The Inkwell » Clever

Steak for Stock

admin — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 13:47:14 +0000

I’ll admit it; I don’t eat red meat. But Smith & Wollensky ’s new ‘Steak for Stock’ campaign is pretty well seasoned…

The premier steakhouse is swapping out NYSE and NASDAQ stock bonuses for good grub. And it works.

Why?

Smith & Wollensky’s primary target is the fiscally fit carnivore who powers Wall Street. The chain’s patrons adore their steakhouse friendly expense account and love their bonuses even more. If you pair the two, you’re poised to earn some serious sizzle.

‘Steak for Stock’ has all the accompaniments of a buzz worthy promo:

It’s absurd yet hilarious
It’s viral
The copy is super clever
It’s founded on digital (if the feedback gets too rough, then you just take it down)
It’s packaged for PR
And it offers up a moral: when the going get touch, the tough get creative.

Well done Smith & Wollensky! No, I don’t mean the steak…

And our Favorite Super Bowl Ad Goes To…

admin — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 13:48:56 +0000

Of all the ads to win our hearts during last night’s Superbowl who covets the smart thINKing prize this year?

One word: Google.

Google’s ” spot Parisian Love” had it all. A fantastic “lede” that piqued our interest, sparked anticipation, an amazing yet practical story (that, smartly, also conveyed the Google story) and a memorable, heartfelt ending. All without casting a single actor. We loved it! Watch it below and judge for yourself.

Our other favorites broken down by quarter were:

Snickers’ “Celebrity Sack”: Why? Because Betty White just works
Budweiser’s “Bridge“: Creative, unexpected and memorable
ETrade’s “Wolf Style” : Yes, expected. But they still made the room full of people I was with laugh out loud
Audi’s “Crimes“: It’s funny with a moral. Issues can be important without consuming our lives.

And that’s a game called, folks.

Superbowl Ad Preview: Bud Light’s “Clothing Drive”

admin — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 17:19:13 +0000

To the layperson, Superbowl Sunday means beer, football and friends.

But to us “creatives,” it means all eyes on the prize – a.k.a. the commercials.

Admittedly, we watch the game like freaks. We savor every commercial in the same way those around us chow down on buffalo wings. It’s the cross we bear for being “clever.”

This week, I’ve been getting lots of forwards to sneak peeks of this year’s ads. None have been funnier to me than this spot by Bud Light.

Why is it a winner? It’s funny from the kick-off, the absurdity grabs your attention, and even when it’s “game over,” you’re still laughing.

Bud Light’s “Clothing Drive” is a scenario we all would love to see in corporate America. After all, isn’t healthy competition is what good sports is all about?