Category: Media and Advertising

  • AdTech Today concludes first edition of EMERGE 2024

    AdTech Today concludes first edition of EMERGE 2024

    Mumbai: AdTech Today successfully wrapped up the first edition of EMERGE 2024 – The Rise of Independent Agencies, an event that celebrated the innovation and creativity of independent agencies in the advertising and marketing world. The event provided a platform for these agencies to showcase their excellence, while fostering connections with venture capitalists and brands to build long-term partnerships.

    Supported by Blis as the session partner, Explurger as the support partner, MRSI as the knowledge partner, and Treize Communications as the PR partner, the event kicked off with a keynote by AdTech Today’s CEO, Srikanth Rayaprolu who highlighted the company’s vision for disrupting the media industry.

    India at Blis, head of sales, Nabajit Nath followed with an insightful session on “Using Location Insights for Marketing Campaigns,” revealing key statistics on the power of location-based data.

    The panel on “India’s Media Boom: Independent Agencies, Economy, and Growth” featured Amit Singal (FluidVentures), Karun Arya (Get Vantage), Tamanna Gupta (Umanshi Marketing and Branding), Tufayl Merchant (HOWL Digital), and Avik Ashar (Artha Ventures), and was moderated by Amiya Swarup from EY. The discussion highlighted key insights from VCs and independent agency leaders, emphasizing the role independent agencies play in driving the media boom and supporting the SME ecosystem, with a focus on agility and brand adaptation. It also stressed the importance of shifting from vanity metrics to real growth metrics, balancing debt and equity, and the need for agencies to evolve as strategic partners, not just implementation partners, to meet the expectations of brands and investors.

    MRSI’s Ebu Issac delivered a keynote on “Understanding the Indian Phygital Consumer,” while Explurger’s head of monetisation and business partnerships Jwala Kumar who spoke on “EMERGE with Impact: Redefining Social Engagement Through Explurger’s Innovation.”

    The panel on “The Future of Ads: Independent Agencies and Phygital Trends” featured experts from technology platforms, clients, and agencies, including Dev Batra (Lyxel&Flamingo), Tejas Chaudhari (Unilever), Kunal Joshi (Enormous), Amaresh Godbole (Publicis Groupe), Rahul Dutta (Microsoft), and Kaustubh Pawar (DSP Mutual). Key takeaways included the rising importance of integrating digital and physical experiences, with phygital here to stay, the full-funnel phygital and omnichannel strategies, and the advent of AR and MR in enhancing these experiences, emphasizing the need for businesses to plan for the phygital future.

    The final panel on “Thriving Independently: Adapting to tech, media shifts and competing with Giants” was closely aligned with the event’s theme, and featured leaders from top independent agencies in India. Panelists included Ranjeet Kumar (Team Pumpkin), Ravikant Banka (Eggfirst Advertising), Nisha Singhania (Infectious Advertising), Harikrishnan Pillai (TheSmallBigIdea), Sowmya Iyer (DViO Digital), and Ahmed Aftab Naqvi (Gozoop), with Chirag Bhatia (Channel Factory) moderating the session. The discussion highlighted how being independent provides agencies with greater agility, flexibility, and speed, allowing them to leverage their strengths to foster a culture of innovation and gain a competitive edge both domestically and internationally.

    The event concluded with the EMERGE Awards 2024, celebrating independent agency achievements. Buffalo Soldiers, DigiChefs, DViO Digital, and White Rivers Media were among the winners. A special tribute was given to advertising legends Bipin Pandit and Josy Paul. Pandit’s poetic shayari and Paul’s inspiring message on turning weaknesses into strengths left a lasting impact on the audience.

  • Jimmy Choo unveils the Autumn 2024 campaign starring Winona Ryder

    Jimmy Choo unveils the Autumn 2024 campaign starring Winona Ryder

    Mumbai: Jimmy Choo unveils Winona Ryder as the face of the Autumn 2024 campaign featuring the latest collection, Glamour Refined. Photographed and conceived by Paris-based art director, Ezra Petronio, the campaign evokes the pared-back style and cultural reset of the late ‘90s; as embodied by Winona – an icon, then and now.

