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July 29, 2004
Jeremy's Fun With Brand Extensions
I just finished a long day and now I’m doing my regular routine of catch up on industry trends, research and analysis. Jeremy Pepper of POP! Public Relations has a blog I enjoy reading. He always has something interesting to say regarding pr, in his article "Fun With Brand Extensions!" you’ll see how marketing brand extensions can build good will for an older consumer product and how that can be applied to your public relations campaign.
Fun with Brand Extensions!!
For original copy with ALL of the entertaining links visit POP! PR's Site.
I'm very into creative marketing and public relations. And, I really believe in brand extension - there are some great things done for brand extension, such as all the different brands of M&Ms - first they had the peanut and plain, but in the past few years the company has also introduced the almond M&M, the peanut butter M&M, mini M&Ms, the breast cancer M&Ms ... the list goes on and on.
Brand extension is just smart business for a consumer product - personally, I always thought that Life Savers missed the boat by not coming out with a competing cereal to Froot Loops - Life Savers cereal. It'd be a bigger seller than their gross gummy Life Savers.
So, when I see some funny brand extension, I remember it. And, this has to be the most ingenious, insane, funny brand extension in a while. The "wonderful" guy that brought us Girls Gone Wild, is now bringing "girls" Boys Gone Wild. Joe Francis, the owner of the parent company, admits that the market for Boys Gone Wild will most likely be gay males. But, the brand extension, a Girls Gone Wild CD is just pure genius. He'll probably sell tons of the CDs, and it'll be another feather in his cap. The sad part ... I actually like the songs on the CD. I feel dirty, now, from writing about this.
Now, here's brand extension gone to crap, and insulting to a religion as well! From today's Gawker, Target Pimps Kabbalah. Here's the link to buy your very own Kabbalah evil spirit red string from Target!!
Discounting how much Madonna has ruined a very spiritual and religious order of Judaism, forget that Brittney is supposedly talking about getting married in a Kaballistic ceremony (hello, idiot, you're a Baptist), forget that according to the rabbis, only a learned man can learn the Kaballah (which is basically Jewish mysticism, and where numerology comes from), and that is only after he fully knows and understands the Talmud ... well, forget all of that, and just think how other religions would react if a very serious and religious part of their religion was trivialized.
Oh, and in Judaism, you cannot have a tattoo as it's desecrating the body that was a gift ... sorry Madonna and Brittney, time to get kicked to the curb.
Okay, what's this have to do with POP! Public Relations or public relations - just that brand extension is a great way to do public relations for a new consumer product. It builds upon the good will of the older brand, and the upsides are more numerous than the downsides. Then again, there is always the possibility that the new product is such a dog, that it drags down the original...
Posted by at 06:02 PM | TrackBack
July 28, 2004
Pierce's Top Three Book of the Month
(1). Elizabeth Taylor: My Love Affair with Jewelry
"Here, in my own words and as I remember them, are my cherished stories about a lifetime of fun and love and laughter...I've never thought of my jewelry as trophies. I'm here to take care of it and to love it, for we are only temporary custodians of beauty."
--Elizabeth Taylor
That says it all. Fantastic book to add to your library or give as a gift.
(2). Tiffany Jewels
The only book to relate the entire dazzling story of Tiffany jewels, this resplendent volume is packed with stunning photographs of exquisite jewelry and newly discovered designs. John Loring, Tiffany & Co. design director for over 20 years, tells how a small New York "fancy goods" store grew into today's world-renowned source for solitaire diamond engagement rings and fine design. Throughout, he spotlights the spectacular jewels created by Tiffany's extraordinary designers, from Edward C. Moore, Paulding Farnham, and Louis Comfort Tiffany, son of the firm's founder, to 20th-century stars such as Jean Schlumberger, Elsa Peretti, and Paloma Picasso. Filled with new information about America's preeminent purveyor of jewels and luxury goods, Tiffany Jewels lets everyone enjoy many of the finest and most elegant jewels in the world. 350 illustrations, 300 in full color, 81515/16 x 11515/16 " Publicity: 8-city tour: New York, Miami, Chicago, Dallas, San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego, Toronto; featured in national magazines Promotion: Featured on the Tiffany website: www.tiffany.com JOHN LORING, design director of Tiffany & Co., writes on art and design and is the author of Abrams' Tiffany's 20th Century and seven other books on Tiffany table settings, style, and entertaining. He lives in New York City.
(3).Bejeweled : Great Designers, Celebrity Style
A book that has all the voluptuous glitz and glamour of its subject, Bejeweled: Great Designers, Celebrity Style celebrates the top jewelry designers of the 20th century, their fabulous creations, and the rare sense of style that has made each of them unique. All the big names of 20th-century jewelry design are here--Cartier, Tiffany, Harry Winston, Van Cleef & Arpels--along with the mavericks, minimalists, and signature stylists, from Robert Lee Morris to Paloma Picasso.
Whether it is a fashion shot of Cher decked out in Bulgari, or Rebecca Harkness sporting a jeweled starfish by Dalí on her breast, the gorgeous jewels--including many unusual and rarely seen pieces--and the hot film and music stars wearing them have a seductive appeal for all ages and lifestyles.
Posted by at 04:45 PM | TrackBack
July 27, 2004
Celebritys and Advertising: Hot off the press
Christina Aguilera will be featured in a new Skechers 'Naughty and Nice' advertising campaign set to launch in August and September of 2004.
Sadly, not a single person will even notice the shoes, considering how incredibly hot Aguilera looks in the ads. It's amazing how good somebody can look once they lose the clownwhore makeup and learn to dress properly. And by 'dress properly' I of course mean dress up in as many male fantasties as possible. Sexy nurse, school teacher, innocent school girl, and naughty cop? Good lord, I think I just peed myself in excitement.
Posted by PMPR Analyst at 03:42 PM | TrackBack
July 22, 2004
Reality TV's Sweetheart calls it quits!
Checking in...It's been a long busy week ...BUT HOW COULD I MISS THIS important news? Jessica Simpson: Newlyweds is "done!" Jessica Simpson says Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica will not tape any more episodes. E! Online reports that Jessica told US Weekly the show is "Done! We're not newlyweds anymore. We've had our share of the cameras. We're at a point where we'll want everything for ourselves and our family." They're also at a point where they want to find new ways to whore themselves, and tired of trying to find new ways to explain why Nick would stay with such a moron. The 20-episode second season is currently airing on MTV
Wednesday nights at 10 p.m. ET. E! says that "[n]either MTV nor Simpson's reps would respond to the quote." Jessica's sister's series The Ashlee Simpson Show will continue, of course; Ashlee Simpson is also releasing a new album, Autobiography, today.
If you havent visiited Reality Blurred, get your fix here.
