allthe7thfloors

This blog has moved

2009-12-17T11:15:00.003Z

Finally, finally we have our new site up and running, It may well be still a work in progress, ain't they all? but it now houses the new improved blog and twitter feed. Do please come over to the dark side (Wordpress) and leave this open house that is blogger. Farewell and god bless. We love you all. (well maybe not all of you, but that's another story)

"Greedy & contemptuous underestimation of the consumer'

2009-12-08T15:13:00.003Z

Robert gives his view as to the sad demise of First Quench. Parts appear in this weeks Off Licence News. The full text below.

Great viral for new game

2009-11-26T10:56:00.004Z

http://www.masswepray.com From W+K Portland. This is a top example of the rules of the game. Good content, that rewards curiosity.
A viral is an expression of an effect, it is not a channel in its own right. People pass things along, not because they love brands, its because they love their friends. Another expression being the true meaning of a virus: They only spread when easy to transmit. (i'm going to look cool/clever if i send it on)

Dee is upsetting the balance of our Last.FM stats

2009-11-26T09:43:00.003Z

Just noticed the results of our recent Last.FM stats are being stuffed by Dees devotion to Bono, see below.

Office playlist 25/11/09

2009-11-25T14:06:00.001Z

Office playlist 25/11/09, originally uploaded by t7F London.

Just to mix up the arguments over what to put on Spotify we are working our way through; The top 50 albums of the decade mixed with the top 100 albums of all time. We all get x3 veto's each which is looking hard with at least two Bruce Springsteen, Dire Straits and Coldplay still to go!

Nifty bit of 'Clean Advertising'

2009-11-25T13:59:00.007Z

Waitrose is promoting its new store in Clerkenwell with a green marketing campaign.

Customers will be pointed in the direction of the store by 'Clean Advertising' stencilled adverts on the pavement.
Thirty ad messages have been created in addition to a 50 ft image of baguettes projected onto a nearby building. Appearing after dusk for two weeks, the image will ensure that customers go into the store on their way home from work.

2012 looking frightenly real

2009-11-24T16:33:00.003Z

Great set of images of the new Olympic park seen at Event magazine. Fuelled by the negativity of the Daily Mail style Olympic naysayers, I am really rather excited by the prospects of the London games. Can't wait for whole circus to kick-off.

5 reason's why creatives hate working for you.

2009-11-17T16:24:00.003Z

Nigel Collins has a neat take on the 'how to deal with creatives' mantra. (Highlighted by Jenny Blair at Major Players) As ever its the comments after that provide as much joy. full article HERE. But in summary; Be nice, vary the tasks you set, don't expect 9-5 and pay well. -easy.

"...Leading creative people is like herding cats. They sometimes appear to be all over the place, to be mischievous, off in their own worlds, extremely curious and can be a tad hard to manage at times. But your business needs them and they need you, and when you get to understand and know creative people, gain their confidence and respect, then extraordinary things happen..." (more)

Man in the Dark (or curly whirly man as I like to call him)

2009-11-12T18:36:00.005Z

Look what we just found. Very cool & hypnotic!

Man in the Dark

Snap Happy

2009-11-12T14:53:00.005Z

We recently entered a photography competition where our entry was to depict life in the office from 9-5. Although we didn't win (not surprising really when the rest of the entrants were mostly photographers!) a selection of Dee's efforts where commended and displayed in an exhibition at the British Design Museum. Amazing what you can achieve with a £50 Kodak camera that has the remnants of many a night out stuck to it.

Harman Kardon / Range Rover display in Harrods

2009-11-09T11:08:00.002Z

A short film we made about Harman Kardon's new audio system for the Range Rover is being shown in a special display in Harrods windows. Pictures HERE

A Branded Fly!

2009-11-02T15:27:00.003Z

Dee found this amazing clip about branding on flies at a German trade show. A very big WTF with regards animal (?) ethics etc, but for lateral thinking alone, top marks. -we resist the countless pun opportunities. Details from the client; Eichborn The Publisher. To promote their exhibition stand at the Franfurt Book Fair, prepared 200 flies with an ultra light banner. The banner was attached with natural wax (!) After a short time the banner dropped off by itself. And the flies were not harmed.

