Category: Media and Advertising

  • Flipkart and Vivo launch ‘ZoomInOnIndia’ campaign

    Flipkart and Vivo launch ‘ZoomInOnIndia’ campaign

    Mumbai: Flipkart, in collaboration with Vivo, joined forces with YouthBeat, the youth marketing wing, and SW Studios, the production arm of Sociowash, to launch the innovative “ZoomInOnIndia” campaign, showcasing the prowess of Vivo X100 smartphone’s camera in capturing the essence of India. The campaign aimed at establishing the Vivo X100 model as a DSLR-like smartphone.

    The main concept of the campaign was to showcase the real India beyond its stereotypes, inviting photography enthusiasts to zoom in on India’s bright, vibrant cities and landscapes using the Vivo X100. Leveraging the advanced camera capabilities of the Vivo X100, photographers embarked on photo walks in iconic Indian locations like Banaras, Srinagar, Darjeeling and Pondicherry, capturing the nation’s vibrant landscapes during the golden hour. The production of these striking images was managed by SW Studios. SW Studios oversaw the captivating photo walks and ensured top-notch image content production throughout the campaign process.

    YouthBeat also conceptualised and launched the ‘Incredible India Through Your Lens’ Photography Contest, as a part of their campaign. The contest has garnered over 5000 plus entries, inviting participants to capture India’s rich cultural tapestry using any smartphone. As part of the “ZoomInOn India” campaign, Renowned celebrity photographers including Abhishek Jammwal, Abbas Baig, Sanket Joshi and Abdul Rouf lent their expertise to the campaign which inspired many followers to participate and showcase their vision of India. The campaign also engaged with nine prestigious colleges such as Amity University, Ramjas and Hindu College and received an overwhelming participation of 5,000 plus entries from colleges alone.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Sociowash co-founder Raghav Bagai said, “With this campaign, our aim was to redefine how we perceive the Indian landscape through the lens of photography. And what better way to achieve this than with something that’s just an arm’s reach away – your phone.  At Sociowash, we believe we’ve done exceptionally well, given our understanding of the current youth fraternity. It’s truly heartening to witness the overwhelming response and active participation from young photography enthusiasts across the nation. This campaign was designed to be a two-way interactive experience, and platforms like Instagram played a pivotal role in its success. The ‘ZoomInOnIndia’ initiative not only resonated with our target audience but also sparked engaging conversations within the community.”

    The Flipkart X Vivo X100 campaign highlighted India’s rich diversity and showcased the exceptional camera features of the smartphone.

  • NOFILTR.Group elects Hitarth Dadia as partner & CEO

    NOFILTR.Group elects Hitarth Dadia as partner & CEO

    Mumbai: NOFILTR.Group, a leading influencer incubator and social media services agency, is pleased to announce the appointment of Hitarth Dadia as partner & CEO. Hitarth, who previously served as the partner & chief marketing officer (CMO) at NOFILTR.Group, brings a wealth of experience and a strong track record of success to his new role.

    In his role as partner & CEO, Hitarth will be responsible for optimising business collaborations,  and creating a profitable entrepreneurial blueprint for the influencers associated with NOFILTR.Group. He will work closely with the creative departments to chart out detailed insights in public relations and branding for the influencers enforcing authenticity and intentional creation, further strengthening NOFILTR.Group’s position in the market.

    Hitarth joined NOFILTR.Group as a sales intern and quickly advanced to the role of business development head before taking on the role of CMO. During his time at NOFILTR.Group, Hitarth has successfully collaborated with international brands such as Cadbury and Amazon Pay, creatively coupling his insights in sales and marketing to garner traction for these brands on social media platforms.

    “I’m thrilled to step into the role of Partner & CEO at NOFILTR.Group. Excited and ready to push our team to even greater heights.” said Hitarth Dadia.