    The campaign presents a series of striking visuals and moving images, with a minimal set, referencing a gallery-like space ensuring an acute focus on Winona and the brand’s seasonal signature footwear, bags and eyewear collection as the primary subject.

    An Academy Award-nominated actress, known for her groundbreaking roles in films such as Beetlejuice, Edward Scissorhands, Heathers, Little Women, Reality Bites, The Age of Innocence, Girl Interrupted, Black Swan, the upcoming Beetlejuice Beetlejuice and the hit Netflix TV series, Stranger Things, Winona Ryder brings her unparalleled charisma and depth to the campaign. Her confident presence and beguiling charm draw the viewer into her world. The campaign’s clean aesthetic and laser focus creates a strong emotional connection; it’s a study in perception and perspective. The casting of Winona is a testament not only to her talent as an actress but to her enduring style influence that continues to inspire a timelessly edgy elegance.

    “Winona is iconic in her style and her acting. We were both in our early 20s during the 1990s. Her films and her aesthetic are symbolic of the decade that shaped Jimmy Choo’s early years as a brand. Winona’s talent combined with her individuality and ‘90s legacy felt perfect to represent this collection,” said creative director Sandra Choi.

    Autumn 2024 itself is a collection of twisted classics that hark back to the formative years of Jimmy Choo, mining the house’s rich heritage to restate its codes and identity. From archival styles that have been remastered – including the laced Scarlett pump and an evolved biker boot, Brooklyn, to new designs such as the oversized butter soft leather Diamond Tote and new iterations of the Cinch bag.

    This exploration of identity is reinforced by the dynamic use of post-box red, a literal and metaphorical red thread applied to both product and brand logo, and in the form of a playful BTS video featuring Winona Ryder. The Autumn 2024 collection is available now at jimmychoo.com and at stores in India.

  • Liva unveils ‘Feel It All’ campaign

    Liva unveils ‘Feel It All’ campaign

    Mumbai: Liva, a natural-origin fabrics brand, has launched its latest campaign, ‘Feel It All,’ inviting consumers to rediscover fabric’s importance in their clothing choices. By merging tactile sensations with emotional experiences, ‘Feel It All’ showcases how garments crafted with Liva fabrics enrich and transform everyday moments. Qualities like softness, fluidity, comfort, ease of movement, lightweight, and breathability are what make Liva crafted garments superior.

    The campaign highlights how the choice of right fabrics play a crucial role in defining and enhancing the way we feel throughout the day. Whether it’s the fluid drape of a dress that moves with ease or the breathable comfort of a top that makes you feel light on a sunny day, Liva transforms these ordinary interactions into extraordinary experiences.

    Grasim Industries Ltd CMO of Birla cellulose, Manmohan Singh elaborated on the campaign’s essence, “In today’s fast-paced world, the role of fabric in our clothing choices often gets overlooked. With ‘Feel It All,’ we aim to reignite the appreciation for the fabric that lies at the heart of every outfit. This campaign is about showcasing an experience and joy one feels when in Liva fabrics – comfortable, unrestricted and in style.”

     

     

    With ‘Feel It All,’ Liva reaffirms its commitment to providing natural-origin fabrics that offer unparalleled comfort and style, making every moment feel just right.

    Executed by the creative team at Gozoop, ‘Feel It All’ employs a robust digital strategy to communicate Liva’s brand essence across multiple platforms. The campaign blends social media engagement, interactive digital content, content marketing, and public relations to communicate the message while engaging with the audience effectively.

    Gozoop Digital creative director, Nishant Chhinkwani said, “Light, breathable, and flowy, Liva mirrors the essence of effortless comfort. Our campaign directly draws a parallel between these attributes and what the consumer wants to experience – the lightness of being, the freedom to take the world by storm, and a sense of connection with others, and oneself. In a nutshell, it’s about feeling it all, while keeping it fun and breezy.”