Where did that old PC go? mmm Guiya, in China it appears

2009-10-30T17:57:00.003Z

E-Waste in Guiyu (15 pics) Guiyu is the largest electronic waste (e-waste) site on earth, according to wikipedia. Since late 1980s a lot of e-waste from overseas has been imported to China and dismantled at Guiyu.
The state-run newspaper the Peoples Daily said in 2006 that Guiyus more than 5,500 e-waste business employed over 30,000 people.
According to the local goverment Web site, city businesses process 1,5 million tons of e-waste a year, pulling in $75 million in revenue.
As much as 80 percent of it comes from overseas.E-Waste in Guiyu (15 pics)

Endless freshness

2009-10-27T10:08:00.002Z

Just seen this very good ambient for Clorets in China. Found via http://inventorspot.com

Steve Levine film

2009-10-16T17:18:00.002+01:00

We are making a series of short films for Harman Kardon at the moment with music producer Steve Levine. While it is true Steve is a Grammy award winning producer of countless hits its the fact he worked on the first Clash album that really appealed to me.

Client V Designer, thanks to Ron S for pointing it out

2009-10-16T17:17:00.000+01:00

like Mashable but without the ads

2009-10-14T15:42:00.005+01:00

Irie.be
This is another trend/latest web high lighter, almost as good as mashable but without the ads
Worth 15 minutes of your day, or in their words; Irie is an international Web Design portal featuring cutting-edge websites, ideas that hold water and images that last.irie is both: a source for Web Design inspiration and a Web Design showcase covering the best websites, best microsites, best promotional sites and campaigns on a daily basis. Plus looks like its part of the same gang that produce Imin.de a fab photo reference site

Good placement for our new Zantac campaign

2009-10-09T11:44:00.004+01:00

Note the position of both Steve Harmison's and our models arms!

Larking about in the Black Forest

2009-10-06T09:22:00.002+01:00

IMG_0247, originally uploaded by piehead.

Spent a few days last week in a very pretty bit of Germany making a film about an amazing bit of audio technology called Halosonic. A joint collaboration between Lotus Engineering and Harman International. However the second most eyecatching thing of the trip was the Avis car pool at Stuttgart airport. Not only a couple of Porsche Panamare's but a GT3 with roll cage and racing gloves neatly folded on the drivers seat!

Deadlines Deadlines

2009-09-30T11:53:00.004+01:00

Last day before MCCA Best Awards deadline, are we ready? are we? lets just say the 'late' entry deadline of next Thursday is look more and more appealing

Our new Zantac campaign has just gone live.

2009-09-25T12:55:00.003+01:00

Good use of left hand page position with our new Zantac creative. The campaign is going to run until the end of December. This comes in a set of four image versions, all photography by Charlotte Tolhurst, who normally shoots gorgeous food. The shoot was arranged by freelance production manager Samantha Adam, a really useful find and an absolute star to work with.

Twitter Trend Topics + Google Maps + Geek = Woooah

2009-09-23T09:06:00.004+01:00

This is another wonderful way to while away the time you should be finishing that report. A lovely looking mashup of Maps and Twitter trending topics data (plus a bunch of clever geek stuff) Good contextual use of the BBC news feed as well (currently covering tweet reaction to the momentous news Chas & Dave are retiring).
A good spot via Mashable
"..Trendsmap is the loving work of Stateless Systems, creators of RetailMeNot amongst other things. This remarkable vision couldn't exist without our extraordinary software engineers, Twitter's open data policy, Google Maps, What The Trend and anyone who ever tweets..."

Telegraph online features a quote from us.

2009-09-21T10:39:00.003+01:00

The posters, devised by M&C Saatchi, evoke the ‘guilt’ of shoppers who advice on expensive purchases such as flatscreen televisions in helpful High Street stores and then buy them cheaper online.

The self-deprecating tag line, ‘The Last Place You Want To Go’, is a nod to the store’s poor reputation for service when it used to be a High Street retailer.

Dixons shifted to online sales only in 2007, converting its former shops to the Currys. digital brand.

Philip Slade, creative director of promotions agency t7F London, said: “As a sign of creativity it is better than the corporate whimsy that dominated so many ads last year. This could be corporate turning point for the Dixons: open and honest about what they actually are and facing up to the reality of online shopping habits.”

Olivier Blanchard : Basics Of Social Media R.O.I

2009-09-15T11:29:00.002+01:00

A good view on the realities of getting a social media budget approved, worth noting that with the explosion in SM projects, there is a parallel increase in creative ways to explain it.

Olivier Blanchard Basics Of Social Media Roi

View more presentations from Olivier Blanchard.

The continued rise and importance of the Socialnetworkosphere*

2009-09-15T10:57:00.002+01:00

* = soon to be a real word, honest.

The actions of Facebook users have become too important for brands to ignore.

The temptation is to address the users1 rather than the circumstances that drive its popularity2.

