Getting back into the game

Been a while since postings, part of that is I've been busy, but also I find it difficult to find something to post about that I'm really interested in.  Most of the ads I've seen are pretty standard fair. I like un-standard, that's what I want to write about... ah well. In the interests of posting, some quick thoughts today.

http://youtu.be/TRe28MtuXH4

I always find the word "liberal" as a throwback to the 90's when Republicans were using it like a four letter word. I like the graphics of this spot, they're neat in a Matrix kinda way, though not sure if they're adding to the message or just neat.  Also, not sure I've ever heard a more cranky/crotchety disclaimer.

http://youtu.be/zCugPvfgP70

Next up, a new Tester ad. I can't tell if I like this ad or not. On one hand it's a clever concept, and they stick with it.  On the other, the talking animals are a little... creepy. The first time I watched the spot, I was so caught up in animals talking, I didn't even listen to what they were saying. Also, what format are they shooting on? For a professional ad for a big senate race, the video looks really cheap and crappy I noticed this last time, I reviewed a Tester ad). Still I give them points for trying something different.

So it's been a while

Yes it has. Sorry for the long absence, as usual with the absences this one was due to not really having anything to write about. That's not the same as not seeing a lot of ads, there have been some, including the Rick Perry ad that looks like the Tim Pawlenty ads, that looks like "Armageddon." No, I just felt like I didn't have anything new to say. Today, I'm not sure if I'm adding to the conversation or not, but it's time to get back on the wagon with this ad from the League of Conservation voters: [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WE0S5CWHHcY&feature=player_embedded]

Why did I chose this ad? I actually think it's clever in the way it takes on Scott Brown's hometown boy done good image, inverting everything from his barn jacket to his pickup truck.  I especially like the first scene where the barn jacket comes off and he's wearing the power suit underneath that's a nice touch.

I also like the oil smear graphics, even though I think they're prettied than they are effective. Frankly, the only CG that sunk in the first time I watched it was the last one, that he got a 0% from the League on his voting record. It makes me wonder if they even needed the first two CG's at all.

Here's what's interesting about this ad, and who I wanted to write about it: while I like the elements of it, I'm not sure how effective an ad it is overall. Somehow the pieces don't all add up, not sure whether it's the tone or the execution, but it feels political rather than organic -- like somehow you can see the puppet master, instead of watching the puppets.

Still, I think this is the right approach to take with Brown, go after his man of the people persona, try to take out his strength, and put him on the defensive. If the public sees him as another politician or a Republican (though Massachusetts isn't as liberal as most people believe), then it takes out the rationale for his candidacy.

It's a tough position, to be running against Washington, when you're in Washington. More about that tomorrow.

Too Bright

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UHItyRdQyY&feature=player_embedded] Caught this ad in a post on the Plum Line talking about Dems running ads against Obama & Pelosi.

Message aside I'm torn about it. On one hand, I love the visuals and the music. I love the bright sepia tones and the silhouette. On the other hand, why do they insist on cluttering up the screen with those glowing CG's. Yes, I know his name is Bright, but it's bad enough the CG's are repeating what the voice over already told us, but then they're glowing.

Ten years ago, glows like that would be very timely and costly to put into an ad, today, it's literally 3 minutes and pressing a button on a computer.  It's so easy to create the effects, but the question here is why? What's the point?  They're "bright" like his name?  If that's it... sigh.

I do love the shots though.  I wish they trusted them enough to tell the story.

Ad Infinitum: Hard to believe

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GIAGXvAjQiE] I think these quick ad checks are going to become more common as there are more ads out there, and my time to post becomes less and less.

Great ad in my opinion.  Hard to believe it's only 30 seconds, it tells such a powerful story.  Nice visuals, good juxtaposition of the CG's on the screen adding depth and the voices of the people. It's a small thing, but a big pet peeve, but I hate it when the words on the screen match the voice over.  Here they complement each other, and the one time they match (over Foley's line) works well -- the exception that proves the rule.

This ad reminds me of the famous Ted Kennedy ad attacking Milt Romney in 1994.  It always great when you can turn your opponents strength into a weakness.