  • Dabur India entrusts Rajiv Dubey with expanded role as VP

    Dabur India entrusts Rajiv Dubey with expanded role as VP

    Mumbai: Dabur India has entrusted Rajiv Dubey with an expanded role as vice president, where he will now lead brand activations and experiential marketing initiatives.

    Alongside his continued leadership in media strategy and execution, Dubey will focus on creating immersive brand experiences that enhance Dabur’s connection with its customers.

    He manages media spending across a wide range of platforms, including TV, digital, print, radio, outdoor, and both consumer and trade activations, ensuring optimal ROI and growth for the company’s diverse brand portfolio.

    With over three decades at Dabur, Dubey has developed expertise across various roles, with core competencies in media planning and buying, digital transformation, mar-tech, and emerging media practices.

    Since joining Dabur in 1994 as a media manager, Dubey played a key role in establishing Adbur, the company’s in-house agency, and in fostering partnerships with prominent broadcasters such as All India Radio, Doordarshan, Zee, and Star Network, as well as major newspapers like Times of India.
     

  • Tata CLiQ invites shoppers to its ‘House of Utsav’ Durga Puja online store

    Tata CLiQ invites shoppers to its ‘House of Utsav’ Durga Puja online store

    Mumbai: Tata CLiQ, an Indian online shopping platform, has launched a social media campaign for Durga Puja, celebrating the festive spirit and inviting consumers to shop for festive curations on the platform. The social media campaign showcases a star-studded collaboration with renowned Bengali actor Madhumita Sarcar and popular fashion content creator Sonali Mitra, capturing the joy and excitement of their invitation to Tata CLiQ’s ‘House of Utsav’ as they browse and shop the festive curations from the Durga Puja online store, offering an extensive range of products across categories like fashion, home, and beauty, all designed for the season’s grand celebrations.

    The concept of home is closely tied to the festive season, where people gather, reconnect, and celebrate. Tata CLiQ introduces ‘House of Utsav’, a curated shopping destination for the upcoming festivities. It blends the cultural significance of festivals with fashion, offering ethnic wear, fusion styles, serveware, makeup, and home décor. The Durga Puja edit features curated looks across various categories.

    The video features Madhumita and Sonali showcasing a range of styles available at the ‘House of Utsav’ Durga Puja store on the platform, from classic ethnic wear to contemporary fusion, highlighting the outfits they would wear on different Puja days. Set against the backdrop of Kolkata’s iconic landmarks, the video captures the joy of the festival, weaving fashion into its rich cultural narrative.

    Tata CLiQ CEO Gopal Asthana expressed his enthusiasm about the campaign, “We are excited to introduce ‘House of Utsav’, a theme that celebrates the cultural and emotional essence of festivals. With the launch of this curated destination, our aim is to become the preferred platform for consumers shopping for fashion, home, and beauty this festive season. Durga Puja is one of the country’s most widely celebrated festivals, rich in cultural significance. With the festival approaching next month, we’re excited to launch this social media campaign. For this, we’ve collaborated with well-known personalities like Madhumita Sarcar and Sonali Mitra to showcase our Durga Puja festive curations on the platform. We invite consumers to join us in celebrating the festive season at Tata CLiQ’s House of Utsav and look forward to delighting them with an unparalleled online shopping experience.”

  • Signature Packaged Drinking Water presents Ziro Festival 2024

    Signature Packaged Drinking Water presents Ziro Festival 2024

    Mumbai: “The earth has music for those who listen.”-William Shakespeare.

    A life connected to nature can be deeply rewarding. Signature Packaged Drinking Water encourages natural living and has partnered with the Ziro Festival, a major festival in India set in Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh. The festival, running from 26 to 29 September 2024, offers a range of experiences for nature and music lovers.

    The Ziro Festival promotes eco-friendly practices with activities like masterclasses, farm-to-table cuisine, and plogging. It features bamboo and Apatani craftsmanship, biodegradable Tamul plates, and reclaimed wood signages. Free water is provided to encourage the use of reusable bottles.