Posted by at 06:51 PM | TrackBack
July 20, 2004
6 Hot Jewelry Trends
Alison Rand has been scooping whats new, hot and in right now.Here is her quick list to keep you up to date.
From the runway to the red carpet, this season's hottest trends are in the jewelry department. Chandelier earrings lit up the Oscars, and cuff bracelets rocked the Grammys. While the tone is classic contemporary with vintage flair, color and drama are still the key ingredients. You don't have to be famous to get the latest looks -- this year's bling bling can be yours on any budget.
Cuff Bracelets
This accessory won major attention at the Oscars this year with Charlize Theron sporting a diamond lattice cuff bracelet with 546 diamonds. Hers was second only to Julianne Moore's $675,000 226-carat diamond bead cuff bracelet. Now you can win major attention with your friends and coworkers with your own star-style cuff bracelet, minus a carat or two (hundred).
Decadent: Barse Chunky Semiprecious Cuff from Nordstrom.com, $138
Decent: Enamel Floral Cuff from Banana Republic (pictured), $58
Doable: Yochi Design Flower Cuff from Girlshop.com, $51
Get all her Tips goto woman.com and take a peek at the style and beauty section.
Posted by PMPR Analyst at 04:19 PM | TrackBack
July 18, 2004
ISPA's New Date on Knowledge Network
Enhance your ability to stay in constant communication with other spa professionals.
The education shared and the networking that occurs is unsurpassed.
ISPA Knowledge Network & Marketplace
Westgate Park City Resort & Spa
The ISPA Knowledge Network, a proven resource for spa business education and networking will be in Park City, UT - August 29-30. These events give you real world solutions to your everyday challenges. You will find answers to your business needs among your colleagues who have faced the same questions. Every individual who walks away from a Knowledge Network does so with ideas that will be implemented immediately as well as clear steps on how to achieve your longer-term goals.
Sunday, August 29
8:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Certified Spa Specialist Exam
12:30 - 5 p.m.
Knowledge Network
August's Knowledge Network will focus on operations and management, which are two key topics you have told us are important. This is your opportunity to answer your challenging operations and management questions that no one in your spa can seem to answer.
5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Knowledge Network Marketplace
During the Knowledge Network Marketplace, you can meet with 14 spa industry suppliers. The Marketplace is a two-hour reception on Sunday evening that offers time to meet with these companies on a personal level. For a complete list of the August 29 Knowledge Network Marketplace exhibitors, please visit http://www.experienceispa.com.
Monday, August 30
7:30 - 8:30 a.m.
Knowledge Network Breakfast
8:30 a.m. - Noon
Knowledge Network - continued from Sunday
Noon - 1 p.m.
Knowledge Network Lunch
1 - 5 p.m.
Knowledge Network - continued
Posted by PMPR Sr. Analyst at 02:47 PM | TrackBack
July 17, 2004
I Can't Afford A PR/Publicity Campaign...Can I? Fashion PR and Beauty PR
I think you'll enjoy the artical and find it informative, for a more specific details and a free consultation contact us at our New York office 212 243 1431 or our LA officer 310 601 7825, and we'll be more then happy to discuss a plan that will work with your budget.
It's a phrase I hear over and over again from many entrepreneurs, small businesses owners and inventors: "I'd love to hire someone to launch our publicity campaign professionally, but we can't afford it, so I'm just going to have to do it on my own."
Over the past several months, I have been conducting an informal survey among entrepreneurs and business owners who have contacted me about my services. I have found that due to their lack of information or knowledge on the topic, many businesses typically over-estimate or over-budget the cost of a prospective public relations/publicity campaign. During my PR consultation with them, I asked:"How much do you think it will cost to launch a solid, effective PR/publicity campaign for your product/business?" Of the 102 people I've queried:
11% - Thought a professional PR campaign would cost $10,000+ per month
32% - Thought a professional PR campaign would cost $5,000-$10,000 per month
39% - Thought a professional PR campaign would cost $3,000-$5,000 per month
12% - Thought a professional PR campaign would cost $1,000-$3,000 per month
6% - Thought a professional PR campaign would cost less than $1,000 per month
The truth is -- you can get a publicity/PR campaign in all of those price ranges. What you get for your money and how effective the campaign will be is the real question. It is true that the more you pay the more you get. But getting the most publicity/PR exposure doesn't mean you have to get most expensive PR agency or specialist.
A good rule of thumb is to align yourself with a PR business that best reflects your business size. Most times their rates will be in line with your prospective PR budget. If you are a small business owner with two employees, you need not hire a high-dollar PR agency with dozens of employees. Find a PR business whose office size and capabilities closely resemble your business.
Signing up with the big firm doesn't mean you'll necessarily get an experienced associate working on your campaign. So are you getting what you are paying for? A friend of mine who works at a major PR firm gave me the following breakdown of billing fees in his office:
Interns/Junior Executives - bill at $75 / hour (Very little, if any professional experience)
Account Executives - bill at $100 - $125 / hour (1-3 years of professional experience)
Senior Account Executives - bill at $125 - $200 / hour (Multiple years of professional experience. Agency decision makers.)
Compare those prices to many small PR shops or individual PR specialists. Many have started their own PR businesses after years of experience in the industry and typically charge $50 - $100 per hour to professionally launch and maintain your campaign. Many times, you can get a seasoned PR veteran who will work directly with you and your staff for cheaper than the Intern/Junior executive rate at a downtown firm.
However, one word of advice -- when choosing a smaller firm or individual to do your PR, make sure they have the same tools that the bigger agencies do: updated media lists/contacts; personalized media distribution capabilities; professional clipping/tracking services to get copies of each of your media placements (articles, tapes from TV/radio shows) as well as the intangibles of expert communication/media relations skills and professional pitching prowess. If they are cheaper, but don't have all the tools to help you in the best manner possible, you are probably better off spending a little extra money to make sure your campaign is launched and maintained correctly.
The major benefits of hiring a professional (individual PR specialist or PR firm) to launch your campaign are:
Proper Campaign Implementation, Improperly composed or poorly pitched campaigns are the major downfall of many PR efforts. Poorly written, over-commercialized media releases; uncalculated, misdirected mass e-mailing of the release pitch; no follow-up media relations/media request fulfillment; etc.. Your first impression to the media is a lasting one ...make sure it's a good one.
Media Contacts: Most PR agencies have established multiple media contacts over several years that can lead to much better and more numerous media placements for your campaign. Let their foot in the door benefit you.
Efficiency and Effectiveness: PR specialists/agencies generate publicity full time, 8-12 hours per day and know the ins and outs, shortcuts and secrets to getting the job done better and quicker. Sure you could hang your own drywall or do your own plumbing, but do you have the tools, the time and the expertise to make it cost effective. I always tell my clients, "You do what you do well, I'll do what I do well and we'll collectively move this business further up the ladder."
