Campaigns

Gentlemen, let’s face it: Khakis aren’t cool. In fact, the only reason you’ll catch most guys wearing khaki pants is because they’re forced to either by their job, their spouse/significant other, or because they didn’t want to wear a suit to a more formal occasion. For me, khakis are reminiscent of my time in elementary school, where my mom would cram me into an old paid before church. They were uncomfortable, fit weird, and definitely didn’t have the cool factor of jeans.

So, how are Haggar and agency McGarrah Jessee (who you may remember from the Shiner vs. Heineken stage/billboard ripoff fiasco last summer) attempting to give their brand of khakis the cool factor that your old pair of Dockers lacks? Why, with a new TV campaign for the new Life Khaki line, which recently launched (initial spot above) and shows the difference between wearing khakis because you have to and wearing khakis because they’re manly (perhaps a move from the Old Spice playbook).

Did you know that WWII-era generals and Indiana Jones-esque adventurers wear khakis? It’s because they’re manly, and also probably because only farmer-types were wearing jeans in the 1940s. Either way, I learned in my early 20s that a well-fitting pair of khakis can definitely make you stand out in a room. A word to the wise, though, who may feel compelled to jump into a mants experiment: If the pockets of your khakis stick out while you walk around, they don’t fit right. See the newest spots from the campaign and credits after the jump.

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The above new spot for Argentina’s Olympic team from Y&R New York Buenos Aires is being called by some “beneath contempt,” “tasteless,” “feral and disgusting behavior” and “designed to offer maximum offence and contrary to both the Olympic spirit and all sense of human decency.” Harsh words, yes, but perhaps a brief history lesson will offer justification for those who have been deeply disturbed by the images shown in this ad, which was commissioned by the Argentine government.

See, while the text in the spot suggests that the athlete is training on Argentine soil, he’s in fact doing so on the Falkland Islands. This is quite significant when you consider that the 2012 Olympics’ host county, England, fought and won a war for the Islands in 1982 after Argentina attempted to invade them. Although England and Argentina resumed diplomatic relationship in the early 90s, the Falklands are still under dispute, and Argentina continues to lay claim to the land despite islanders voicing their plea to remain British citizens.

To add insult to injury, the athlete in the spot uses a World War I memorial dedicated to fallen British soliders to bolster his training efforts. In response to the public outcry, Y&R has issued an apology today, saying they were “disturbed” by it. Meanwhile, WPP chief Sir Martin Sorrell issued a statement saying, “The ad is totally, and I mean totally, unacceptable. The agency has formally apologized for any offense or pain caused. We are appalled and embarrassed by it.”

Taking into account the fact that last month marked the 30th anniversary of the Falklands War, this probably couldn’t have been timed worse. The government of Argentina has not issued an apology. See more, including a harsh criticism from Falkland National Sports Council chair, Mike Summers, here.

Though the “King of Pop” passed away nearly three years ago, his spirit continues to loom large over PepsiCo, which announced that it will ship out one billion cans of Pepsi adorned with a silhouette of Michael Jackson, who appears to be dressed in his duds from the “Smooth Criminal” video. According to USA Today, the announce comes on the heels of Pepsi’s new, global partnership with the estate of Michael Jackson and is part of the brand’s 25th anniversary celebration of the moonwalker’s Bad album and tour (couldn’t they just have waited a year to celebrate the 30th anniversary of his far superior album, Thriller?). Of course, opinions are split down the middle, with some calling it “macabre” and others hailing it as “brilliant.”

In addition to the cans, the AP reports that a TV spot featuring Jackson’s image will air in some markets and there will be chances to download remixes of the artist’s classic tracks and win tickets to Cirque du Soleil’s “Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour” performance. The late pop star’s relationship with Pepsi dates back to 1983, and while we’ll always remember the infamous hair-burning scandal, why not just reflect on the 1984 ad starring the future Carlton from Fresh Prince of Bel-Air that eventually made it to air (below).

Nearly nine months after being tapped as Jagermeister’s first AOR for the U.S. market, L.A.-based shop Mistress has unveiled the first-ever U.S. TV campaign for the brand that yours truly and almost everyone else we know swore off after college.

Anyhow, the campaign is dubbed “Stronger Bond” and as you can see in the spot above directed by Alastair McKevitt, Jagermeister calls for some sort of booze-soaked knights of the round table that features an odds and sods mix of sports figures and rockers including former NFL receiver/current ESPN analyst Keyshawn Johnson, always-intimidating Slayer guitarist Kerry King, boxing trainer Freddie Roach, and finally of course, a rodeo clown. Oh, to be a fly on the wall during these confabs.

Well, it’s definitely a rarity to see a laundry detergent ad rock this hard.

From SF-based agency Mekanism comes this latest viral spot for Method, an odd brand of laundry detergent that requires “four pumps for one sweet load.” Since being posted yesterday, the “Say No to Jugs” has already amassed nearly 90,000 YouTube plays, no doubt converting innuendo-loving guys who look like Sam Beam (the bearded guy from Iron and Wine) and the girls who love them to spray-bottle detergent.