    This year’s festival includes a diverse lineup of musicians: Tamikrest with their Tuareg beats, Kailash Kher’s soulful performance, genre-blending Hanumankind, Kerala’s hip hop star Dabzee, Singapore’s post-rock band Amateur, Arunachal’s Dobom Doji Carolina Norbu, Nepali chart-topper Sushant KC, Swedish psych-rock group Hollow Ship, and Veena maestro Dr. Jayanti Ramesh.

    Diageo India VP and portfolio head, marketing, Varun Koorichh said, “As we continue our relationship with Ziro Music Festival as the presenting partner, we recognize that new age consumers are proactive, informed, and intentional in their choices, seeking meaningful experiences. There is a clear shift towards mindful living among today’s diverse audiences. Last year’s success reinforced the synergy between Signature Packaged Drinking Water’s ‘Live Good, Do Good’ philosophy and the Ziro Music Festival’s reputation as one of the most eco-friendly music festivals in India. This year, our focus is to build on that success and take it to newer heights. Set in stunning Arunachal Pradesh, the festival offers a stellar lineup, immersive experiences, farm-to-table cuisine, and eco-conscious initiatives. Our partnership aims to bring together nature enthusiasts, positioning Signature Packaged Drinking Water at the forefront of a space where music and eco-conscious living blend to create an immersive and impactful experience to enable meaningful connections with nature.”

    Ziro Festival co-founder and creative producer Anup Kutty said, “Ziro Festival has always been about discovering new sounds and creating a space where artists can connect with a diverse, global audience against the backdrop of the spectacular Ziro valley. Each year, we’re amazed at how music from all parts of the world resonates with our attendees. This is what makes Ziro Festival so special, and we’re thrilled to have partners like Signature supporting this mission of discovery.”

    Ziro Festival co-founder and festival director Bobby Hano said, “Sustainability has been at the heart of Ziro Festival since its inception. Our partnership with Signature Packaged Drinking Water is an important step in continuing our commitment to preserving the environment while celebrating music and culture. Together, we aim to showcase how events like ours can balance eco-conscious practices with impactful, memorable experiences.”

    Signature Packaged Drinking Water invites green seekers to reconnect and revel in nature’s authentic experiences at Ziro whilst embracing the art of mindful living for a more vibrant and harmonious future.

  • Arkade Developers unveils ‘Redevelopment Cha Raja’ campaign

    Arkade Developers unveils ‘Redevelopment Cha Raja’ campaign

    Mumbai: Arkade Developer, a Mumbai real estate developer with 38 years of legacy, launched the ‘Redevelopment Cha Raja’ campaign to help homeowners create future-proof living spaces.

    The campaign is conceptualised by Arkade Developers & Good Old Delight and features a social media film emphasising the importance of family and spacious homes. A child’s conversation with Ganpati Bappa about their ideal home underscores the campaign’s message.

    Expressing his views on the campaign, Arkade Developers chairman and MD Amit Jain said, “Family First is our core philosophy and our commitment to redevelopment is a commitment to families, creating environments where every family can grow and prosper. Taking the same thought forward we have created a concept that everyone can relate to, the need for a home that meets their family’s requirements. Keeping the festive mood in mind, owing to Ganesh Chaturthi, ‘Redevelopment Cha Raja’ aims at capturing the positive spirit and encouraging everyone to fulfil their dream of a perfect home!”

    As a trusted luxury redevelopment brand, Arkade Developers is committed to shaping futures and uniting families. With a portfolio of over 28 completed projects and the trust of 4,000 plus happy families, the ongoing redevelopment portfolio is Arkade Aura, Arkade Pearl, Arkade Vistas, Arkade Views, Arkade Eden and more across western suburbs.

  • EaseMyTrip named official travel partner for IIFA 2024

    EaseMyTrip named official travel partner for IIFA 2024

    Mumbai: EaseMyTrip.com is the ‘official travel partner’ for the prestigious IIFA Festival 2024. Through this association, EaseMyTrip extends an opportunity to its customers to attend the much-anticipated star-studded event in the Indian entertainment industry. As part of this association, EaseMyTrip is offering specially curated holiday packages at special prices. These packages provide not only the perfect getaway but also a chance to be part of the star-studded IIFA festivities. A few lucky customers will get a golden opportunity to attend the event with a IIFA pass, adding an extra dash of excitement to their journey.

