4 Fuks Saké

Advertising That Works #2

And then you see this.

And it might just be enough to kid yourself that you'll be greeted with a smile and tray of non-shit food. Fair do's to all concerned at Leo Burnett and Ronald's HQ.

Beauty & The Bollocks

According to The Guardian yesterday this was ninth in one global viral video chart. 80% of people who watched this film in the US, said they were less likely to text when driving. It cost £10,000 and was made by a film maker and local students in Gwent.

How much did Diageo pay to shoot 7 minutes of Robert Carlyle's beautiful looking whisky epic? How much money will they spend on media, on seeding costs, on promotion and PR of said film? How much time was spent in meetings, presentations, focus groups and rounds of research to produce it? How much more whisky will be sold as a result?

1. Which do you think is the most effective piece of work?

2. Who are the winners and losers here?

Colin

Introducing Colin. Used to be a pollack, but has had a name change at Sainsbury's. He's a fine fish but needs a profile boost. He's very versatile, good value, and compared with his cod mates - in plentiful supply.

Do the decent thing. Throw the cod back. Pick up Colin.

Drinking

We've known for years in this country that the most effective way to relax and unwind is a prolonged bout of drinking topped off with some light violence. It's a proven recipe for success - no debate. Interesting to read this morning though, that the ingredients of our national pastimes are changing.

According to Vinexpo, Britain has become the world's largest importer of wine. In 2007 we shipped in £3.3bn worth of the stuff which takes us past the Germans - not known for their shyness around a drink - and the Americans. On average, 2 bottles of wine make it into the average shopping trolley, of which the pusher is a mother with two kids.

Arguably, our drinking tastes across the demographic board are getting more sophisticated. Perhaps the aspirational ideal promised by Kerry Katona serving up a glass of three quid chardonnay alongside her Iceland prawn ring is permeating some skulls. Perhaps there's a bank of plumbers, electricians and builders turning into Keith Floyds when they're off duty.

Alternatively - not. There are plenty of reasons but one of micro economics is worth considering. In 2008, we drank 1 million less pints than we did in 2007. Pubs are shutting at a rate of 5 a day. This year, more beer will be sold in supermarkets than in pubs. Mum is pushing the trolley, loading the car up and carrying it home. It's tempting for her to 'forget' Keith's shopping request for a crate of lager, and replace it for roughly the same price, with a couple of bottles of wine that he can drink with her instead.

When it comes to drinking we're an adaptable bunch. We'll drink anything. Perhaps we'll see a rise in domestic violence as the 'at home' recessionary trends continue.