    In addition to Hitarth’s appointment, Mihir Surana, who previously served as partner & CEO, will now take on the role of partner and advisor at NOFILTR.Group. Mihir’s strategic insights and leadership have been instrumental in guiding the company to where it is today. Having him onboard as an advisor will continue to play an important role in shaping the future. He’ll also be keeping a close eye on any other projects from any other domains he finds interesting outside of Nofiltr.

    “We are excited about the future with Hitarth stepping into the role of Partner & CEO. His strategic vision and leadership skills will be pivotal in driving NOFILTR.Group’s growth and success,” said NOFILTR.Group partner and advisor Mihir Surana. “I look forward to my journey with NOFILTR.Group in my new role, leveraging my experience to support Hitarth and the team in achieving their goals.”

    NOFILTR.Group believes that this shift will be invaluable as they continue to grow and innovate in the influencer marketing industry.
     

  • Swiggy Dineout unveils “Sharma Ji Ki Beti” campaign

    Swiggy Dineout unveils “Sharma Ji Ki Beti” campaign

    Mumbai: Swiggy Dineout recently launched its latest campaign, “Sharma Ji Ki Beti,” aimed at revolutionising the dining-out experience for Indian consumers. The campaign was conceptualised by Toaster India, a leading independent creative agency, for Swiggy Dineout. The campaign’s inception aligns with Swiggy Dineout’s strategic initiative to amplify its presence during the Great Indian Restaurant Festival (GIRF), one of the brand’s flagship events of the year.

    At its core, the “Sharma Ji Ki Beti” campaign embodies a fresh narrative designed to foster a deeper connection between Swiggy Dineout and the dining-out culture in India. With an overwhelming majority of dining transactions occurring offline, the campaign presents an opportunity to seamlessly integrate Swiggy Dineout into the Indian dining lexicon. Beyond facilitating transactions, the campaign aspires to embed Swiggy Dineout into the fabric of the Indian dining-out ritual. The overarching goal is to position Swiggy Dineout as the go-to platform for pre-dining-out considerations, emphasizing early decision-making moments. The creative narrative of the campaign draws inspiration from the timeless Indian parental practice of comparing children, encapsulated in the colloquialism “Sharma Ji Ki Beti.” This resonant cultural insight serves as the springboard for Swiggy Dineout’s innovative approach to dining-out validation.

    Swiggy VP, marketing Aparna Giridhar said, “This creative route plays up a new social validation of using Swiggy Dineout before stepping out as the right way to eat out, especially during our biggest annual festival. By humorously portraying this, we encourage users to emulate ‘Sharma ji ki Beti’ for seeking the best dining benefits in town. Building on our core mission of providing unparalleled convenience to consumers, this campaign highlights Swiggy Dineout’s proposition of seamless & joyful dining with maximum savings.”

    The campaign debuts alongside Swiggy Dineout’s flagship offering of flat 50% off on dining bills at select premium brands during the Great Indian Restaurant Festival. Subsequent quarters will witness the rollout of multiple films, solidifying “Sharma Ji Ki Beti” as the cornerstone of Swiggy Dineout’s communication strategy.

    “Swiggy Dineout is a dream client for any creative team and we’re so kicked we got to collaborate and create a campaign with them. Humour and a strong insight are given with a brief like this and we hope to do a lot more with Sharmaji ki beti as a character” said Toaster India chief creative officer Ira G.

    Swiggy Dineout’s “Sharma Ji Ki Beti” campaign marks a paradigm shift in dining-out experiences, urging consumers to explore new culinary horizons with Swiggy Dineout as their steadfast guide. The campaign’s resounding success is evident with over 2.9 million views on YouTube, reflecting its widespread resonance among audiences.