One caveat when it comes to choosing a professional PR agency or individual to work with signing up for a higher priced campaign doesn�t necessarily mean you will get better results than a cheaper campaign. And the inverse is true as well. Over the past year or so, many low-cost PR/publicity services� have begun to pop up all over the Internet. Ones that promise to write and launch a press release for as low as $99. They are low in cost because frankly many are low in quality. Bigger is not necessarily better, and cheap does not always mean a good bargain.
If you have the time, tools and talent to launch and maintain your own campaign, you should definitely do so. If not there are a number of public relations/publicity firms, specialists and services out there. Research to find the one whose services and fees match your business plan. Once business owners, entrepreneurs, and inventors learn more about their options when it comes to launching a PR campaign -- many find that they can�t afford NOT to have one.
Posted by Stephen at 08:18 PM | TrackBack
Shaving Tips for men -with a few "shavefull" plugs
Face it, when you shave your using the dullest razor, shaving against the grain, applying the foamiest shaving cream and spending 3.5 seconds for the entire process. AHHH … OUCH!
5 KEY COMPONENTS TO SHAVING YOUR FACE, 3 When You Want The "Derrière" Free Of Hair, And 3 More For The Sake Of Your Partner.
FACE: Follow these instructions.
1. Shave after your morning shower. The warm water from the shower will soften the hair cuticles.
2. Apply shaving product all over face and let set for 30 seconds. Waiting the 30 seconds will allow the product to activate.
3. The razor must be clean, sharp, and multi-bladed. Shave with the grain of hair growth. Usually, it is a downward growth. Start with your cheeks. Rinse the blade often and thoroughly. Sometimes there are hard to reach or stubborn hairs, at this point and only this point should you shave against the grain. (If you complain of sensitive skin or hate shaving because of the after burn. Shave with the grain!)
4.Rinse your face thoroughly with cool water. The cool water helps close the pores. Towel dry your face with a gentle patting motion.
5. Aftershave, it’s not just for your Daddy. Try using a balm, gel, or splash that does not contain alcohol. The alcohol will burn your face and promote redness.
Derrière: Invest in a good electric razor that has a narrower profile, to get the hard to reach places.
1.Use the electric razor on a dry surface; you may want to ask for help to get into the gluttial crevice.
2. Follow the same process as shaving your face, butt don’t be afraid to ask for help.
3. Moisturize with either an aftershave or an unscented moisturizer.
Private Parts: BE CAREFUL!
1. For the least amount of nicks and cuts, bleeding, and unnecessary visits to the hospital use an electric razor.
2. BE CAREFUL!
3. Trim instead of shaving, it is safer and still highly appreciated.
Products to use-Pierce's likes:
Shave:
Nivea, After Shave Sensitive Balm, 3.3 oz. $5.99: The after shave moisturizing balm is an ultra-gentle formulation which contains Provitamin B5. The balm will leave your skin smooth, moisturized, and comfortable. Available at www.nivea.com
4Voo Repairing Aftershave Balm, $41: The balm is a luxurious aftershave balm that conditions and soothes the skin. A specially formulated moisturizer that reduces ingrown hair. Available at www.4voo.com.
E Shave Inc. Pre-Shave Oil, 2oz. $18: Pre-Shave Oil has become a necessary step in the shaving process. Apply the oil prior to the shave cream. The oil allows for a close shave, while providing an extra kick of moisturizer and nick protection. The E Shave Pre-Shave Oil is available in Almond. Available at www.eshave.com.
Dermalogica Professional Shave, 1.25oz. $17: Throw that can of shaving cream away. Professionals recommend Dermalogica, it combines essential oils like Tea Tree, Lavender, and Ylang-Ylang, to protect and condition the skin. While the organic silicon acts as a buffer between the razor and the skin. Available at www.dermalogica.com.
Clarins Men Smooth Shave, 5.25oz. $14: Clarins Men Smooth Shave is an alcohol-free, foaming gel. Grindelia Extract which sooths and protects the skin and Aloe which alleviates burn and moisturizes are two main ingredients in Clarins Men Smooth Shave. Available at www.clairins.com.
Zirh Shave Gel, 3.4oz. $12.50, 8.4oz. $18.50: Zirh has created a shave gel containing aloe vera that you can see through. Therefore when you are shaving, you can actually see your face. It is great for those who have goatees or sideburns, because you can easily tailor your hair. This one-of-a-kind gel uses a unique combination of natural ingredients to smooth and calm the skin. Available at www.zirh.com.
John Allan’s Shave, 4oz. $18.95: Shave is a frothy cream that lifts the hair and shields the skin for an extraordinary close shave. Shave provides protection for your face from nicks and cuts. Through its advanced polymer system which allows for the closest shave. Shave is designed for all skin types. John Allan’s Shave is the only one that contains Willow Bark and Oat Extract which is a natural anti-aging ingredient. Available at www.johnallans.com
Menscience Advanced Shave Formula, 6oz. $20: Menscience has created a cutting-edge shaving formula. It is a slick lubricant made of glycerin and aloe which allows the blade to glide over the skin without scraping. The gel raises hair stubs for a more effective shave. Available at www.menscience.com
Lab Series for Men Electric Shave Solution, $28: The solution is for men who use electric razors. It is a pre-shave solution that clears the face of oil, lifts the hairs, and creates a smooth even shaving surface. Available at
Ken Men Baby Face Healing Gel, 6oz. $23: “You no longer have to bleed to be smooth!” Baby Face Healing Gel is to be used for shaving, it is a smooth non-foaming gel that contains anti-inflammatory ingredients that help prevent and sooth the burn experienced after shaving. Available at www.kenmen.net.
Bullie Post Shave and Toner, 6oz. $19: Bullie Post Shave and Toner uses black tea, chamomile and ginseng to expunge the final traces of impurities from your skin. The Post Shave and Toner are alcohol free, fragrance free, and cruelty free. Available at bulliecare.com.
Baxter Pure Badger Hair Shave Brush, $28: The Baxter Shave Brush made from 100% badger hair is a pre shave tool that helps lift facial hair and create lather.
Posted by Stephen at 01:46 PM | TrackBack
"SUPERSTAR" luxury brands and pr
If you’re a beauty, health or fitness product you dream of the day when you’ll be released from your packaging and used by the royalty of today… celebrities. You know your brand is a “SUPERSTAR” when it is included in a celebrity tour rider. Check out Christina Aguilera’s tour rider, it looks like the “fast food queen” is actually a good girl when she is on the road.
Posted by at 11:30 AM | TrackBack
July 16, 2004
Move Over Beauty Advisors
Celebrities Make Great Counter Managers!
by Pierce Mattie
The relationship between celebrities and cosmetic brands are so closely associated it is increasingly difficult differentiate where one brand begins and another ends. You see the faces of Kill Bill star Uma Thurman and Carolyn Murphy rivaling each other from opposite cosmetic counters.
