What’s the deal with commercials starring people who have nothing to do with the product? Windows latest attempt to win back the market from punky Apple comes in the form of a series of commercials starring Bill Gates and Jerry Seinfeld. Apple’s ads have had success because they combine humor with a common message: Apples… Read more »
Media/Marketing/Advertising
Governor Kaine’s wandering eyebrow now on T-shirts
The Democratic Party of Virginia took a joke about an over-expressive politician with a rebellious left eyebrow and turned it into a money-making opportunity. T-shirts featuring Virginia Governor Tim Kaine’s “Smilin’ Eyebrow” logo are for sale at $30 a pop on the party’s website. As are buttons, bumper stickers and posters that show the logo.
Now playing: a story about a Richmond actor who’s raising money to produce films
Local actor/producer Mark Joy said in an interview yesterday that he’s seeking $20 million to finance six films. All of the movies would be filmed and produced in Virginia under the production company Story Teller Pictures. Joy part of the leadership team of the company.
Geico cavemen are back from the dead. Why?
The Martin Agency resuscitated the Geico cavemen ads. They were some of the best ads on TV when they first aired in 2004, but now they’ve become part of the pop culture their creator so enjoyed mocking. Editor’s Note: This is the first installment of a monthly feature called Ad Review, which will critique a… Read more »
A model for surviving a slowdown
Despite a local dip in advertising spending, a Richmond model agency says business is steady. Modelogic Inc., a Church Hill model and talent agency that provides faces, bodies and voices for advertisements, represents about 450 models and actors from around the region and works with clients ranging from the Virginia Lottery to VCU to the… Read more »
It’s time for change, reverse the ad spending slump
A close presidential race – especially for Virginia’s Electoral College votes – could provide a much-needed boost to Richmond’s media companies. TV stations will likely benefit the most, those familiar with the topic say. But catering companies, venues, and consultants might get smaller pieces of the election-spending pie.
The Spin Zone: PR firms pitch websites but still rely on the printed word
Public relations and media relations professionals are finding that like the mainstream media, they too must adapt and move resources to better tap into online outlets. But they say print has maintained its value and cachet. It used to be that if you wanted to promote your company or were in the business of public… Read more »
Pumping up the growth
New health clubs continue opening in Richmond, catering to an increasingly fragmented health/sports market. In June, American Family Fitness opened a 90,000-sf club at Short Pump. The local company has seven locations which cater – as the name suggests – to the suburban family crowd. Volume at American Family Fitness clubs (not including the one… Read more »
A sign of the tee times
Without sponsors, the show cannot go on. Organizers of the Henrico Open, a professional golf tournament for players one cut below the PGA Tour, spent a year of looking for sponsors and turned up zilch. ”We called on every public and private organization we could think of, and brought the opportunity to their attention,” said… Read more »
Booted from Craigslist: Oldest profession needs to find new ways to market
Richmond’s call girls and their customers are no longer using Craigslist as a virtual bulletin board to arrange business. The popular website has a new warning, “Human trafficking and exploitations of minors are not tolerated – any suspected activity will be reported to law enforcement.” Postings about intimate nights for sale are getting flagged and… Read more »