  • MMA Global India & Publicis Commerce India to launch D2C Advantage X Toolkit

    MMA Global India & Publicis Commerce India to launch D2C Advantage X Toolkit

    Mumbai: MMA Global India and Publicis Commerce India will launch a first-of-its-kind and insightful joint report ‘D2C Advantage X Toolkit: Guide to maximize ROI of D2C eCommerce Investments’. The toolkit is designed to empower brands in navigating the direct-to-consumer (D2C) commerce landscape, identify levers to unlock value and maximise ROI from their D2C investments. The launch event on 5 March will bring together leaders from the corporate space, MMA Global India and Publicis Commerce India and feature captivating discussions, unique perspectives, and compelling insights.

    Co-authored by Publicis Commerce India and MMA Global India with insights from Performics India and Google, the toolkit dives deep into the opportunities and challenges presented by D2C as a channel, the overall value proposition of investing in D2C strategy, and the considerations and capabilities required to make a profitable D2C venture.

    India’s e-commerce sector is on a meteoric rise and currently projected to hit $400 billion by 2030. With D2C emerging as a key e-commerce channel for businesses, the need for actionable guidance has never been more critical. Recent data reveals the significant growth and investment in D2C ventures, with nearly 42.9 per cent of e-commerce funding in India directed towards D2C businesses in 2022. As legacy brick-and-mortar businesses embrace D2C as part of their omnichannel strategy, the landscape presents both opportunities and challenges for brands seeking to thrive in this space.

    The in-depth toolkit, tailormade for the C-Suite and Brand Leaders, explores key levers required to scale up D2C businesses including developing consumer insights for personalised experiences, augmenting consumer mindshare, setting north-star metrics and driving first-party data strategy.

    Publicis Groupe South Asia CEO Anupriya Acharya said, “D2C offers great value to companies and consumers alike. For consumers, it is frictionless transactions, convenience, and personalised experiences. For companies, there are multiple advantages such as enhanced revenue streams, better assessment of demand and thereby supply chain management and faster, speedier execution and turnaround. This toolkit, born out of extensive research and collaboration, offers a comprehensive roadmap for brands to unlock the full potential of their D2C businesses. We are sure that the toolkit will go a long way in helping brands adapt and innovate on commerce.”

    Performics India CEO Lalatendu Das, which is a key growth driver of Publicis Commerce India said, “Successful D2C businesses share common traits from a clear business proposition to a relentless focus on delivering exceptional consumer experiences. The toolkit distils these key insights into actionable strategies, providing brands with the guidance and frameworks needed to navigate the complexities of the D2C landscape. D2C is still an untapped opportunity for many companies and yet this is an area which must be a strategic imperative in an omnichannel commerce world and one which yields long-term gains. Publicis Commerce India is strongly invested in D2C transformation for brands, with demonstrated experience in areas such as technology architecture, platform and builds, optimising supply-chain, marketing content and automation, seamless user experiences.”

    MMA Global India country head & board member Moneka Khurana said, “In a fiercely competitive D2C eCommerce landscape, gaining the ‘X’ advantage is imperative for marketing teams and key to maximise value. D2C as a platform brings along with incrementality in business growth. A robust D2C roadmap is crucial to be able to traverse the path to profitability and evolve the D2C play as a part of the eCommerce landscape. This report, shaped by primary surveys and industry insights, isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution; it’s a tailored strategy guide for businesses seeking sustainable growth. I am proud to announce this collaborative initiative, yet another one by MMA Global India, to empower and enable marketers in their modern marketing journey.”

  • GM Modular launches new ad film for DADTESTED campaign

    GM Modular launches new ad film for DADTESTED campaign

    Mumbai: GM Modular, a leading manufacturer of fast-moving electric goods, has unveiled a riveting video as part of the #DADTESTED campaign featuring father-daughter duo Suniel Shetty and Athiya Shetty. The campaign showcases a wide range of vibrant switch plates in an array of compelling colours.

     

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    A post shared by GM MODULAR (@gmmodular)

     

    The video features Suniel Shetty and Athiya Shetty, where Athiya is seen flaunting the wall colour switches, exhibiting how the switch plates match seamlessly with the walls of their home and accentuating their interiors with a pop of colours with GM’s exquisite range of designs.