It is a lucrative relationship for the celebrity and the cosmetic product alike. Assuming, the quality of the product is good, and a celebrity’s value is high, the relationship will make both parties even wealthier.
Cosmetics companies are eager to line-up today’s hottest stars to hock their products. Celebrities, uncertain of the shelf life of their star status, are eager to maximize their revenue producing power while they still have it or at least 15 more minutes of it.
• High style fashion house Chanel nabbed style icon and Oscar Winner Nicole Kidman at the height of her popularity to serve as the new face for the brand’s trademark fragrance, Chanel No. 5.
• Elizabeth Arden tapped the lovely Catherine Zeta-Jones to star in Arden’s Red Door “Open for Beauty” campaign.
• Estee Lauder opted to hire younger model actress Carolyn Murphy who all but replaced long-time spokesperson Elizabeth Hurley.
• Uniquely beautiful Uma Thurman was a perfect fit for Miracle, a new fragrance from Lancome, a company that highlights women’s individual beauty in its ads.
• Tommy Hilfiger announced in January that it has signed bootylicious Beyonce Knowles to promote a new fragrance.
• All-American cutie Katie Holmes follows in fellow 20-something actress Sarah Michelle Gellar’s footsteps as Maybelline New York’s latest spokesperson.
• Alaskan crooner Jewel is L’Oreal’s newest celebrity endorser in a long line of famous faces that have included Milla Jovovich, Vanessa L. Williams, Ben Affleck, Jessica Biel, and Catherine Deneuve.
• Talk Show Host and Actress Kelly Ripa is not shy about her association with Pantene Pro-V.
• Neutrogena hired Miami Dolphins star Jason Taylor to serve as the spokesperson for it new male line while it has signed actress Gabrielle Union to serve as it’s newest female spokesperson. Teen screen queens Mischa Barton and Mandy Moore also cash checks from Neutrogena.
• A bevy of beauties including Halle Berry, Eva Mendes, Karen Duffy, Jaime King, and Julianne Moore are the “Unforgettable” faces of Revlon.
• Cover Girl has contracts with model/actress/VJ Molly Simms and singers Faith Hill and Queen Latifah.
• Mary J Blige, a long time spokesperson for MAC along RuPaul, will now be joined by a string of hot stars including Christina Aguilera, Missy Eliot, Boy George, Chloe Sevigny, and Linda Evangelista.
• Calvin Klein Cosmetics snapped up starlet Scarlett Johansson fresh off her name-making role in the Oscar-nominated film “Lost in Translation.”
A cosmetic company’s dream celebrity is the one they don’t have to pay to endorse their products. A celebrity that organically uses a product, loves it, and is willing to promote it in the press can be just as powerful. A new company such as Hour Glass Cosmetics launched at Barneys New York is sure to benefit from the free press it received recently on the Today Show when fashion and beauty reporter Steven Cojocaru reported that Megan Mullaly and Tiffani Amber Thiessen used the product.
Just how do cosmetics brands become favorites with the sought after celebrity client? Sometimes, they pay to have products included in awards show goodie-bags. Others might develop a relationship with a celebrity make-up artist. Then, it is up to the product to win the celebrity when she samples it.
At my PR firm; Pierce Mattie Public Relations, Inc. in NYC we strategically place products into the hands of the technicians who make these stars gorgeous. Making claims that a celebrity is a client can be precarious. For example, we sometimes find out about a celebrity using a new hair care line or color cosmetic that we are represent but he or she is under contract with another brand. We have to sweep it under the rug, in fear that not only would the star get in trouble, but our client could be sued.
Beauty Director Kim Van Dang for In-Style Magazine takes each celebrity list that arrives touting who’s using what very seriously. Van Dang’s team calls the celebrity’s publicist to fact check, ensures the star is not on a beauty contract, crossing out those who do and moves along. Van Dang wraps it up by requesting a letter of confirmation from the vendor on their letterhead.
Some companies have learned the hard way. Matthew Broderick and Sarah Jessica Parker as well as Nicole Kidman with Tom Cruise filed a $15 million dollar lawsuit against the Sephora USA cosmetics chain for allegedly using their images in an advertising campaign without their consent. They enforced the Lanham Act, a law protection on intellectual property rights such as copyrights. Both filed in Los Angeles Superior Court. Both couples were pitched in advertisements for the "L'eau down on celebrity sweethearts," campaign promoting Valentine's Day gifts sets.
Some cosmetics companies decide to take the celebrity alliance one-step further and partner with movies or television shows, investing millions in cross-promotion and product placement deals. Clinique Skincare and Clairol were predominantly featured in Reese Witherspoon’s hit Legally Blonde. On the success of Elle Wood’s stylish Prada heels, Stila Cosmetics, OPI, and Vidal Sassoon jumped at the chance to partner with the film’s not as successful sequel, Legally Blonde II.
Revlon created a whole cosmetics collection around spokesperson’s Halle Berry turn as the latest Bond Girl in Die Another Day. In 2003, Revlon was predominantly featured in an All My Children storyline that spanned several months.
They again shifted their focus to the big screen and partnered with 2004’s Dirty Dancing Havana Nights. The 360° Global Marketing campaign included a Limited Edition Cosmetic Collection, print ads, TV ads, POS, and licensed products.
In fact, Revlon is so hot for Hollywood; it is producing its own 2-minute mini-movies starring its famous faces. According to Olivia Barker of USAToday.com, the first mini-movie will air during ABC’s The Bachelor in April. The remaining shorts will be hitting movie theaters and the Internet this fall entertaining audiences a la Guy Ritchie and Madonna’s IBM piece did last year and Jon Bon Jovi and John Elway’s Arena Football League piece did earlier this year.
But of all the cosmetics companies courting Hollywood, the Max Factor brand has the longest and most storied relationship with movie stars. “The Make-up of Make-up Artists” is truly the make-up legends are made of. It was the invention of Max Factor’s Pan Make-up, which turned early film actresses into glamorous stars, and Americans into celebrity obsessed consumers. Max Factor is responsible for apply the first false eyelashes on set to silent screen star Phyllis Haver. He set off another trend in the 1920’s creating Rosebud lips for Clara Bow.
Max Factor continued to reign King in Hollywood in the 30’s and 40’s creating looks that defined stars such as Greta Garbo and Marlene Dietrich. If it weren’t for Max Factor’s impact in creating such dramatic and glamorous images for these ladies and they had remained plain janes, would they have become the icons that they are? And without that celebrity status, what power would they have had. But did Mr. Factor have to pay out of pocket to apply products on Joan Crawford or Bette Davis? I think not. In 1999 the role reversed and Max Factor paid the ultimate It Girl, Madonna, $6 million to appear in ads for their European campaign.