    EaseMyTrip CEO and co-founder Nishant Pitti said, “EaseMyTrip is excited to be the official travel partner for the world’s grandest celebration at the IIFA Awards. This year, the celebrations promise to be bigger and more spectacular than ever. As a part of our association, we’ve curated IIFA specific holiday packages for our customers and a chance for few lucky winners to win and attend the event. This partnership reflects our unwavering commitment to making travel for the event and beyond both effortless and unforgettable for all.”

    IIFA founder and director Andre Timmins stated, “As we approach IIFA’s Silver Jubilee in 2025, we’re thrilled to announce the biggest and most spectacular IIFA Festival yet, set for 27-29 September at Yas Island. This year’s IIFA will be a celebration of unprecedented scale, transcending cinematic boundaries with the convergence of Hindi Cinema and South Indian cinema, set against Yas Island’s unmatched hospitality and breath-taking backdrop as a premier international destination.”

    He added, “Expect mesmerising performances and cultural extravaganzas during the three-day celebration that will not only captivate audiences worldwide but also make a profound global impact. A true testament to the unparalleled appeal of Yas Island, IIFA 2024 festival will foster meaningful connections, offer unique networking opportunities, and celebrate the visionaries who have shaped the global entertainment landscape, setting the stage for an extraordinary journey to 2025.”

    Marking 24 years, IIFA 2024 will unite Indian cinema’s finest across five key industries. This three-day event, from 27 to 29 September 2024, at Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, will highlight the diversity of Indian cinema. It will feature the IIFA Utsavam Awards, celebrating South Indian cinema, on Friday, 27 September, followed by the IIFA Awards on Saturday, 28 September, and conclude with IIFA Rocks on Sunday, 29 September. The 24th IIFA edition will showcase Hindi and South Indian cinema, OTT platforms, global stars, international dignitaries, and media, making it the biggest IIFA Festival to date.

  • Britannia 50-50 invites consumers to design the next biscuit shape in its ‘Chief Selector’ campaign

    Britannia 50-50 invites consumers to design the next biscuit shape in its ‘Chief Selector’ campaign

    Mumbai: Have you ever looked at your favourite biscuit and thought, “I could  design something cooler?” Well, now’s your chance! Britannia 50-50 is inviting snack lovers across the country to participate in its latest initiative, the ‘Britannia 50-50 Chief Selector ‘ campaign. This fun and interactive contest lets you step into the shoes of a designer, giving you the unique opportunity to create the next iconic biscuit shape. Whether you’re dreaming up zigzags, spirals, or something completely out of the box, this is your moment to shine.  

    Conceptualised by Schbang, this campaign is a natural extension of Britannia’s long-standing tradition of putting consumers at the heart of its innovation. The film features Ravi Shastri in a digital avatar where he  is in a high-tech lab, conversing with scientists and brainstorming the next big biscuit shape—but he’s counting on you, the consumers, to come up with the most creative ideas! By inviting consumers to become part of the product development process, Britannia continues to push the boundaries of consumer engagement uniquely.

    Ravi Shastri perfectly embodies the dynamic and flavorful dual persona of Britannia 50-50. Much like a  Chief Selector’s role in identifying top talent and making strategic decisions, Ravi, in his role as Chief  Selector for Britannia 50-50, brings his expertise and sharp eye to the task of identifying the new biscuit  shape.”

    Britannia chief marketing officer Amit Doshi said, “At Britannia, we believe in the power of consumer collaboration. The ‘Britannia 50-50 Chief Selector Campaign’ reflects our commitment to innovation by involving consumers in designing the next biscuit shape, deepening our connection with them. Ravi  Shastri’s role as Chief Selector brings a unique blend of insight and charisma, aligning perfectly with the energy of Britannia 50-50. The creative team at Schbang has brilliantly captured this dynamic, ensuring the campaign sets a new benchmark in interactive product development. We are eager to see the incredible  designs our consumers will bring to life.”

