Tuesday, 30 November 2010

Remember Jack?

We recently announced that Melbourne Citymission’s ‘Jack’s Story’ was a finalist for the 2010 ADMA Awards.

With the award ceremony on Friday night, they walked away with a bronze in the Effectiveness Not-for-profit category.

The annual ADMA Awards highlight outstanding work in the industry and are a great opportunity to catch up with peers over a wine or two.

A good night was had by all (but we still don’t know how the trophy made it back in one piece).

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Wednesday, 24 November 2010

Do you sound as unique as you think you are?

For years, brands have used music in their marketing communications in a myriad of different ways – just think ice-cream van jingle, tv show themes or the famous Intel ‘bongs’.

Although not a new phenomenon, sonic branding is becoming an increasingly strong vehicle for conveying a memorable brand message.

Sonic branding increases brand recognition across a variety of platforms, since people will hear music even when they’re not necessarily looking at or paying attention to something. As we all know music is a powerful memory trigger and engages on an emotional level. So when used well, sonic branding can create memorable brand experiences and reach consumers in ways that purely visual branding can’t.

trademarkDM had the opportunity to use sonic branding in our latest TVC for HOSTPLUS. The signature HOSTPLUS melody, which has evolved over three campaigns since its first launch in 2005, was re-scored using a glockenspiel to draw the audience into the ad, as well as set the mood. Because the same distinctive melody was used, we’re building a musical brand language that the audience becomes familiar with over time.

Obviously it’s not just enough to have music. It has to be the right music for the brand, the channel, the target audience.

So think about what brand message you’re sending next time you pick a ringtone for your mobile.

HOSTPLUS Signature Melody

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Monday, 22 November 2010

Mo’ money

Who would have thought the whole office would willingly hang on Ian’s every word? Last week we did but only for a good cause.

As reported, Ian’s contribution to Movember was not an inappropriate  mo but a pledge to abstain from any inappropriate jokes for one whole week.

To most this would be an easy challenge but this really put Ian to the test. He got off to a relatively good start and by Thursday was only owing $60 but after a couple of beers on Friday his tally was up to a whooping $160!

Along with the individual pledges we raised nearly $400 for Movember last week.

Hats off to Ian for thinking outside the square.

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Friday, 19 November 2010

Five minutes a fortnight – with Ross Goddard

It’s that time again… Time to ask all sorts of probing questions of a not-so-willing DM GROUP staff member, to find out what makes them tick.

Today, our victim is Finished Artist – Ross Godard.

How long have you been at THE DM GROUP?

Bout six months.

What do you do here?

Not a whole lot… every now and then I get to make a picture look cool.

Where was your last holiday?

The Gold Coast. Though carting the kids to every theme park isn’t exactly a holiday. Plus I got scared on the Batman ride.

If you could take two animals and combine them into one super animal – what would they be?

My cat and my dog.

Really, why’s that?

It would then have both the will, and the ability, to catch the possums in my roof.

How do you take your coffee?

Strong with one sugar. Georgia Rudin (Office Manager) takes hers with soy. I know this because I make her one every day.

What is your greatest achievement?

Remaining gainfully employed for essentially drawing pictures on a computer for ten years.

What’s your favourite quote?

Bite off more than you can chew, then chew like hell!

- Peter Brock.

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Wednesday, 17 November 2010

Movember, Ian style

For most men, Movember isn’t just a great opportunity to raise much needed funds for a good cause, it’s a chance to showcase their god-given ‘manliness’ with Tom Selleck-inspired facial hair that would put most 80’s cricketers to shame.

But spare a thought for the Ian Ross’ of this world, who much to their dismay are only capable of a sprinkling of baby-soft hairs, even after a full month without shaving.

Ian did try, and fail miserably, at last year’s Movember. So this year, rather than subject himself to the taunts of colleagues, Ian found another way to raise funds – by embarking on his very own inappropriate-joke-famine. Ian has pledged to go one whole week without making a single tasteless joke.

For those of you that know Ian, this was never going to be easy. He’s not use to self-censoring, but given every slip-up costs him $5, he’s had to learn very quickly to re-think well… everything he says.

Still, we’re proud of you Ian. So far, he’s raised over $230 in pledges (and $30 in slip-ups). That’s a mighty effort.

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