Archive for the 'marketing/PR' category.
Jul 9 | Posted by Sharon | 5 comments
While strolling through Noho the other day, I was stopped in my tracks by the recent Batman: The Dark Knight movie poster. The image of Heath Ledger as The Joker, with his shoulders hunched, dark coat and white face paint immediately called to mind one of my favorite movie characters — The Crow.
The similarities in the graphics and toys from the two movies are striking.
Besides the obvious visual examples, there are notable common elements regarding the characters and actors. Although the characters are on opposite ends of the “good vs. evil” spectrum, they were both profoundly affected by losing someone they loved, resulting in the need to transform their appearances and seek revenge. The most startling similarity, of course, is the shocking deaths of both movies’ stars. Neither Brandon Lee nor Heath Ledger lived to see their films released. Both died tragically at age 28.
So what do you think? Did Batman’s marketing department intentionally mirror the graphics with the goal of subliminally tapping into the cult phenomenon of Brandon Lee’s Crow? Or is it just an eerie coincidence?
Sharon Terry is a marketing and public relations consultant at theMechanism, a multimedia firm with offices in New York, London and Durban, South Africa. She’s partial to Batman even though she married a joker.
May 23 | Posted by Dave Fletcher | Add a Comment
According to this report from News of the World, Ann Summers (Google it…) has released a “naughty thing” for the iPod, called an iGasm. The interesting point here is that Apple isn’t denouncing the device itself. They are threatening to sue over the ads. By the looks of the press, traffic (and most likely warm, hard cash) that Ann Summers is reaping from the immediate backlash, this iPod-toting Neanderthal wonders what type of message this sends to young designers for seeking originality in your final branding solutions.
Surely (if this becomes a successful product, which you know it will…), the debate goes on for stressing the power of originality in our fine profession vs. the incessant lust for controversy to create profitability in new product launches.
Sue me, I win? Perhaps.
Apr 18 | Posted by Sharon | 1 Comment
A little over a month ago, I started a new full-time copywriting position for a prestigious industry association (for those of you who don’t know me, I do marketing/PR consulting for themechanism - which means proofing, editing and the occasional lap dance).
In my new full-time position, I also proof copy…lots of copy. Lots and lots of copy. Even though I’ve been a copywriter for over 10 years, have lots of proofing experience and have an array of style books - AP Style, Elements of Style, In Style Magazine 
- I never realized just how hardcore proofing could be.
You see, the place where I now work follows AP Style in addition to their own very specific in-house style. It’s very black and white - an interesting transition for someone coming from a place that’s a bit more of a shade of gray. There is a struggle between writing according to the rules and writing for maximum marketing impact. I’ve straddled the line for years, using and bending the rules the way that I see fit.
Today, I’m slowly finding that balance again - I’ve stepped up my copywriting game and have learned how to obey the AP Style rules without losing my writing style. It’s my own version of themechanism’s belief in “clean coding” but instead of creating websites, I’m creating press releases, brochures and web copy. It’s about adhering to higher standards and who can’t benefit from that?