    Ravi Shastri said, “Partnering with Britannia 50-50 has been an absolute delight. The ‘Britannia 50-50  Chief Selector Campaign’ is a brilliant example of how the brand engages its audience by involving them in the creative process. Britannia is doing fantastic work in connecting with snack lovers across the country,  and I am thrilled to be a part of this journey, helping in selecting the next biscuit shape.”

    Schbang founder and MD Harshil Karia said ”The biscuit world has been confined to a limited selection of shapes for far too long and it was time to break free from the ordinary. With Britannia 50-50 Chief  Selector, we empowered consumers to become the architects of the future, shaping the next generation of biscuits. Our platform gave them the power to design their dream biscuit, turning snack time into a creative playground. Schbang is proud to have been at the forefront of this innovative campaign, leveraging  technology and creativity to create a truly engaging experience for biscuit lovers.”

    Schbang chief design & technology director Sohil Karia said” Our team at Schbang pushed the boundaries of technology to create a platform that seamlessly blends AI and human creativity. Our AI-powered scoring algorithm not only evaluates biscuit designs but also rewards innovation and uniqueness.  By combining technology with a touch of human ingenuity, we’ve created a groundbreaking experience that’s sure to inspire a new era of unique biscuit shapes. “  
    Steps to Design Your Bis-Cut

    ● Scan the QR code on the Britannia 50-50 pack  
    ● Submit your Bis-Cut  
    ● Stand a chance to win INR 10,00,000 and a trip to Australia*

    So, what are you waiting for? Grab your Britannia 50-50 pack, put on your creative hat, and get designing!  Your snack-time masterpiece could be the next big thing. 

  • Coke & Ogilvy make you ‘Happy to Queue’ with their latest experiential campaign

    Coke & Ogilvy make you ‘Happy to Queue’ with their latest experiential campaign

    Mumbai: This Ganesh Chaturthi, Coca-Cola and WPP Open X led by Ogilvy have brought a fresh twist to the concept of waiting in line with their latest experiential campaign – Happy to Queue. Festivals across the country see bustling crowds, with people often enduring long queues to partake in celebrations. This year, Coca-Cola decided to transform this usually mundane experience into one of delight and refreshment with a metaphorical installation in the form of a Coke bottle. It not only brought the fizzy magic of Coca-Cola to life but also turned waiting into a refreshing experience.

    Coca-Cola has long been a part of consumers’ most cherished celebrations, to create moments of joy, upliftment and magic, Happy to Queue installation being another testament of the same. The Happy to Queue experience at Andheri Cha Raja during Ganesh Utsav took the shape of a refreshing Coke bottle, where festivalgoers were greeted with mist fans, aromatic Coca-Cola bubbles, and, of course, a chilled bottle of Coke. This creative space helped people beat the heat and stay refreshed enhancing their festive spirit.

    From an aerial view, the installation and the movement of the crowd resembled the bubbles inside a Coke bottle, waiting to pop and add to the excitement of the celebration.

    https://www.instagram.com/reel/C_m0TdPSuC1/?igsh=MWZwZnBnZHJvdWxnbw==

    “At Coca-Cola, we believe there is real magic in people coming together, celebrating shared moments and living the vibrance of our rich culture. With “Happy to Queue”, we wanted people to enjoy the festive cheer in a new way, celebrating togetherness and the effervescence of life, much like sharing a chilled bottle of Coke,” said Coca-Cola Company’s India and Southwest Asia Operating Unit senior director, marketing for Coca-Cola category Kaushik Prasad.

    “Real Magic is when you can make standing in a line exciting & refreshing. This festive season Coke Happy to Queue gave people a chance to experience what it feels like to be inside a Coke bottle. Uplifting them to feel one with the fizz and the bubbles”, remarked Ogilvy India chief creative officer Sukesh Nayak.