cooperative relationship that the company already has with iProspect and other Group companies, and contribute to the maximization of client ROI through highly differentiated value-added solutions.

     

    John Brown Media reported annual revenue of GBP 1.67 million for the year ended March 2014. Established in 1987, the agency has 225 employees and is headed by Andrew Hirsch as CEO.

  • Maxus bags media planning mandate of Shopclues.com

    Maxus bags media planning mandate of Shopclues.com

    MUMBAI: Maxus has won the media planning duties for e-commerce venture Shopclues.com following a multi agency pitch.

     

    The Maxus Delhi team will be managing the account under the aegis of Maxus managing partner Navin Khemka. 

     

    Maxus South Asia managing director Kartik Sharma said, “It is indeed a prestigious win for us and we are thrilled to partner with the Shopclues team and to grow with them as their business scales newer heights. We are particularly excited to bring out the best business-oriented solutions for them.”

     

    Shopclues.com co-founder and chief business officer Radhika Aggarwal added, “We are on a very rapid growth orbit and after careful evaluation we decided Maxus will be an ideal partner for driving this growth engine. We are excited to have Maxus on board and confident that their innovative strategic and creative inputs will create the right buzz that we as a brand need today. We expect a lot of superlative work on our brand.”

  • Havas Media Group wins Integrated Media mandate for iOrderFresh

    Havas Media Group wins Integrated Media mandate for iOrderFresh

    MUMBAI: Havas Media Group has won the integrated media duties of iOrderFresh, a mobile-first commerce venture in the fresh perishable foods and groceries retail space. 

     

    The mandate includes integrated media buying and planning across traditional media and digital solutions for search, social and mobile. The account will be handled by Havas Media’s New Delhi office. 

     

    iOrderFresh, founder and CEO Nitin Sawhney said, “iOrderFresh has a simple promise to the consumer; fresh produce directly from the farm to your kitchen in a few hours. The business is built on the premise of freshness and convenience. It aims to create a whole new experience for shopping for food and groceries available at your doorstep by just downloading the app from any smartphone. Currently available in Delhi and Gurgaon, on both Android and iOS platforms, we are looking to consolidate our presence in the NCR region before expanding to other cities. Havas Media carved out a compelling mobile-first, integrated media strategy to get more people to download the app and also to scale the brand.”

     

    Havas Media Group India and South Asia CEO Anita Nayyar added, “Getting home delivered fresh fruits and veggies in our hurried lifestyle and traffic bound commute is a blessing. The Indian shopper’s attitude to online retail is very positive today so the perishable retail space is only set to grow. Havas Media with its digital strengths and integrated media offering is well geared to engage this shopper and add to the shopper basket.”

     

    Havas Media India managing director Mohit Joshi said, “It is a good win in a challenging category. We are happy that our rich experience in the dotcom domain is helping us get more clients in the category. We look forward to a great association with them.”

  • Actor Siddharth to endorse chocolate brand Luvit

    Actor Siddharth to endorse chocolate brand Luvit

    MUMBAI: As they say it in South India, “Ushaar” meaning beware. The theme behind the new campaign of this chocolate brand tells you to beware if someone shares it with you. Luvit, a brand by Global Consumer Products, has appointed actor Siddharth as its brand ambassador.

     

    The brand also recently launched its clutter-breaking commercial, which turns conventional logic of sharing on its head.

     

    The brand will offer nine variants and 14 SKUs and is primarily targeted to youth aged from 15 – 30 years.

     

    The TVC, which features Siddharth, shows various stories in which a person shares their Luvit chocolate with a hidden agenda. The advertising message is simple: the best way to enjoy a Luvit is alone. It is not just the right way but the only way. But at the same time, you can get urge to share it and ask yourself, “What’s in it for you?” because a chocolate this delicious is only given away to get something in return.

     

    The music video stars Siddharth with Santhosh Narayanan’s music and is a fresh concept along with execution. The catchy tune and vibrant never-seen-before advertising is expected to strike a chord with the audience.

     

    The TVC is combination of Tamil and English with a tagline “If someone shares, ushaar!” and that’s what captures the essence of the brand. The ad will be of 50 seconds, along with edits of 20 seconds.

     

    Global Consumer Products EVP sales & marketing Anuradha Narasimhan said, “The objective of our communication package was to impactfully and effectively launch LuvIt Chocolates as a young, vibrant, indulgent brand targeting Indian youth. We didn’t want to focus on specific product attributes as much as drive home the message that LuvIt Chocolates are so delicious that they are Best Enjoyed Alone. We are delighted that we have Original-Chocolate Boy Siddharth as the face of our brand. It was great fun working on the branding codes and seeing them come alive across multiple media formats in a young, pop and connecting way. We broke away from many category codes and are delighted to have put out this insightful campaign which I am sure will resonate will everyone in our audience.”

     

    Karishma Lintas EVP Kishore Subramanian added, “The biggest challenge for us on LuvIt was to find an insight space which gave the brand a unique identity which resonated with the youth. And the brand’s take on sharing actually being a matlabi act, gave us just that.”

     

    The creative duo from Karishma Lintas – Shiv Parameswaran & Arjun Kumar said, “This was one of those campaigns where every creative person lent their unique flavour to “ushaar.” The choice of chocolate boy Siddharth was perfect to bring alive the brand’s youthful character. Then we brought on board the current youth icon Santosh Narayanan, who musically spun the world of “ushaar.” And finally Suresh Eriyat and co at Studio Eeksaurus gave the film life by creating this asterisk-filled world of Ushaar.”

     

    The campaign will be supported on television, OOH, digital, on-ground malls and hangouts and radio. The target markets are South India and Tier-I cities being the primary focus in the launch stage.

     

    “Even in static mediums, we’ve consciously adopted the vibrant colours of the packaging, as well as the visually striking device of the asterisk. This gives us the edge over the work currently seen in the category,” added Parameswaran.

  • Scarecrow Communications appoints IrajFraz as head of creative

    Scarecrow Communications appoints IrajFraz as head of creative

    MUMBAI: Scarecrow Communications has appointed IrajFraz as head of creative operations of its Delhi office. Fraz has vast experience in the advertising industry and has worked with agencies like Leo Burnett, JWT and Contract amongst others.

     

    Scarecrow Communications founder director RaghuBhat said, “I have followed his career closely since I first worked with him in McCann. And he offers the perfect mix of world-class creativity, an instinctive understanding of the marketing problem, people skills and the hunger to do more.”

     

    Scarecrow Communications founder director Manish Bhatt added,“We have five brands in Delhi. It’s a decent base. Under Fraz and AnujMehtani, who heads account management in Delhi, we now have the people who can power Scarecrow Delhi to the next level.”

     

    Frazsaid, “I came back because I love advertising. Here, in the by-lanes of ChandniChowk and the boardrooms of banks, people discuss ads. We care about advertising, and that makes our country the ‘it’ place to create interesting work. Why Scarecrow? Because here, the focus hasn’t just been on let’s do work that keeps the business but on let’s create work that starts conversations. And I’d like to keep the momentum going.”

     

    Fraz started his career at Leo Burnett in 2002. From there, he moved on to McCann, Mumbai and in 2006, shifted to Contract Delhi to work on brands like Dominos, NIIT &Dabur. Post this stint, he spent about five years as creative director at JWT Delhi.

     

    His next stop was Y&R, Dubai, where he worked on Coke, Emaar properties and Mashreq Bank, handling projects not just for the UAE, but often for the whole of MENA region, and sometimes, even for Europe and South East Asia.