Max Factor has returned to their roots. Their latest advertisement campaign features Richard Dean, Chief Makeup Artist for Mona Lisa Smile and Graham Johnston artist for Love Actually.
There are, however, some no-names that become a somebody and starlets that become megastars after their endorsement deals hit the air. Playboy cover girl Rachel Hunter went from Australian face to American supermodel seemingly overnight all due largely in part to Cover Girl.
Where would Cindy Crawford be today if it wasn’t for her 1989 six million dollar contract and 11-year relationship with Revlon? In April of 2003, Crawford signed on board with Clairol’s Nice N East from P&G. Then cranked up the spokes with her latest “Meaningful Beauty” info-commercial with Guthy Renker. Her two fragrances Cindy by Cindy Crawford and “Feminine” by Cindy Crawford are still marketing for a home.
Cybil Shepherd was proclaimed by Revlon to be one the oldest woman in history to represent a cosmetics line when she signed on with Ultima II. Melanie Griffith defied age with Revlon. Vanessa Williams went from Miss America, to actress and singer to full time spokesperson. Her line-up includes Nivea, Crest’s Rejuvenating Effects Toothpaste and Pro-Activ. Pro-Activ, a skincare line formulated for acne skin, started with Judith Light as a spokesperson and then upgraded to Stephanie Seymour. One Life to Live actress and Soap Opera Digest’s Product Queen Catherine Hickland started Cat Cosmetics.
Sometimes a star will start a project and realize selling cosmetics is a lot harder than posing for the camera, such as in the case of Christie Turlington with Sundari. When her Maybelline contract ran out and Calvin Klein fragrance modeling wasn’t for an Eternity, she felt she could capture that audience with her yoga lifestyle Ayuverdic skincare called Sundari. Unfortunately, it didn’t quite catch on like the brand’s inspiration, Aveda, who took a more streamlined approach to this pitta vatta life. Turlington reportedly sold her brand to Mumbai, India-based Marico Industries Ltd., but has stayed on as a spokesperson.
And what ever happened to cosmetic lines from Cher’s Uninhibited or Lancome’s former face Isabelli Rosalini, who partnered with Lancaster Group to create Manifesto. On the flip, a surprise success was supermodel IMAN’s color cosmetics for black women. It is still going strong globally and in the US is carried by Wal-Mart and the fashion forward version I-IMAN at Sephora stores.
Connie Stevens with Forever Spring on the Home Shopping Network was the first celebrity to hang up her scripts and start pushing lips on TV. On the opposite end of the spectrum, esthetician Adrian Arpel went from being the first luxury beauty brand to say Ba-bye to Saks Fifth Avenue and hello to HSN, and hasn’t left since. She has become a TV star in her own right.
Other former actors that are now full time beauty advisors on QVC are Victoria Principle with Principle Secret, Kathy Lee Gifford with Natural Advantage, and Joan Rivers with Results.
Counter managers who leave QVC often turn to HSN. HSN stars Suzanne Somers, who’s new SomerSkin and SomerSpa collections look like a cross between Stila and Jaqua Girls. Lauren Hutton’s Good Stuff is trying to be a good thing. Susan Lucci’s hair care and fragrances has remained a staple and Jennifer Flavin is still serious about her Serious Skin Care collection. Dare she ask Stallone to come on air with her to launch a men’s skincare collection? Rambo Pour Homme!
In the celebrity as brand era, some celebrities are turning entrepreneur and adding the title of Cosmetic Exec to their resumes. By partnering with established cosmetic industry players, celebrities are able to quickly formulate a product and market it.
The list of celebrities lining up to develop fragrances and beauty products is endless. Coty has deals in place with Celine Dion and mini-moguls Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen. Rumor has it, a deal is in the works for Sarah Jessica Partner.
In March, Elizabeth Arden made a surprising announcement that it had signed a deal with Britney Spears to develop a fragrance, cosmetic, and skincare line. Arden hopes to reach a younger and hipper customer than its traditional customer with the new Spears line.
Brit’s not the only Pop Princess to try her hand at developing a cosmetic line. Everyone’s favorite Newlywed Jessica Simpson with partner Randi Shinder, founder of D’Lish and Clean Fragrance, launched a line of flavored, fragranced body and cosmetic line in April in Sephora stores nationwide, aptly named Dessert.
With all of these multi-tasking singer/dancer/actress/fashion designer/author/TV star/cosmetic executives running around, it leaves skeptics to wonder how truly involved the Celebs are in creating the product. All of the celebrities and cosmetics companies, or their publicists, claim that the stars are indeed very involved in the decision-making process. However, it seemed on an episode of MTV’s hit reality show Newlyweds with Nick Lachey and Jessica Simpson that Jessica was seeing the products and the packaging of her new
Dessert line for the first time. Hmmmm….
Regardless of the celebrity’s role in developing or promoting a product, it is sure to be a financial success as long as the product is good and the celebrity still has “it.” But what happens to a product so closely tied to the celebrity CEO when the celebrity loses “it.”
A celebrity’s star power can dim for many reasons- overexposure, a flop at the box-office, a personal scandal, and the list goes on. The public is notoriously fickle. They love a star one-minute and trash her the next.
Jennifer Lopez, hit a speed bump in 2003 with the bust of Gigli, the break-up of her highly publicized relationship with All-American heartthrob Ben Affleck, and other dramas which contributed to some backlash of the diva’s ways. Her newest scent, “Still” launched with much less fanfare than her first fragrance Glow by J. Lo. Only time will tell if it can weather the storm to match the undeniable success of Glow, which boasted worldwide sales of $44 million after it’s first four months.
Other celebrities have learned to spin pr nightmares to strengthen their brand like Jen’s ex Sean Puffy Combs. According to Alycia de Mesa’s article, “Sell-ebrity: Products get Star Treatments” on Brandchannel.com, the Bad Boy’s Sean Jean fashion line raked in $400M in retail sales in 2003. The multi-tasking rap star plans to add a women’s fragrance to the Sean Jean brand.
Of course, the stars and the cosmetics industry as we know it, would not exist at all if it weren’t for the camera lens and for the media. If we are trying to get to the bottom of what came first- the celebrity or the cosmetic, we must consider the role the media plays in the relationship.
A celebrity’s publicist or a magazine editor can make or break a celebrity’s career. For that reason, cosmetics companies and celebrities alike put on the full-court press to win prime features in desired publications and television shows.
Cosmetic companies pay top dollar to advertise in popular magazines. They furthermore leverage their hefty marketing budget to get their names on the pages of these publications outside of their paid advertising.
They build relationships with star make-up artists and negotiate deals with magazines to use their products on the cover models. It doesn’t take a genius to see the incestuous relationship between cosmetic company advertisers, celebrity cover girls, make-up artists, and the magazine itself.