Facebook is not the answer, It’s the social skill it teaches3 that brands need to understand.

1. = Theo Papitis interview in The Daily Mail Online

2. = Dr Norman Lewis on Futures-Diagnosis.com

3. = Marta Kavan of Espresso (bonafidemarketinggenius.com)

Front page of the new IPA web site with an ad for our new Account Director

2009-09-08T09:05:00.004+01:00

There is a lot you can say about the IPA having been less than in touch with innovations in communication. But the new site that launched the other day is actually rather good. Feels a lot more like actual humans are behind the organisation from the look of the front page, unfortunately going in deeper and you are confronted by a sea of grey blocky type which is a shame. But a good change for the better. -and yes I know this post comes with full 'Glass houses' inclinations.

Augmented Reality (AR) applications launch on the iPhone.

2009-09-01T18:52:00.004+01:00

This is going to be huge

While I have spent years getting excited by the possibilities of mobile apps like semapedia, (unlike most of my clients, who dispite my best efforts, passed on the opportunities). Now with the launch of a raft of genuine AR apps Like this from DiscoverAnywhere there appears to be a real case for commercial use. While it is true the actual audience of iPhone & Android users is really small compared with total universe of mobile (cell) phones, in time this should be the standard for 'whats that?' questions in the street. The answer being you aim your phone at the object and heh presto the phone overlays a label telling price, location, availability or simply its name.

Very interesting that Amazons tech division A9 have brought Snaptell, which basically puts Amazons prices and availability information over the top of any item you see in a shop, (currently only works in the US)

Like most people I often emerge from a station and ponder where is? (the nearest bar) having an interactive live map to overlay reality is a fantastic bit of black magic to delight. This last bit, is in my opinion, the key to any new techs ability to succeed, is it a joy to use and do you want to tell you mates about it?

Just look at the footage below of the yelp.com trial AR feature, yes you really do have to shake the phone three times for it to show the hidden button, how charming is that? -there is also a neat London Bus AR demo HERE from Presselite. The Next Web has a bit about a live tweeter layer which could see even more tourists actually being hit by buses (while tweeting), the guys at Presslite had us tracking.

(reposted from Piehead blog; www.homeslade.com)

social networks popularity by search intensity

2009-08-24T10:52:00.002+01:00

social networks popularity by search intensity, originally uploaded by mkandlez.

Like the man says, lets not get too excited by Twitter - neat.

"..Putting social network popularity and the recent rise of twitter into perspective

Visit my website for more visualisations
www.informationisbeautiful.net/

Uploaded by mkandlez on 11 Jul 09, 5.10PM BST. .."

Song lyric visualiser

2009-08-14T11:34:00.002+01:00

www.identitee.com
This is really rather nice, distracting in a Friday kind of way. Links words across songs with a lovely flowing action. Like the typography. Does need a bigger data base, the current selections are very reflective of its ultra conservative sponsor 'Hard Rock Cafe' (its one Clash track is however - 'I'm so bored with the USA'!)

"..we're going down the pub.." -or rather your post is.

2009-08-13T09:09:00.006+01:00

Not that I need anymore reasons to spend time in bars, but this is a really neat idea.
Use Your Local.com
Rather than spend Saturday morning's queuing up at the Post Office to collect parcels that have been delivered while you are at work. Get them sent to your local pub, pick up on way home, stop for a quick drink to thank the landlord, genius! Nobel prize's have been given for less.

The scheme is backed by Scottish & Newcastle (now part of the Heineken group) appears to have been thought as a way of giving country pubs another offer, to me the big pull is for urban pubs/bars, As I have ranted about before the parcel delivery service is just out of wack with modern work patterns. The Saturday queue at the Clapham Post Office is daunting if you don't arrive by 8 a.m. having the option of going to the pub instead, now that is an advancement for mankind.

Sorry about the out of office reply(s) ?

2009-07-23T23:43:00.003+01:00

mmmm I may have sent a large number of my contacts multiple 'out-of-office' replies by mistake, the curse of trying to be clever with email late at night after a very long day, sorry again chaps, won't happen again (well not for two weeks at least as I'm off on hols)

Another great portfolio from China

2009-07-21T12:39:00.004+01:00

This is yet another really good motion graphic portfolio from China. Xiaosi an Art Director from Bejing.

Seeking an Account Director to fill this space

2009-07-15T16:23:00.002+01:00

New Job?

2009-07-14T11:05:00.005+01:00

Account Director (£45K) needed to help manage expanding client base.
Entrepreneurial self-starter with a good understanding of how small agencies operate.