    Also, Suniel Shetty adds a vibe of playfulness to the campaign video by donning the same colour ensemble similar to the aesthetic switch plates, indicating that there is a switch plate to match and enhance the looks of all kinds of interior spaces and can blend in seamlessly with various design themes.

    Through this campaign, GM Modular aims to convey the message that selecting the right wall colour switches goes beyond just circuit functionality; nowadays, it’s more about a combination of practicality and style to add your unique essence and element of memory to your space. With easy customization options available, discerning customers can customize switch plates effortlessly.

    Commenting on the same, GM Modular CEO Jayanth Jain stated,  “We are stoked to launch this lively campaign as an addition to the #DADTESTED campaign with  Suniel Shetty and Athiya Shetty showcasing our new range of colour switch plates that caters to all generations, no matter genz, millennials and so on. The powerhouse father-daughter duo’s congenial bond is quite evident in the video, and it effortlessly captures how both of them have stark differences in terms of life experiences, but even the generation gap is not coming in between their aesthetic preferences, as there is a switch plate to match and enhance the look of all kinds of interior spaces.

    GM’s switch plates give homeowners a spectrum of colour options when upgrading walls and switches in any area. The colourful switch plates allow one to make a style statement instead of having switches blend into the background.

  • JSW Paints celebrates thoughtful actions in “Sundar Soch Ke Dekh” campaign

    JSW Paints celebrates thoughtful actions in “Sundar Soch Ke Dekh” campaign

    Mumbai: JSW Paints, India’s leading environment-friendly paints company and part of the $23 billion JSW Group celebrates the magic of small gestures in its new Think Beautiful digital campaign. It champions that real beauty resides in our thoughts and actions.

    The film, with its touching narrative, delves into how simple acts of thoughtfulness can create profound connections between individuals, transcending barriers and fostering a more compassionate world. JSW Paints believes that genuine beauty stems from within, from the depth of our thoughts and the inclusivity of our actions. This film beautifully captures that essence.

    Commenting on the new Think Beautiful campaign, JSW Paints joint MD and CEO AS Sundaresan said, “Our Think Beautiful series of films show how being thoughtful can make our world much more beautiful. In this new Think Beautiful film, we bring out how today’s younger generation’s thoughtful and meaningful actions can help spread happiness around us and build a very inclusive society.”

    TBWAIndia CEO Govind Pandey said, “An inclusive gesture holds profound beauty, transcending boundaries and nurturing connections.”

    According to TBWAIndia CCExpO Russell Barrett, “Think Beautiful is more than a baseline, it’s a platform idea. In this film we’ve explored yet another dimension of this platform and the transformative power of inclusivity, illustrating how even the smallest acts of kindness can catalyze positive change in society.” 

  • Amit Gupta assumes leadership at Milagrow

    Amit Gupta assumes leadership at Milagrow

    Mumbai: Milagrow Humantech, a leader in consumer robotics, has announced that Amit Gupta is formally heading the organisation. Milagrow is at the forefront of robotics product development in India, with an installation base of more than 1.5 lac products. Under Amit’s leadership, the company is set to enhance operations and offer consumers cost-effective yet high-quality products. To drive this mission forward, he is ensuring the implementation of innovative marketing strategies while developing India-specific products, software, processes, and services.

    With nearly three decades of experience, Amit began his entrepreneurial journey in 2020 when he entered semi-entrepreneurship with Milagrow. As he takes the helm, Amit is pledging to carry forward the visionary legacy established by Rajeev Karwal.

    Amit is working towards revolutionizing the daily interactions in Indian households by integrating advanced robotics. His skill set is playing a key role in strengthening the company’s position as a leader in the robotics industry. He believes in a customer-centric approach and personalization of services by prioritizing products’ easy usability. The seamless integration of a mobile-friendly app is enhancing the overall user experience.