In the April issue of Cosmopolitan Magazine, Neutrogena Spokesperson Mischa Barton is wearing a full face of makeup from Neutrogena and polish from OPI. Two pages before this one page story featuring what she is wearing is a Neutrogena advertisement and an OPI polish ad is on the page after it.
Furthermore in the March issue of Vogue in an article by Julia Reed & Sarah Brown, they report about how facialist Tracie Martyn, who may not have a big advertising budget but does have celebrity clients, performed a resculpting facial on “Renee” and “Gwyneth,” celebrities deemed so famous they don’t need last names.
The article continues on to profile Clarins’ new treatment boutique on Madison Avenue. Ironically guess whose full-page ad is next to this article touting
their new product? CLARINS.
Later, the article goes on to talk about how a new line called SK-II launching at Saks Fifth Avenue from Japan is used by Kate Moss, Stella McCartney and that Chloe Sevigny is on her second jar of its Intensive Power Signs Treatment. Again, two pages later they have a full-page ad for SK-II’s facial treatment Essence.
Does this mean, you either need a big advertising budget or a high profile celebrity client list to get any media attention? Maybe. More probable, is that magazines know consumers are celebrity obsessed. The cult-status of celebrity heavy magazines such as In Style, US, In-Touch and the new revamp of Star are perfect examples.
Any magazine can tell you that its best-selling issues are the ones that feature celebrities and not no-name models on the cover. Tara Kraft, Beauty Director for Star reports that she has up to six pages of beauty products a week. That’s a lot of celebrity and cosmetic profiling going on.
It is simply good business sense for cosmetic companies to associate themselves with celebrities and for magazines to feature as many as possible because of consumer demand for all things celebrity. Celebrities will continue to sign multi-million dollar contracts to represent cosmetics companies or to develop products in partnership as long as the relationship continues to keep their image in the public’s eye. And if all else fails, they can always be a beauty advisor or counter manager at their local department store!
***
Posted by Stephen at 03:37 PM | TrackBack
The Interview of The Year is a Damn Good Thing.
Martha Stewart sat down with Barbara Walters for her first interview since her sentencing. Loved it! I invited a few of her publication staff over for cocktails and we watched it together ...it was a damn good thing. Can they make her day to day life in prison a reality show?
Does anyone have a guilty pleasure for reality television as much as I do? I love and cant get enough of it.
Big Brother 5
Joe Schmo 2
Amazing Race
Posted by Stephen at 02:34 PM | TrackBack
July 14, 2004
Diets and the ability to post to a blog!
I am currently trying out the Zone home/office delivery diet and I have to say, I love the slimming results but mentally ...it's TOUGH to blog today! I'm reminded by a dear friend of mine that now is the time for ginkgo, ginseng and some gotu kola (brain foods) but all I really want is a big fat brownie.
Posted by at 05:01 PM | TrackBack
July 13, 2004
Improve Your Writing with CBS' Mentoring Program for Writers
CBS DIVERSITY INSTITUTE
WRITERS MENTORING PROGRAM
2005 APPLICATIONS NOW BEING ACCEPTED
There are many different paths writers can follow to get their first "break" in being hired in television. As part of its ongoing commitment to create additional access for writers of diverse backgrounds, CBS' Diversity Institute has launched a different kind of Writers program, which highlights one of those paths.
The focus of this five month program is on opening doors: providing opportunities to build relationships with network executives and show runners; to support new and emerging writers in their efforts to improve their craft; and to develop the interpersonal skills necessary to break in and succeed.
The Writers Mentoring Program is not employment and there is no monetary compensation. It is, instead, a structured program of career development, support, and personal access to executives and decision-making processes, with the goal of preparing aspiring writers for later employment opportunities in television.
Each participant will be teamed with two different mentors. One mentor is a show runner on a current CBS drama or comedy series. This relationship builds over the course of the program and is focused on helping the participant with creative feedback on their writing as well as help and advice on career goals.
The other mentor is a network executive with whom they will meet on a regular basis, to discuss their work, get creative feedback on their material and get advice and support in furthering their career.
Once a week participants will be invited to attend a small "workshop" type meeting with various CBS show runners and other industry professionals. Speakers include executive producers, agents, managers, development and current executives and others. The purpose of these gatherings is for participants to gain a better understanding of how the business works from many different perspectives as well as the opportunity to make critical networking connections.
Another important part of the program is the opportunity for each participant to spend time observing in their "Show Runner Mentor's" writing room, as well as in the CBS current and development departments.development departments.
Each participant will have help in creating a rigorous career action plan and there will be on-going support in evaluating and achieving those goals. Another important benefit of the Program is the development of a close-knit peer support group that will sustain participants through the program and beyond.
The CBS Writers Mentoring program helps aspiring writers to understand the unwritten rules of breaking in and moving up. It is a combination of mentoring and networking opportunities. While program opportunities such as mentoring, workshops, and observing can be scheduled around participants' existing work commitments, in order for a participant to get the most out of the program... a meaningful commitment of time and effort are required.
It's been found that in order to derive the greatest benefit from the Program, a participant should be available to 1) attend a once a week (evening) workshop and 2) attend meetings or observe in various situations for a minimum of five full days (not necessarily in sequence) over the course of the five-month Program.
ELIGIBILITY
The primary focus of CBS' Diversity Institute is to provide access and opportunities for talented and motivated writers of diverse backgrounds -- especially writers of color. Aspiring writers of diverse backgrounds with a strong desire to write for CBS television series are encouraged to apply. You must be 21 or older to be eligible.
SUBMISSION DEADLINE
All completed application materials must be postmarked no later than Friday September 3, 2004. Any submissions received with a postmark after that date will not be considered. No hand delivered submissions will be accepted. Semi-finalists will be notified in mid-October, followed by a personal interview. Those selected for the program will be notified by November 19, 2004 (or such later date as may be determined by CBS). The Program begins the first week of January, 2005 and runs through the end of May 2005.
APPLICATION MATERIALS
Each submission must be complete in order to be considered. A completed application packet includes: 1) Application, 2) Letter of Interest, 3) Work Resume or Bio, 4) Two Writing Samples: one original piece of work which can be a screenplay, a stage play or a short fiction story (no other form of original work will be accepted) and one (1) half hour or hour episode based on a current television series that aired on any network or cable channel during the 2003/4 season, 5) Two Signed Submission Release forms, one for each writing sample.
Contact information MUST INCLUDE an e-mail address for further communication from CBS.
Unfortunately, if any of the above materials are missing, the submission will not be processed.
All writing samples will be destroyed once the selection process has been completed.
