108 + 225,001 = 1 cricket-crazy film

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Here's a very cool and captivating crowd-sourced video from Nike that captures the worldwide craziness that is cricket.

Agency JWT invited 108 photographers to snap pre-determined shots on "playgrounds" in cricket-crazy locales around India. The result was a pool of 225,001 images, of which 1,440 images were used in the final piece.

Makes you maybe even want to go watch a test match.

In a country of a billion, A young cricketer in India never looks at a lack of space as a problem. He looks at it as an opportunity. An opportunity to hit the ground harder, to run faster, to jump higher and stand taller.

Source: John Nack blog.

 

Branding that makes a splash

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Basketball. Softball. Cannonball. Which sounds more fun to you?

Yeah, it's definitely swimming. 

That's what USA Swimming says — and its new branding campaign backs it up.

The campaign has some really great spots, a new website (swimtoday.org) and an associated social media push. Even SwimToday's Twitter profile is fun:

The funnest sport there is, according to kids, moms, dads, fish, Yetis, that jogger down the street, and 11 industry-leading swimming organizations.

What a great brand message!

Basketball, softball, cannonball - what sounds the most fun to you?

 

 

6 "Super" (or at least pretty good) spots + 1 bonus

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It was a super Super Bowl for Seattle Seahawks fans, but the pickings were quite slim in this year's ad derby, especially with most of the spots being released early.

Here are six spots I felt played pretty well (in no particular order).

Plus one that decided to "think different" (scroll to end).

 

Chrysler: "We will build your car."

This spot, with Bob Dylan, is a follow-up to previous work that featured Clint Eastwood, Eminem and the voice of the late Paul Harvey. It's promoting the 2015 Chrysler 200. The spot rambles on a bit long, but I like it because the message is straightforward — it's all about "made in America" and American pride. Dylan says: 

"So let Germany brew your beer.
Let Switzerland make your watch.
Let Asia assemble your phone.
We will build your car."

Produced by Global Hue.

When it's made here, it's made with the one thing you can't import from anywhere else, American pride. The all-new 2015 Chrysler 200. America's Import. The Official Chrysler 200 Super Bowl Commercial featuring Bob Dylan. Please comment, share or join the conversation at #AmericasImport. ITN Source.


Maserati: "Strike"

This is a pure, over-the-top cinematic experience to set up the introduction of Maserati's new Ghibli luxury sedan. The premise — other car makers are complacent and lumbering giants. Maserati is agile and fresh and will strike with its signature Italian power and precision. Roar the engines!

Produced by Wieden+Kennedy.

Walk out of the shadows, quietly walk out of the dark - and strike. www.maserati.com

 

Coca-Cola: "It's Beautiful"

America is beautiful. So are its people. And both are beautifully celebrated by Coke.

Produced by Wieden+Kennedy.

The only thing more beautiful than this country are the people who live here. Watch and discover why #AmericaIsBeautiful. For more, visit our playlist: http://youtube.com/AmericaIsBeautiful

 

Chevrolet: "Romance"

Predictable yes, but Chevy's ad for the Silverado HD pickup has a nice payoff. You know everyone (and every cow) will be satisfied at the end of this spot.

Produced by Leo Burnett.

To learn more about the new 2015 Chevy Silverado HD, visit http://www.chevrolet.com/silverado-2500hd-heavy-duty-trucks.html This 2014 Chevy Super Bowl commercial is the story about the new bachelor in town. Introducing the new 2015 Silverado HD, featuring the available Duramax diesel engine and the legendary Allison® transmission. Strong just got stronger.

 

Kia: "The Truth"

Kia desperately wants in on the luxury sedan market. To introduce its new Kia K900, it tapped Laurence Fishburne to reprise his Matrix role as the Zen master Morpheus to take a couple on the luxurious ride of their life — complete with an inspiring aria that turns streetlights into fireworks. The fun continues online with Fishburne walking you through the car's luxury features. 

Produced by David&Goliath. 

An unsuspecting couple meets Morpheus at a valet stand. He presents them with two choices: a red key or a blue key. Should they choose wisely, they'll never look at luxury-or Kia-the same again. Challenge the luxury you know™. Introducing the K900 from Kia. Expected Spring 2014.


Jeep: "Restlessness"

Like Apple, Jeep sells a lifestyle — and this new ad for its Cherokee is overflowing with "get out there and live." It's perfect for Jeep.

Produced by The Richards Group.

Restlessness is the feeling you get when you deny your curiosity too long. Keep going, keep running to new horizons, act on your instincts and passions, find what else is out there and dare to follow your restless heart. We made the all-new Jeep Cherokee with a standard 9-speed automatic transmission that delivers up to 31 mpg hwy.

 

And now for the bonus … 

Speaking of Apple, a tweet last month from legendary ad man Lee Clow implied that Apple may be airing a surprise Super Bowl spot (Apple's last Super Bowl spot was in 1984 with the iconic "1984" Macintosh ad).
 

There was no Apple on the Super Bowl. 

Instead, Apple turned to its own site and YouTube to air "1.24.14," an 88-second film shot entirely on iPhones in 10 countries on a single day, to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Mac.

Thirty years ago Macintosh promised to put technology in the hands of the people. To celebrate Mac's birthday, this film was shot around the world in one day, entirely on iPhone. Here's to the next thirty. http://www.apple.com/30-years/1-24-14-film/