We are looking for a creatively minded, inquisitive thinker to join a small multi-discipline team. You should have a strong interest in the changing nature of today’s communications.

You will have already had responsibility for day-to-day management on a portfolio of client accounts. Now seeking a greater autonomy and a bigger contribution to the running of an agency.

We are: t7F London.

We call ourselves brand strategists for the real world. We develop and launch challenger brands. We re-focus and re-energise tired or maturing brands. We realise our ideas across whichever media channel is appropriate from broadcast to social networks.

Our work is very varied but can be categorised as dealing with ‘awkward’ market conditions. For instance: an online navigation and music discovery mash-up for Harman Kardon; a TV spot and social network activity for FRONTLINE Spot-on; a Facebook campaign for First Drinks Brands; and the launch of a new weight management product, Appesat, using press, posters and online.

t7F London is part of The Terrace, a group of three owner-managed communication agencies.

AW Media founded in 1987 and still going strong as a full service media independent.

Nextdoor a new digital media specialist. Planning, buying and creating.

t7F London was founded by Robert Thackery and Philip Slade, there is a whole load more online if you look.

Neat widget from tfL, dragable map

2009-07-09T15:24:00.001+01:00

Ask 500 (well mostly 20) People

2009-07-07T14:30:00.004+01:00

Instant polling from (almost) 500 souls online.
A great idea for a web site, not fully doing its bit yet. Still a rather fun way of gleaning instant info from a mainly American audience. Do like the new business feature for brands to ask questions

Good ad placement

2009-06-26T17:14:00.003+01:00

Interesting ad placement above the Appesat strip...

Alice in Beefeaterland

2009-06-25T14:11:00.000+01:00

Create a Free Slideshow

New Appesat campaign, stage one.

2009-06-23T14:53:00.001+01:00

New Appesat campaign, Piccadilly Circus spot, as ever, turned round in a matter of days.

2009-06-23T14:49:00.005+01:00

Back from Cornwall, introducing my city dog to the joys of cows & mud, you can see her response.

2009-06-03T15:58:00.001+01:00

Taking the dog for a walk in the country, originally uploaded by piehead.

Its that time of year

2009-05-05T18:12:00.003+01:00

We are just about to go head long into degree show frenzy, Its that great time of year when all the pent up student energy and passion gets released on a generally indifferent world.
One of our placement students from last year, has a good blog backing his degree show. Called Diablogue

-that ok George? can we have the beer now.

It must be Friday

2009-04-17T14:13:00.002+01:00

Working on a pitch for a haircare brand, came across this image - it really must be Friday

Frontline Spot On TV ad

2009-04-08T16:19:00.003+01:00

We're very excited on the 7th floor today as we've just sent out all the tapes for the Frontline Spot On ad, which is due to air over the next 6 months, starting on 13th April. Final sign-off came four days ago so we're all very pleased.

Look out on ITV, Five, Five Digital, UKTV, Channel 4 Digital and Sky.

Today we shall be Rockstars*

2009-04-01T12:25:00.003+01:00

well according to Slideshare anyway, Looks like over 1000 peeps looked at our creds in just 2 days. wow, so where are all the new business leads??

Neat view on why the chaps Nextdoor are onto a winner

2009-03-27T09:43:00.002Z

The Death of TV

View more presentations from Brady Gilchrist.

New, Discover The World TV ad

2009-03-16T16:37:00.004Z

If you were watching the recent Billy Connolly series, about his trip around the North Pole, hopefully you noticed our new ad for travel company, Discover The World. The whole thing was conceived, written and produced in a couple of weeks (for an extremely tight budget!) Big thanks to Addiction for getting us out of a tight spot (yet again)

Paying for ideas? or a seamless extension to a clients marketing department?

2009-03-10T10:59:00.002Z

New agency types like www.creativeorchestra.org and www.anomalynyc.com are trying the paying for ideas route. Is this the way to break out of the current cycle of bogus pitches and constant 'cost reviews'?
Clients have been shedding staff from marketing departments at a rapid rate. Now more than ever you have brands that need complete support. A great idea poorly carried through will do as much damage as shallow thinking wrapped up in gorgeous execution.
We are in an amazing year for opportunities, media costs have never been lower, clients have never been more open to 'plan B' thinking. It might not be like the '70s golden age of advertising buoyed up by tobacco money. But I do see it as a golden age of communications. Clever smart messaging that reassures consumers they are making the right brand choice.
>posted on Piehead blog as well

Page take over

2009-03-03T15:21:00.002Z

rather sweet page take over for Harman Kardon today on stuff.tv

Rather fun annimated sign-up screen for BHF

2009-02-19T11:02:00.003Z

This is a very neat bit of work from the British Heart Foundation, seen via the ever informative ACEjet170.
-also posted Nextdoor

Woooah! Finalist's in the Revolution Awards

2009-02-18T17:53:00.002Z

This is very good indeed, Amplified Journeys has been voted a finalist in the Revolution Awards. We are in the automotive category up against the likes of AKQA, Collective and The Reading Room. oh and the PR outfit we work with on Amplified Journeys, Focus PR with their work for Lotus.
The big night is March 2o, Grosvenor House.