    Expressing his enthusiasm, Milagrow HumanTech VP Amit Gupta said, “Leading Milagrow Humantech is an honor. Inspired by Mr. Rajeev Karwal’s legacy of excellence and innovation, I am committed to furthering his vision. We are spearheading the robotic revolution in India, empowering automation, and freeing humans from mundane tasks so that they can focus on other more important and productive things. At Milagrow, we are dedicated to making the company synonymous with robotics and innovation. We are actively going above and beyond our capabilities and forging strategic collaborations to bring the best technologies to India for redefining the future of the sector.

    Besides scaling in international markets, Milagrow Humantech also plans to set up a manufacturing base in India and cooperate with International companies mainly from Europe and USA. Furthermore, the company’s focus on advancing technology in the LIDAR space underscores its commitment to excellence. In an industry-first initiative towards making ownership of robotics products affordable, the company is offering a three-year warranty on suction motors and a three-year warranty on batteries. With a dedication to product, indigenous softwares and component developments,  Milagrow is positioned to lead the future of robotics in India.

  • Kyoorius & ZEE to ‘GiveBack’ 50 per cent entry fees of Kyoorius Creative Awards 2024

    Kyoorius & ZEE to ‘GiveBack’ 50 per cent entry fees of Kyoorius Creative Awards 2024

    Mumbai: The eleventh edition of the Kyoorius Creative Awards, presented by ZEE, is now live and calls on the advertising industry of India to GiveBack.

    Since its inception, the Kyoorius Creative Awards has recognised and rewarded creative excellence in Indian advertising at a global standard. The directive for 2024, is to galvanise the community to GiveBack to the industry that has given them so much.

    To kickstart the initiative, Kyoorius GivesBack. For every entry that does not make it into the First List (i.e. beyond the First Round of judging) at the 2024 Kyoorius Creative Awards, Kyoorius will GiveBack 50 per cent of the entry fee to the entrant.

    A deep dive into the global awards ecosystem revealed that over 75 per cent of all entries in any award show go unrewarded or are literally, rejected in the first round of judging itself. This deters numerous advertising professionals from even entering. This year, Kyoorius will GiveBack to the over 70 per cent.”

    The Kyoorius Creative Awards itself sees only 18 per cent to 24 per cent of entries graduating to the First List, or the entries that fulfill the judging criteria of the first round of judging at the Kyoorius Creative Awards. The First List, hence, forms the pool of entries that have the potential to win Elephants.

    “Beyond recognising excellence, Kyoorius also stands to recognise obstacles,” said Kyoorius founder and CEO Rajesh Kejriwal. “Addressing the pain points of our entrants and the award ecosystem has always been our mission. Globally, Kyoorius was the first to initiate an open and transparent judging process. Every year, we’ve fine-tuned the awards to reflect the realities of the industry. This year, GiveBack continues that ethos.”

    “We’re proud to continue our support for the Kyoorius Creative Awards and its newly launched ‘GiveBack’ initiative, building upon our longstanding commitment to fostering creativity and supporting the advertising fraternity. Through this bold initiative, we intend to empower every entrant, ensuring that their efforts are valued, regardless of the outcome. At ZEE, we’ve always championed the cause of the creative ecosystem and this initiative aligns perfectly with our ethos of nurturing creativity, innovation and inclusivity.” added ZEE MD and CEO Punit Goenka.

    Kyoorius has also detailed strategic changes to simplify and enhance the entrant experience. The Kyoorius Creative Awards now span eight tracks to simplify the various disciplines and categories, making it easier for entrants to enter work. The tracks include advertising, craft, experience and engagement, entertainment, creativity for good, the ZEE Equality Awards, and address new areas: regional advertising and health & pharma.

    The regional advertising track aims to celebrate creativity in Indian languages beyond English and Hindi. The health and pharma track allows entrants across the specialist healthcare and pharma space to compete on a fair playing field whilst driving the sector forward to new creative heights.