CBS DIVERSITY INSTITUTE
2005 WRITERS MENTORING PROGRAM
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS IMPORTANT PROGRAM DATESSeptember 3, 2004 Deadline for submissions
October 15, 2004* Semi-Finalists Notified
October 15 - November 1, 2004* Personal Interviews Conducted
November 19, 2004 *
Finalists Notified
January 12, 2005 Program Begins: Introduction and Orientation
June 1, 2005
Program "Graduation"
(*or such later date as may be determined by CBS)
APPLICATION MATERIALS1) APPLICATION
Please download the Application Form on this page and print or type your information. Be sure to include e-mail contact information, as this is necessary for any further communication from CBS. Please do not telephone CBS. No phone calls regarding the Program will be accepted. 2) RESUME OR BIO
Please include an up-to-date work resume or bio. 3) LETTER OF INTEREST
Your letter should be addressed to the CBS Writers Mentoring Program, and will be used to evaluate your personal qualifications for participation in the program. Please tell us why you should be selected as a part of the program and what talents and traits you have to offer as part of a future writing staff on a television show. Include a few lines about the value of diversity in television writing. PLEASE keep your letter to one typewritten, double-spaced page. 4) WRITING SAMPLES
The CBS Writers Mentoring Program is seeking creative, talented and highly motivated individuals to participate. In order to evaluate a writer's originality, one (1) original writing sample is required. This can be a screenplay, a stage play or a short fiction story. No other type of original writing will be accepted. In order to evaluate a writer's ability to capture the tone and structure of an existing television show, one (1) episodic writing sample is required. The writing sample can be either a half hour or an hour episode, based on a drama or comedy series which aired, on any network or cable channel, during the 2003-2004 television season.
It is strongly recommended that all writing samples be registered with the Writers Guild of America, west, Inc. or the Library of Congress. For information on registration of material at the Writers Guild of America go to www.wga.org or contact the Intellectual Property Registry department at (323)782-4500. To contact the United States Library of Congress, go to www.copyright.gov or call (202)707-5959.
5) SUBMISSION RELEASE FORMS
Two completed, signed and notarized release forms (one for each writing sample) MUST be included, otherwise your submission will not be processed. Please download the Submission Release Form here, and use one form for each writing sample. Both forms must be signed and notarized.WRITING SAMPLES WILL NOT BE RETURNED. All Writing Samples will be destroyed once the selection process is completed.APPLICATION PROCESSOnce application packets are complete, please send them to:
CBS Diversity Institute
Writers Mentoring Program
7800 Beverly Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90036All Submissions Must Be Mailed. No Hand Deliveries Will Be Accepted.All applications must include an e-mail address in order to receive further communication from CBS.If any of the application items are missing, the submission will not to be processed.Semi-finalists will be notified by October 15, 2004* and a personal interview will be scheduled shortly thereafter.Program finalists will be notified by November 19, 2004*. The 2005 Writers Program will begin the second week in January 2005 and will continue through June 1, 2005.
Posted by PMPR Sr. Analyst at 02:41 PM | TrackBack
July 12, 2004
Hiring a PR Firm -Public Relations VS. Advertising
Men or women, which sex is better? It all depends, doesn’t it? If you’re a straight teenage boy with eight brothers at home, chances are you might say, “Girls are way better.” In the same way, if you’re the only straight man on a deserted island inhabited by beautiful, voluptuous Amazon woman, well, something tells me your stock just went through the roof…and you better find some yohombi root soon! The “Public Relations vs. Advertising” argument is much the same. The creative director at an advertising firm will say "PR offers only short-term impact while advertising is more strategic". The PR executive will undoubtedly argue that "good PR will offer both strategic and immediate impact". My opinion is that they are equally important marketing disciplines, depending largely on the context of the immediate needs of your luxury brand or service. In a perfect world, PR firms and ad agencies would work best together. Did I actually just say that? Yes I did. Why? Because we retain the service of consultants who come from advertising agencies and it has worked out very well. When time permits we try to integrate ourselves into our clients ad agencies’ agendas, sit in on client meetings and often participate in campaign strategies. We are very accustomed to building up buzz driven by the in-house or ad account executives direction, using our expertise to surgically generate a springboard for the campaign launch. It works very well for the most part, and has impressed more then a couple of the “good old boys” in the fraternal Ad agency’s we’ve worked with. If you’re a small brand, still trying to build your base, working out distribution, and have a limited budget, you’re going to probably see a much higher return on your investment employing a public relations firm, rather than blowing your entire budget on one very expensive television ad or a full page in Vogue. What are your needs, what is your budget and who can deliver the goods? So stop arguing about which is better and find out for yourself, which is better for YOU!
Here are some interesting links on the subject of Public Relations vs. Advertising. You may find them very helpful when looking to employ a public relations firm.
Brand Channel
Posted by at 09:49 PM | TrackBack
July 11, 2004
A Doctor's Perscription to Indoor Tan, Say What?
Senate soundly rejects ban on minors using tanning salons
Friday July 02, 2004
SACRAMENTO (AP) California will not bar minors from using tanning salons without a doctor's permission, as the state Senate Friday soundly rejected a bill that would have made the state the nation's first to enact such a ban.
While supporters said the bill by Assemblyman Joe Nation, D-San Rafael, was a public health measure, the bill was defeated by a 9-19 vote without debate.
The Senate agreed to reconsider the bill, clearing the way for lawmakers to take up the bill again if its supporters want a second vote.
The supporters, which include the American Cancer Society, say the measure would help reduce skin cancer rates.
But the Indoor Tanning Association, an industry group, contends that moderate use of tanning salons can reduce the risk of sunburn and skin cancer.
The Department of Consumer Affairs also opposed the bill, saying education about the risk of exposure to ultraviolet light is the best way to avoid skin cancer.
Current law requires parental permission for minors to use tanning facilities.
On the Net: Read the bill, AB2193, at www.senate.ca.gov
Posted by PMPR Analyst at 02:22 PM | TrackBack
July 10, 2004
EVENT- Face & Body, Spa and Healthy Aging Conference Exhibition -San Francisco
2004 Conference Speakers
The speakers at the Face & Body 2004 Spa & Healthy Aging Conference and Exhibition consist of industry leaders and professionals who help to set the pace in technology and education, showcasing state-of-the-art ideas, philosophies and treatments. Speaker selections are based on originality, depth of presentation and professionalism, in addition to the subject matter presented.
Read this: VIEW THE SPEAKERS, then be sure to register!
Posted by PMPR Analyst at 01:36 PM | TrackBack
Ditties: Dumb Name, Smart Tampon Marketing
Long overdue, Dittie LLC of Orinda, CA, has launched a line of feminine hygiene products that don't treat menstruation like an ailment, or as something to hide.
Founded by Barbara Carey, President, Dittie's products are stylish and, well, feminine. The Dittie Website features the Dittie Pledge to always pass one on to any woman in need, funny stories about tampons, and goofy Tampon Bowling, with tampons for pins. The site cries out for a blog and user forums, perhaps password protected to keep out mischief makers.