Trendspotted!!

2009-02-13T16:33:00.002Z

Now this really is turning out to be a good day (we also won a new client but that's hush at the mo')
The very fab trend spotter site Springwise has just featured Amplified Journeys.hk. "...Music and travelling have always been a natural mix, so what better way to advertise Harman Kardon's products—and create some nice goodwill—than by giving away a little musical free love? This could become hygiene in the trip-planning world!...."

Everyone likes to a win a prize

2009-02-13T09:48:00.003Z

Woop Woop we have just won an award for our DEXTRO Energy campaign. At last nights pharmacy industry event The SMaRT awards. We picked up a gold for best campaign on a small budget. More details soon.

Snow tagging by Curb

2009-02-05T12:59:00.004Z

Well it looks as if a few media folk were actually working on Monday. Curb were out on the streets snow tagging. A very neat idea, seen on Piehead blog via Eventmagazine.co.uk

London's first annual mass skive

2009-02-03T10:01:00.004Z

Back in the office after taking part in London's mass skive.
Actually the day turned out into something of a spontaneous party, after a couple of intensive hours competitive snowman building (hats off to the team that built the full size igloo!) The workers of Clapham did what anyone would while 'working from home' - and went to the pub. Massive party atmosphere most unlike any Monday I've seen before.

not in Las Vegas

2009-01-16T18:47:00.002Z

well didnt get to CES, rainy London instead, mmmm

The end of Newspapers?

2009-01-07T11:32:00.002Z

Genna at AW Media recently posed a couple of neat questions about the UK Newspaper market. Based on the story about the New York Times going totally digital by 2010. In the UK this raises the question of where the hell are the Mail going to get shot of the gazillion DVD's they have?

Recent news stories have said the New York Times will be entirely digital by 2010.

http://www.theatlantic.com/doc/200901/new-york-times

This has raised some interesting questions across a number of blogs / articles…

Is this the end of the hard copy? What hard items would you miss the most – CD’s, Sunday Papers, Books???

With the credit crunch hitting media owners, are we likely to see big name media owners going out of business in 2009?

Is the civilized ritual of Sunday papers outdated in a digital world?

Will the pressure of fast deadline online news pieces foster a lazy journalism that leads to a reduction in trust and the perceived value of journalism.

The really interesting article linked takes a stab at questioning a few of these issues (from an American perspective) – what’s the UK one?

Genna Trentham
Media Director

e-cards are not Christmas

2009-01-05T10:27:00.002Z

Can i suggest that for 2009 we all revert to sending bits of card and paper to each other? Whats more lets do it in the first week of January 2010.
Seasonal e-cards are generally just so pants (see below) Spending the first working hours of 2009 clearing your in-box of polar bear/Santa games/puzzles/dull animations that reveal (wait for it) Happy Christmas, yeah well, ho ho ho I'm not amused. Bah humbug to the whole thing. New Year cards that's where 2009 is at. Cheer everyone up with your thoughts on the coming excitement (!) of the new year.

Agency Christmas cards, generally pants

2008-12-19T15:37:00.002Z

However a few do make it past the bin, AKQA appear to be this years stars.

ooh the charts coming me ears

2008-12-05T14:26:00.004Z

yup its chartastic at the moment with presentations coming out our ears. A fine thing on Obama's use of social networks and many cuts on next years digital opportunities, all on slideshare fairly soon.

The mo has now gone, (thankgod)

2008-12-03T11:30:00.000Z

The thin and bushy Bro's

2008-11-26T18:05:00.001Z

2008-11-25T07:40:00.002Z

oh dear

2008-11-05T13:33:00.003Z

yup its MOVEMBER, fab idea for raising awareness of men's health and prostrate cancer in particular. Spend November trying to grow your very own Earl / Borat face fur. Sort of like wearing a hairy ribbon. neat web site and global reach. Donate to our very own 'Seven Floors of Manliness' team here.

Back from Cambodia!

