[2013 trends] At the heart of African marketing

[Gerry Costa] As the world economy limps to recovery, Africa is increasingly becoming more important and on everyone's agenda. Here, I take a look at what is required to formulate Afro-centric marketing strategies that can succeed and this is what we can expect in 2013. 21 Jan 2013 12:37

[2013 trends] Radio raises the volume

[Matona Sakupwanya] Radio has always baffled media futurologists, effortlessly bouncing back from perceived 'threats' such as recession right through to technological revolution - something consistently touted by 'radio assassins' as the next to bring about the demise of the medium. Bucking the trend, year-on-year growth as an industry remains at a steady increase and this demonstrates its enduring relevance. 21 Jan 2013 11:40

Promise Brand Specialists

Promise closes off 2012 with five new clients

[Issued by Promise Brand Specialists] Promise closed off 2012 with five new account wins. The agency will be delivering through-the-line and Digital solutions to clients within the financial, retail and food services categories. 18 Jan 2013 09:54

Is your brand doing its job?

[Anton Ressel] Many people believe that the word 'brand' relates simply to the visual identity of a particular company, product or organisation - in other words the organisation's name, logo and general look and feel. 18 Jan 2013 09:16

Pitching in a monstrous economic climate (Part I)

[Matt Rowles] human.kind has just wrapped up a punishing two months of re-pitching on several of our long-term accounts. This was not expected. The truth is, we were blindsided. In retrospect though, we probably had it coming. If you've read my previous rants, you'll know what I'm getting at. Be that as it may, being the incumbent agency is a weird trip and I'm going to share it with you. 18 Jan 2013 06:15

[2013 trends] Growing power, vulnerability of the corporate brand

[Mike Freedman] How are P&G and Unilever differentiated? Does the Coca-Cola Company want to be known for obesity or health? Will supermarket brands be strengthened or weakened by their supply chains? The perfect storm of social media, continuing social unrest, concerns over the economy and environment will batter brands that are not resilient and adaptive, while shaking established ad agencies to their foundations. 17 Jan 2013 14:04

Frieze Films

Rising star Grant De Sousa has joined Frieze Films for commercials representation

[Issued by Frieze Films] "Grant's a major talent who's already produced award-winning commercials," says Frieze Films' executive producer, Jo Barber. "He's a natural storyteller with a considered style." 17 Jan 2013 10:32

New ambient media for hair salons

Primedia Unlimited's TLC has announced the launch of its salon media advertising and communication platform within hair and beauty salons. Current advertising platforms include mirror decals, indoor lightboxes and the ability to activate within the salon. The next phase of the business is the rollout of digital screens in these environments that will further improve the flexibility of the environment and platform. 17 Jan 2013 09:47

Egg Films

Turns out Capetonians totally know what they're like

[Issued by Egg Films] Good Hope FM's new brand ad, shot by Slim from Egg Films, comes with one, unmistakable message: if you don't have Good Hope FM, you have no hope. The deliciously tongue-in-cheek spot makes a great meal of a simple truth: Capetonians live in one of South Africa's greatest cities; and boy do they know it. 17 Jan 2013 09:19

The eternal skaam of the yellow bracelet

[Sarah Britten] Whenever I'm having a bad day, I remind myself of this: at least I'm not one of those people who used to wear a yellow Livestrong bracelet. Or worse, one of those diehards who still wear them (earlier today, while having lunch in a coffee shop in a Sandton shopping centre, I spotted a man wearing one. He was wearing a checked shirt and chinos, so he wasn't being an ironic hipster). 16 Jan 2013 06:56

New ad campaign for King Price

King Price Insurance has recently launched a new ad campaign. The first advert and the series to follow track one man's desperate attempts to determine 'how they do it' - How is a company is able to offer the same insurance cover at the lowest price, with premiums that drop monthly? (video) 16 Jan 2013 06:17

[2013 trends] The old 'new' rules for language

[Tiffany Markman] Here's my list of old 'new' language rules for 2013: things that have evolved over the last few years, things pro writers are using in certain contexts and things you will see more and more in today's writing, now that you know what to look for. [Please note: the listed items are to be used only in light of the mini-disclaimer at the bottom.] 15 Jan 2013 12:05

Egg Films

Jason Fialkov's penthouse party above the clouds

[Issued by Egg Films] Egg Films' Jason Fialkov directed Rise, the new Skyy Vodka commercial conceived by Young & Rubicam's chief creative officer Graham Lang and creative director Nkanyezi Masango. 15 Jan 2013 11:06

Public to select Best TV Sport Commercial for Virgin Active Sport Industry Awards

The public is invited to select the winner of this year's Best TV Sport Commercial, sponsored by Sports Illustrated, with voting now open, ahead of the Virgin Active Sport Industry Awards 2013 on 7 February 2013 at Emperor's Palace. 15 Jan 2013 09:09