The Social Network Movie - Bloggers Preview

I was recently given the privilege of seeing The Social Network before it's official release in South Africa, thanks to 2oceansvibe and Ster Kinekor. After eventually making it to the cinema (another story) and collecting our wee free popcorn and coke, it started and we were happily seated. Directed by David Fincher and without giving too much away, I will say that I enjoyed the movie. I found it inspiring to see the determination Mark Zuckerburg has and the belief in something without hesitation. I think many entrepreneurs will find wisdom here. I enjoyed seeing his drive before he looses control. "The Facebook" gets bigger than expected and well you will have to go and see it for yourself! Walked away being well entertained, a few laughs and saw a couple of scenes that I never expected to be watching on a big screen any time soon.

Mark Zuckerburg is played by Jesse Eisenberg, his algorithm contributing friend Eduardo Saverin is cast by Andrew Garfield and the evil influence of Justin Timberlake as Napster's Sean Parker. Great job by all and nice to have further insight into what I thought was previously just a rumour. Whether you on Facebook or not, you could take something away from this movie.

Two reviews that I have seen thus far by: David Alves and Jason Adrian

"You don't get 500 million friends without making a few enemies"

View the video trailer here

Nissan Juke Action Game Adverts

If you can appreciate a modern day gaming environment and cars, then this advert will hit home! The Nissan Juke 1.6 turbo, all wheel drive was launched with a series of these dramatic game style adverts. The one above is set in a scene where the Juke has to conquer a giant metal car crunching machine. I was sold by this advert simply by the narrator mentioning the word, "turbo" 3 times throughout. The final advert in the series comes out on the 9th of November 2010. It is kind of like an intro tutorial to a new level in a game, but leaves the consumer with a clear image of the car/product and is entertaining enough to make one remember it. *side note* the car I would most want to own happens to be a Nissan.

Ambi Pur's Augmented Reality in a Retail Store

Total Immersion surprised Spanish shoppers by setting up a clever and interactive in-store-promotion with a difference. Customers held up their Ambi Pur product and experienced a unique shopping experience. They say that reaching customers whilst in the act of shopping is very effective on sales. This usage of Augmented Reality in a retail store is one that I feel added value to the consumer and the brand. It seems like customers used refill cartridges to spark off the experience. Refills mean that they were also encouraging people to get their old Ambi Pur's releasing goodness again, rather than switching and trying a competitor. Enforcing the brand in a very cool way and I am almost sure it resulted in people buying the extra "auto sprayers" too. A nice touch to the display is that it also released the fragrances as a "sample" to the audience whilst being entertained; mmm this store smells awesome :-)

Red Bull Interactive 3D Projection Art on Snow

Red Bull - Off The Planet 3D projection mapping was created by ENESS in Melbourne Australia. Red Bull snow board riders and skiers took to the ramp that came to life as they jumped over it and soared through the air. In the middle a 20-foot "sphere" was the object to clear. Not just any object though, they used infrared cameras that enabled the imagery to follow the riders as the jumped over the ramp. The arrangement of colours and visuals is excellent to watch and being a lover of technology and all adrenaline releasing sports, I really enjoyed this.

Source: Gizmodo and Das Modular's twitter feed

IKEA Bring The Street To Life With 3D Chalk Art

On the Streets of Australia IKEA created an optical illusion that I think is just brilliant, interactive and fun. This was done to celebrate "60 years of the IKEA catalogue". A kitchen setting was drawn on the side walk with chalk. Chalk art along with very cleverly placed physical objects like: mugs, a pan, glasses, plates and even a dog at one point (not part of the catalogue I'm sure) contributed to a unique effect when looked at from the right angel. I found it odd that although this was done in Sydney, Australia there seems to be no 'Australia' option on their website's (.com) landing page when selecting your location. Nor is there a South Africa, but this we know as well as further competition for Game, Makro and Trade Center couldn't hurt anyone. However the video does state the Australian IKEA .com.au web address and you can find it here. The soundtrack used to compliment the experience is an awesome one!