This video follows Method’s “Clean Happy” campaign launch from last month, which used the Naked and Famous track “Young Blood” to appeal to 20-somethings seeking a hipper way to do their laundry. Detergent in jugs? What are you, my grandma? Join the “People Against Dirty” on Method’s Facebook page and view credits after the jump.

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And now, a riddle: What do each of the men in the above dating video have in common? Stumped? Well, you’ll never believe this, but they’re all actually Two and a Half Men star and former Mr. Demi Moore, Ashton Kutcher! Oh, the headline of the article and the title of the video gave it away? Well, the press release we were sent along with this video said, “Viewers won’t believe it’s Ashton until they see his cameo!” We deeply apologize for ruining the surprise.

From L.A.-based agency Zambezi comes a series on online video spots advertising fake dating site WorldWideLovers.com. Interested viewers who follow the URL will actually find themselves at Popchips’ Facebook page, where a custom web app allows users to send personalized messages to their Facebook friends from each of Kutcher’s exaggerated stereotypes alter-egos. You can send a greeting from Raj, a 39-year-old Bollywood director, Nigel, a 24-year-old hippie stoner, Daryl, a German fashionista of unknown age, and Swordfish, a 29-year-old biker dude with a beard.

The “Play Matchmaker” campaign from Popchips follows last year’s popular and similarly vexing effort “Who Wants to be Ashton Kutcher’s VP?” where fans applied for a one-year gig and $50K salary to join Kutcher’s entourage. Watch each of the character’s personalized digital shorts on Popchips’ YouTube page. Credits after the jump.

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Over the past few months, Pizza Hut has been rolling out a new, attitude-driven campaign. It turns out that CP+B’s work for Domino’s has been paying off, and Pizza Hut is responding accordingly, lowering their price point on some products to help stave off Domino’s from encroaching further on its fast-food pizza delivery market share.

As some have noted, the tune playing in the background of the above spot sounds eerily similar to “Gold on the Ceiling,” a recent single from Akron, Ohio-based blues-rock duo the Black Keys’ 2011 album, El Camino. Listen for yourself:

There may have been a time (hell, two years ago) when a brand of Pizza Hut’s size would have no problem laying down the cash for use of a Black Keys’ track. But, this is 2012, and the Black Keys are at the peak of their popularity, being hailed by some as the “new Kings of Leon,” (except, you know, actually talented).

Using audio facsimiles of popular indie rock tunes isn’t anything new. In fact, it was only a year ago when Microsoft used a dead-ringer for Arcade Fire’s “Wake Up” on a TV spot for MSN. Now, we don’t think the Black Keys are the kind of guys who would get their label, Warner Music Group subsidiary Nonesuch, to sue Pizza Hut over this. But, that carbon-copy of singer Dan Auerbach‘s signature croon might be enough to push anyone over the edge. What say you, dear readers? Is Pizza Hut guilty of an ad rip-off? And yes, we’re checking to see if this is a Martin Agency joint. Stay tuned.

And now, a little a capella–scratch that, “Likeapella”–treatment from CP+B and Kraft, who send this little musical love letter to their Facebook fans and thank them for all the “Likes” received this week. The musical guest in this latest effort is a group called the Yellow Jackets, which seems to be a rather fitting title. It’s quite the epic tune, but it’s almost lunchtime here on the East Coast. Enjoy if you can.

A new pair of PSAs from TM Advertising and director Frank Todaro of Moxie Pictures is reminding pet owners to get their best friends “fixed” at a young age, lest their furry companions end up reenacting some 90s teen drama series where 80 percent of characters end up pregnant at some point.

Set to a score of Paula Cole‘s 1997 hit “I Don’t Want to Wait,” perhaps best known as the theme song to the WB’s much-beloved show about teen angst and pent up sexual energy Dawson’s Creek, “Afraid of That” finds two young lovers nearly caught in the act by their parents, who should really know better than to ever let their spawn out of the house. Squee! It’s just like Dawson and Joey, but with kittens!

Meanwhile, “Afternoon Stroll” is probably the better of the two spots, mainly because that kid who runs into the fence near the end of the ad remains funny after repeat viewings. Also, the puppy the girl morphs into is one of the most adorable little fluffballs of cute I’ve ever damn seen. So, remember parents and pet owners: Once your kid hits middle school, start being paranoid. Once your pet hits four months, fix the problem once and for all and prevent unwanted litters.

Update: And now, the infographic addendum:

As a longtime follower of the Halloween mythology, I was somewhat struck when Rob Zombie decided to overhaul the series, but probably more so when he subsequently took his talents to Woolite. But, it doesn’t veer from the man’s vision and neither does this spot starring Ron Howard‘s brother Clint, who plays somewhat maniacal in this effort from Saatchi & Saatchi New York for the ant-killing brand, Amdro. It’s only thirty seconds, but damn, did those pesky ants have it coming to them. Credits after the jump.

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