    Other changes to the disciplines and categories include the introduction of a new creativity in PR discipline under the experience and engagement track, and nuanced revamps to the film, digital and social media, creative use of media, technology and creativity for good disciplines.

    Entries to the Kyoorius Creative Awards are priced at a flat Rs 15,000/- (excluding taxes) to all tracks, except regional advertising and the ZEE Equality Awards. Entries to the Regional Advertising track are priced at a flat Rs 10,000/- (excluding taxes). As always there are no fees to enter the ZEE Equality Awards.

    Kyoorius continues to curate a world-class jury and announcements will be made shortly. The deadline for entries to the Kyoorius Creative Awards 2024 is 19 April 2024.

    Visit kca.kyoorius.com to enter, and for additional information about key dates, the tracks, disciplines, categories, eligibility, rules and more.

    The Kyoorius Creative Awards are presented by ZEE, with outdoor partner Laqshya Media, and supported by Indian Creative Women.
     

  • Toaster India expands leadership team with new appointments

    Toaster India expands leadership team with new appointments

    Mumbai: Toaster, a leading independent creative agency, has announced the expansion of its senior management team with the appointment of two new leaders. Mohini Varma joins Toaster India as chief strategy officer, while Abhishek Deshwal assumes the role of executive creative director. These strategic hirings mark a significant milestone for Toaster India as it grows and expands its creative capabilities.

    Mohini Varma brings over 15 years of diverse experience in advertising and journalism to her new role as chief strategy officer at Toaster. With an impressive portfolio that includes leading brands such as Google, the Reckitt stable of brands, GSK, Pepsi Foods, Uber, Domino’s, Pernod Ricard, UNICEF, and The Gates Foundation, Mohini has also been a contributing strategist for award-winning campaigns, including winning a Gold APAC Effie for Positive Change and the Glass Lion for Change at Cannes.

    Mohini Varma said “I couldn’t be more excited to join Toaster at such a great inflection point in their growth story. In a world that is getting increasingly more attention deficit, Toaster is testimony to the power of cut-through, disruptive, digital & culture-first storytelling. I cannot wait to write the next chapter of the Toaster success story in India along with Bhawika, Ira, and the rest of the fantastic team.”

    Abhishek Deshwal, the newly appointed executive creative director at Toaster, brings over 17 years of creative prowess to the agency. With a career spanning renowned agencies like Lowe Lintas, JWT, and Wieden+Kennedy, Abhishek has earned a reputation for pushing creative boundaries and delivering standout campaigns. His work with brands like Google, Jio True 5G, and OLX exemplifies his ability to create memorable and impactful brand experiences.

    “When interesting people get together, interesting stuff happens. It’s this simple belief that I share with Toaster. I’m looking forward to the magic I’ll be a part of, working with this crazy creative gang” said Abhishek Deshwal.

    Commenting upon the team expansion, Toaster India MD Bhawika Chhabra said “Past few years we have built a strong reputation by delivering great creative solutions for Google, YouTube, and new clients like Myntra, OYO, Swiggy, Nykaa, to name a few. With Toaster entering its next phase of growth and diversification, we needed someone who could lead and formulate our vision of brand strategy. Mohini comes with diverse experience across categories. Her curiosity and love for advertising make her a great cultural fit for Toaster. We believe her critical thinking will help us strengthen strategic partnerships with our client partners. This is also in line with our expansion of the Senior Management team this year with another significant hire, Abhishek Deshwal as ECD, who has joined us after his last stint at Wieden+Kennedy.”

    Toaster India chief creative officer Ira G said “Our tribe is growing! It’s fantastic to work with equally crazy and talented people – Toaster has always been extremely curated in its hirings and I am so proud to have Mohini and Abhishek on board who are not just great at what they do but also so amazing as who they are. Abhishek is one of the funniest people I know so looking forward to all the mad stuff he’s gonna be up to here. Also with Mohini heading strategy – so proud to be the only agency in India with three women at the fore. To more, more and more!”