2008-10-29T10:07:00.002Z

mine_cambodia-1, originally uploaded by piehead.

Normal service is resumed, I am back in the office.
- successfully managing to avoid stepping on any landmines while in Cambodia, amazing place, full story should be up at the Piehead blog when i've got a moment.

Bar codes

2008-10-21T17:20:00.002+01:00

Just saw this Japanese barcode which is quite sweet, bringing design into an otherwise very boring item.

Adeaters

2008-10-16T12:58:00.002+01:00

Long time no write so here goes...I'm off to the IPA's Night of the Adeaters tonight which promises to 'celebrate over 350 of the finest, most amazing, artistic and creative TV & cinema advertising films from around the world'. Should give lots of food for thought (no pun intended).

Off to get a jacket potato now, I'm starving...

Hug Your Pet

2008-10-13T10:09:00.004+01:00

We have been running a small scale test campaign for Frontline flea and tick treatments. Using social media linking to a micro site, backed by a variety of online formats. Results so far appear to show it's pulled like a train. Key learning for all was just how keen pet owners are to take and share pictures of their dog or cats.

Bigga Than Ben

2008-10-07T14:26:00.005+01:00

Saw Bigga Than Ben at a charity preview last night. This is the film written and directed by Suzie Halewood.
Based on a Russian best seller about two young guns scamming London for all its worth. Gritty, funny and very good to look at. Starring Ben Barnes (yes, Prince Caspian himself) and Andrei Chadov, I really hope the film gets a wider audience than just its current art house run. Does also feature a fab soundtrack including Joe Strummer, Pete Doherty and The Rifles, the latters' track 'Lost in London' fits perfectly.
Suzie is the charming lady who directed our Fresh & Green commercial last year, pic from shoot with Mr AWT.
Bigga Than Ben, originally uploaded by piehead.

Afternoon of company bonding (and wine)

2008-09-17T14:51:00.002+01:00

, originally uploaded by t7F London.

rest of pictures HERE

Berlin IFA 'For what we are about to receive'

2008-09-03T13:05:00.002+01:00

Press day at IFA, originally uploaded by piehead.

Just before going in to present Amplified Journeys to an (almost) eager audience of the great and the good. photo essay of the event HERE. Later that night manged a brief tour of Berlin bars. Photo essay of that little escapade HERE

An Amplified Journey to Berlin

2008-08-29T10:46:00.005+01:00

Its only 11.30 and my feet are killing me! Showing the Amplified Journeys site in Berlin. We are on the huge Harman Kardon stand at the sprawling IFA exhibition in Berlin. Would have followed this up with pictures of us all in action, but like a berk I've forgotten my camera cable - some how ironic that at one of the world's leading technology shows!

Fun and games with DEXTRO Energy

2008-08-20T18:59:00.004+01:00

A sweet little campaign we did for DEXTRO energy has had an extra boost by some genius media placement courtesy of Elliots team at AW Media. Buying space on a mixture of flex, specific and general arm twisting. Plus taking advantage of a portfolio of creative executions, led to some really eye catching work. Three stand out moments, The first being Pete Doherty's kiss and tell drugs splash ending with an 'extra oomph naturally' creative followed by an execution with the headline 'uphill battle' being placed next to the Paula Radcliffe bombing out of the marathon story. Finally in true jumping on the band wagon style we had a 'freewheel' cycle imagery spot all over the British teams gold medal stories. You can see most of the campaign HERE
However none of the above is half as funny as watching a bunch of German students really abusing DEXTRO (here) now that is a brand extension.

We're off and running

2008-08-07T17:39:00.002+01:00

Good review on MSN today from CJ Hubbard for Amplified Journeys
"...A new form of automotive music integration has been born. Welcome to the future..."

Full review HERE

Amplified Journeys in action

2008-08-07T13:52:00.004+01:00

Almost 18 months in the planning. www.amplifiedjourneys.hk is now live. here is a short film about how Amplified Journeys works. Original pitch document for the idea will be posted later

amplifiedjourneys.hk is out and unleashed

2008-08-06T10:40:00.002+01:00

We had the press launch for Harman Kardon's amplified journeys last night. A really great event in The Bluebird Dining Rooms, lots of press turned up, most things worked as planned, food was fab and the wine flowed (rather to) freely.
Tony Harberman from Harman hosted the event. Alex James (he of Blur) spoke of music and cheese and I got to show off amplifiedjourneys.hk
Focus are doing the PR and to quote "...The magic of online music discovery has now been merged with the practicalities of route navigation for the very first time in a new, unique and totally ingenious web mash-up...amplifiedjourneys.hk marks the first time music and journey planning web applications have been brought together to provide web users with bespoke music playlists, which can be intrinsically linked to personal musical tastes and a planned trip..."