Says founder Carey in her message, "not one box of tampons, pads or pantiliners had an ounce of style! Where was the fun? The feminine flair? And why did I feel like I was in a hospital? The products all looked like medicine, which made me feel ill. And I wasn't—I just had my period."
The company's $1 million launch includes an extensive sampling program in schools, doctor's offices and boutiques, as well as ads in the girls' bathrooms, school newspapers and hallways. There is also a junior marketing program, in which girls can be part of street teams or buzz squads.
Posted by PMPR Analyst at 12:14 PM | TrackBack
July 08, 2004
Now That's A Press "RELEASE"...Some Men Might Actually Talk To Their Penis!
Wow, I'm not so sure I would respond so well to this.
The next time a guy stands in front of a urinal and hears what he thinks is his penis demanding to have a conversation, he can rest assured his little head has not developed a mind of its own. Yes, most other times the little head does rule the big head but not this time. In this case it's just a Read this: WIZMARK Interactive Urinal Communicator. doing the talking.
Adding to the growing types of bathroom advertising is this device, from Healthquest Technologies Inc., which will, upon sensing one's proximity, deliver various audible and visual advertising messages. Placed squarely where the action is happening in the bottom of the urinal, the device will command attention if not completely freak out men looking for a few seconds of peace from their screaming wife/girlfriend/kids/boss/prostitute/etc. Potential advertisers: please don't show imagery we men might find "uplifting." That's counter to what we are trying to accomplish at the urinal. Any other time, though, is perfectly fine.
Here is the Press Release:
New Talking Urinals with Winking/Blinking Ads
Offers Unique Way to Reach Men about Consumer
Products Sports or Public Service Messages
Islip, NY, June 16, 2004 - Despite the spread of advertising messages to nearly every setting in contemporary America, attracting the attention of the elusive male audience has always been a challenge, The men's room offers one relatively untouched ad vehicle that just about everyone who enters it faces: the urinal. A newly patented interactive urinal communicator by Wizmark (www.wizmark.com) creates a whole new dimension, literally, to the idea of interactive marketing. The Men's Room visitor's attention is immediately attracted to a promotional ad message contained inside an angled waterproof display centrally located within the urinal, with flashing lights that are activated either by either someone's physical presence or by urination onto the screen. Upon activation the screen also emits a pre-recorded audible message of up to16 seconds duration. Even before activation, the auto-animated winking of alternating images on the 3.5 inch lenticular display of the device is sure to catch the eye of any man seeing this novel ad vehicle for the first time.
"Beginning with early attempts at writing one's name in the snow, there has always been an element of recreation associated with urination for men", says bio-engineer Dr. Richard Deutsch, who invented and patented the interactive, plastic deodorizing unit for Wizmark. "Now when nature calls, there is going to be something entertaining to look at and listen to."
Irreverent marketing approaches get attention and advertisers can greatly benefit. The dynamics and social protocols of its use, guarantee at least one minute of undivided and undistracted visual attention along with the concurrent audio delivery of their promotional message to a captive audience . Since urinals haven't been the focus of consumer advertising for products such as beer, cigarettes and Viagra or public service messages like "Don't Drink and Drive", early adopters of this new patented interactive technology will generate significant "buzz" with the amused smiling viewers.
Locales suitable for the Wizmark unit include rest rooms in bars, restaurants, hotels, sports stadiums, race tracks, movies, airports and train stations for either commercial or public-service messages and government buildings, grade or high schools, offices, factories, and military installations for anti-smoking, anti-drug or anti-drunk driving messages.
Anyone can see pictures and ad ideas for the Wizmark interactive urinal communicator and additional technical details behind the new advertising medium at our website Wizmark.com
Posted by at 12:52 AM | TrackBack
July 07, 2004
Building Closer Relationships With Your Media
If this is you: "I just started a new PR job as a manager and am having a frustrating time building rapports with trade media. Nobody ever responds to my press releases and my phone calls are never returned. What can I do?"
Read this: Building Closer Relationships With Your Media. Brought to you by LACP.
Posted by PMPR Analyst at 01:19 PM | TrackBack
July 04, 2004
Spoof Ads, Make-Believe Ad on "Sex and the City" Creates Real Life Sensation.
4 Jun 2004
Naked Man Sues Absolut -Posted Rick E. Burner
Ad Age: 'Absolut Hunt' Sues the Vodka Company Over Ad
The "hunk" in a fake Absolut ad shown in an HBO Sex in the City episode last summer is suing the real Absolut company for what he alleges is an improper adoption of the ad as a real marketing effort. The conflict brings up a troubling issue among viral marketers, where brands tacitly encourage or at least allow the spreading of interesting branded materials. If the brands take explicit responsibility for the content, they will often smother the titillating sense of subversion that makes the content attractive in the first place. But not doing so risks all sorts of havoc as well...
Jason Lewis posed nude for real-life ad agency Chiat/Day to produce the ad, which was placed in the HBO episode as a billboard in Times Square. Chiat/Day somehow managed to not be named party to the lawsuit, which may be a first for the oft-sued agency industry. Once the ad was broadcast, Absolut did pay homage to it, publishing on its website a recipe called Absolut Hunk.
If Lewis wins damages against Absolut, the decision may force legal departments across the country to become more aggressive in attempting to clamp down on parodies and satires, fearing future potential suits.
Posted by PMPR Analyst at 12:51 PM | TrackBack
July 02, 2004
Maybelline Hooks Up With Chicks With Attitude!
Monarch Entertainment Group's Chicks With Attitude, an 18-market concert tour created solely as marketing vehicle to reach young women, has signed on Maybelline as the exclusive presenting sponsor. Musicians appearing on the tour are Liz Phair, The Cardigans, Katy Rose and Charlotte Martin. Tour promotion will include radio, print, online, point of purchase and a sweepstakes.
Posted by PMPR Analyst at 10:41 AM | TrackBack
July 01, 2004
Digital Brest Implants Are Not Just For Movie Stars!
Some movies stars just don't have the right curves when it comes to movie posters. Along the lines of Kelly Clarkson getting a bigger butt for her From Justin to Kelly movie, Keira Knightley received a pair of big digital boobs for her King Arthur movie poster. The stunningly beautiful Knightley underwent a heavy dose of exercise to prepare for the film and while she gain some muscle, her chest all but disappeared. That didn't sit well with the movie's producers who saw the un-altered pictured and asked, "I thought we had a hot chick in this movie. Who's that guy? Oh wait, it's Keira. Give that girl some boobs.
Today, many plastic surgeons use this same digital manipulation to demo what they can do for their clients before ever going under the knife. For the record, we love Keira Knightley just the way she is and would never want her to change a thing... but if she wants too ...we know a few celebrity surgeions who would love to help out!