Source: Digital Buzz Blog

Nothing Sticks Like Quattro, Says Audi Using Toy Cars With Magnets

Audi put smiles on the faces of the lucky bunch who witnessed the toy cars stuck to just about anything metal around the Toranto International Film Festival. An extremely clever idea that stuck to the tag line, "nothing sticks like quattro" to the letter. I found it funny to see (or how the video portrays) that once  people starting taking the cars off and realising that it was fine to do so, they all started following. I think it is clever, because the cars are "cool" branded items that I think every person who got one, would most likely display it somewhere visible. I reckon it would have been awesome to take home a pocket Audi R8 and put it on my fridge. Would have put the word on my mouth for sure. Find out who the brilliant people responsible for the making of this were, from the link below.

Source: Chris Rawlinson - The Marketing Gentleman's Log

Google Doodle of Balls in HMTL5

Google Bouncing Balls in HTML5 Canvas from Rob Hawkes on Vimeo.

Google brought their logo to life today with multiple balls for each letter that enticed an awesome interactive experience. This is an excellent recreation of the Google doodle in HTML5 that was done by Rawkes this morning. I think this video is excellent because it is not running off Google servers and networks, but a recreation so the effect is much quicker. Fast, fun and interactive is how Search Engine Land described Google's new logo/doodle. There is speculation that it is a birthday present to Google, but people are unsure at the moment. If you know please comment below. It was a well received effort judging by the response on twitter today. Search Engine Land say something might be announced at tomorrow’s big search event that "Google is holding". Catch the post by Rawkes here. You can also see a recording of the original logo experience in plain script here.

Source: Richard Woodling on twitter and google.co.uk

Tipp-Ex Interactive Video Campaign Going Viral - Hunter Shoots Bear

The interactive videos that I have seen in the last few months have been of a very high standard. Tipp-Ex or shall I say "BIC World Stationary" have released this epic story video that is supper cheesy, but should make you laugh. The ability to get people involved with the brands message or product in a fun way, drives viral behaviour and this campaign is doing exactly that (right now, here). Of course the share buttons are well in your face to share the experience, but I think the action of the viewer is so relevant. It makes you re-type things, like you would when using the product (ok, writing on paper instead). According to Chris Rawlinson, 50 video responses have been made and I recommend you try some of the cool phrases in his post by linking to it here! 

I like how the videos on the second landing page show a views amount image. SHOOT has 750 283 views and DON'T has 750 283 views - exactly the same, I wonder why. At this present time, the welcome video has been watched 685 890 times. So maybe this is a prediction, a fraction below their target amount of views. I am sure they will exceed or reach 100 000 more views soon. I do not want to give anything away, but whatever you choose it directs you to the same place. The video just gets brilliant from there on so play with it when you have some time. RRAAAARRR (man bear runs wild). I chose to type the same headline, "shoots" after a while and was glad that they took care of this finer detail. I reckon next time I use Tipp-Ex (may be ages from now), I will think of these videos. Have fun with it..

Added note: I looked this morning at the YouTube video and less than 24 hours later it now has 1 208 451 views. Massive! On the 7th of September, just 4 days later the video is sitting just shy of 3.5 million views. Considered a viral campaign, great job Tipp-Ex. Also added, I liked the 404 error message if type is unknown and the parental sensory on explicit actions, still entertaining.

Athlone Towers Blasted Early for the Right Weather

This is such an awesome video by Adriano Bottega of the experience in Cape Town. On the 22 August 2010 the two Cooling Towers at the Athlone Power Station fell to the floor in about 9 seconds (from video). Nicely recorded man, epic tune and slow motion replay! The towers were built in the 1960's and have now marked another permanent move toward better infrastructure and a faster moving South Africa. Congratulations and respects to all who helped bring them down smoothly (looked like was going to tip..), safely and providing an area for public viewing.

Virgin Atlantic Plane Makeover Time-Laps Movie

Virgin Atlantic plane livery time-lapse movie from johnson banks on Vimeo.

This is an exceptional piece of art and you will never look at another plane the same again after seeing this. The chaps propped cameras around the hanger and recorded their progress. When played back at an accelerated speed it really is something brilliant to see, on a plane I mean. You know when you about to board a Boeing 747 or even an Airbus and you walk toward the plane (best when it's outside) - planes are HUGE pieces of mechanic genius! Watch this video and tell me you are not proud of what man-kind has achieved during our time on earth. Virgin Atlantic is a company that one can admire. Click on Richard Branson to find some more about him. Strange he does not own his name.com web address.
Catch Richard Brandson on twitter
Catch Virgin Atlantic on twitter

Source: Dan from an idea and creative generating place Idea Bounty