SeaFrance trip

2008-07-21T11:11:00.009+01:00

Thanks for that photo below Philip, here's my revenge!!! In my defence, I had only had 4 hours sleep due to the fear of missing the alarm.

We had a great journey over on SeaFrance and spent a cracking day in Wimereux, a beautiful little seaside town about 20 minutes outside Calais. Almost missed the return ferry, turning up at Calais 10 minutes before departure...but still got on (wouldn't advise doing this as we were a tad stressed hurtling up the motorway!) Plus we clearly looked a bit on edge as we were pulled over by security twice between passport control and the ship!! Great day trip though and would highly recommend it.

A very early start

2008-07-17T12:18:00.002+01:00

Fiona & Katy, originally uploaded by piehead.

dedication to the cause, part 5. Joint t7F London and AW Media research trip aboard SeaFrance to Calais. A very jolly day with a number of top 'incidents' -however the 6am train that kicked it all off was not that welcome by all.

Youporn takes a festive (f)tumble

2008-07-09T15:41:00.007+01:00

Oh the joys of analytics! while the new Googletrends has invaluable use for measuring effectiveness of your campaign it also is a fab way of livening up a dull Wednesday.

Witness this screen shot showing an alarming drop in Youporn visitors over the Christmas holiday - The workers of the world (well loads of: Americas, Germans, Italians and a few Brits) obviously prefer there porn during office hours rather than interrupting carols round the log fire.
Note also the dip at Easter and 'schools effect' in the first two weeks of September.

A side note is that youporn** appears to be one of the few web2.0 adult sites - notwithstanding its gratuitous use of reflections.
(**so I am told by our hard working researchers on the subject- Craig & Nick from AW Media )

Book promotion

2008-07-07T09:08:00.003+01:00

This is a neat idea, frustrated author gives book away to gain reviews. There is a linking blog HERE
I have seen 'pass-it-on' type promotions before but this seems much more of a personal journey for the author - all the more real for it. Book seen just of Bloomsbury Square by the way.

View Larger Map

The Shelf Awards

2008-07-04T17:31:00.002+01:00

Last night saw the final of the Shelf Awards, Gary Sharpen's idea to promote the best students into the limelight. Major Players did the business with making it happen, as well as stumping up the bar tab for the finals! The winners Cass Fergusan & Chris McKee (c.mckee86@gmail.com & cassferguson@hotmail.com) should be watched with care they are going to be something in the not to distant future. I also really liked Laura Evans and Harry Stanfords Babybell sculptures idea. Pictures HERE

Share the love! this is the feed i was talking about below.

2008-07-02T12:52:00.002+01:00

Twitter saves the day(s) -well minus losing the client bit

2008-07-02T10:50:00.002+01:00

I have in the past been rather down on the whole Twitter malarky, '...little more than passing notes in class..' I believe I wrote, however due to work pressures** I am having to skip this weeks excellent 2gether08 ideas conference. But lo! i shall not miss the ball, as I am actually following the whole thing via Twitter in real time and then cross referencing to the speakers and /or blog comments mean i can pretty much keep abreast of some of the great thinking featured. NOT a convert to Twitter - just a grateful user! (neat how-to Twitter HERE) Thanks to David willcox.

** second client in a year to go into admistration, glory be, we've really upset the gods this week.

Orange balloon race

2008-07-01T18:19:00.003+01:00

Did anyone else take part in the Orange balloon race? I half wish I had shown more dedication to the cause given the prize was a week in sunny Ibiza with a load of friends. Still, my racoon (Cederic Sneer - remember him?) finished in the top decile - not too bad out of over 30,000 racers - and given the fact I obviously have a full-time job!

Right, I'm off to re-live my childhood with 80's cartoons...

am I missing something? Pimms Vs Club 18-30

2008-07-01T09:38:00.007+01:00

The current Pimms ad appears to be just a poor copy of the famous Saatchi's club 18 - 30 campaign or have I missed something? The Pimms ad shows a nudist beach (just in case we missed this there is a sign in the background 'Naturist Beach') everyones rude bits are then covered up by objects in frame. Only its not as subtle or funny as the Club 18-30 version, what's going on? -is it some kind of in joke? Really does not seem to hang together with the rest of the Pimms campaign featuring a festival bus and online sunshine spotter.

Media Futures Conference 2008 - tidying up the loose ends

2008-06-24T17:44:00.003+01:00

One of the problems with racing from one project to another is you often leave a few loose ends. Nico Macdonald (pulled MFC08 together and acted as genial host) has encouraged me to place links to my slides and images etc. My SLIDES here (also on slideshare) Flickr set HERE, Me in action HERE, Great bit on 'free' web from Alan Patrick at Broadsight HERE. More notes HERE.

Two points from the conference still on my mind.

1. The non-liberating effect of technology in communications. In other words the lack of mass availability, understanding or affordability rather than what any box or service can actually do.

2. Why do at least three speakers at every technology conference talk about their kids using DVD players?

conferance stories MFC08

2008-06-20T17:50:00.003+01:00

Odd multi tasking audience. -final session under way.
People here are on Twitter (passing notes in class) some posting to flickr (hand drawn sign 'this is dull') others blogging including video streaming from each talk.
Which gives me the overall impression no one is actually listening to any of the speakers.
My Talk went ok, short round of applause, a bunch of questions and 14 minutes later I was off. -good experience all in all, including some one passing me a note to say i was the best dressed person here (stuff the technology feel the cloth)

Media Futures Conference 2008

2008-06-20T11:13:00.002+01:00

This post during first coffee break, Just heard Dr Brian Winston. Professor of Communications University of Lincoln. He spoke about known knowns and unknowns in relation to technology and change. A neat theory that generated a bunch of questions from the floor of extremely variable standard. A good strand was about seeing the pace of change in society verse's its ability to embrace democracy.

Yes, that is sand on the floor!

2008-06-19T10:30:00.001+01:00

Yes, that is sand on the floor!, originally uploaded by t7F London.

Bar Show 2008. Who needs contract carpets when you can call Wickes

Heros and villians

2008-06-19T10:04:00.001+01:00

fiona & philip, originally uploaded by t7F London.

fiona & philip

BAR Show today

2008-06-18T10:43:00.000+01:00

Woop Woop.
www.barshow.co.uk

Neat illustrator

2008-06-13T12:05:00.003+01:00

Austin Shaw seems a talented chap, despite his fondness for jazz I really like his work.

A pink Golddigga and The Winking Willy

2008-06-04T17:52:00.002+01:00

gd_car_Scarb_Wink, originally uploaded by t7F London.

Scarborough, where else? -its also Philip's home town.

A brand that really cares for its customers

2008-05-23T10:36:00.001+01:00

Not quite broken down, yet., originally uploaded by piehead.

The AA, Coming to the rescue whether you have a car or not!

Is that pink enough sir?

2008-05-14T11:42:00.003+01:00

Our golddigga Q7 had its first outing at the Radio1 Big Weekend. What you might call rather pink. Due to be seen (hopefully) all over the UK this summer. Jamie at Carisma Automotive did the business with a vinyl wrap.
While Fiona was driving it down she was approached by the Highway patrol at a service station who remarked '...what a fantastic vehicle you have...' we're still debating whether that was irony or not.

Cans Festival Waterloo

2008-05-08T16:31:00.002+01:00

, originally uploaded by piehead.

My Flickr set HERE of The Cans street stencil event last weekend. Video of event HERE

woooah, sun!

2008-05-08T09:13:00.001+01:00

Today is going to be a good day, originally uploaded by t7F London.

Today we'll be mainly working with the window open! -aircons not back on after its winter hibernation

Find your self

2008-05-07T12:27:00.003+01:00

Now this is cool, an aggregator that actually works. Type any term or phrase to see a comprehensive list of its mentions across the web. Fab for research, but even better for checking how often your own name crops up across the net!

Starbucks innovation?

2008-05-06T16:15:00.003+01:00

Bland Paul McCartney CD's aside, Starbucks is on something of an reinvention frenzy right now. The new iphone 'order and pay' system is rather neat. Considering the efforts the brand is putting into 'keeping it real' I really think that technological innovation is a better route than trying to re-invent its folksy past. There has been a huge amount written about how the brand was going to refocus and better understand its heritage. BUT the brand can't walk away from the strong feelings it imparts across Europe. It is an American brand. Unlike the blandness of Costa or the almost Italian of Nero's. Starbucks is a grown up corporation, albeit in jeans. I certainly would be warmer towards the outlets if they pushed technological innovation over a reworked pseudo Friends 'local'
Design of iphone interface shown on:

Great illustration

2008-05-06T14:29:00.005+01:00

Fits the mood of today, a very sunny outlook. Brand Nu ( Radim Mallinic ) represented by Jellylondon