Morning Update: Duracell taps Star Wars; FHM is back; write an essay to own a newspaper; why open plan offices are a bad idea
Ad Week: Ad of the Day: Duracell’s Latest Star Wars Ad Spreads Cheer in a Children’s Hospital
A long time ago, in a hospital far, far away …
Duracell returns to the Star Wars universe today, launching a holiday-themed tie-in to Rogue One: A Star Wars Story ahead of that film’s release in December. The 60-second spot plays off Duracell’s holiday donation of 1 million batteries to power toys at 147 Children’s Network Miracle Hospitals nationwide.
Ad Age: One-Time Lad Mag FHM Is Back! But Only Online, and Aiming a Little Higher
Media brands never really die, even when they stop publishing.
It’s been about 10 years since FHM, a formerly high-flying ‘lad mag’ originally known as For Him Magazine, stopped publishing a print edition in the U.S. But Bauer Xcel Media, which took over FHM’s website when the U.K. edition of the magazine folded last year, recently reintroduced FHM as a digital-only destination in the U.S.
Poynter: Hardwick Gazette owner stops trying to give away newspaper
Washington Post: Google got it wrong. The open-office trend is destroying the workplace
A year ago, my boss announced that our large New York ad agency would be moving to an open office. After nine years as a senior writer, I was forced to trade in my private office for a seat at a long, shared table. It felt like my boss had ripped off my clothes and left me standing in my skivvies. Our new, modern Tribeca office was beautifully airy, and yet remarkably oppressive. Nothing was private.
Mumbrella Asia: Netflix tipped to pick Weber Shandwick for Southeast Asia PR
Netflix is poised to appoint Weber Shandwick to handle its public relations in Southeast Asia, according to sources familiar with the review. The Interpublic-owned firm will take over the account from Publicis Groupe’s MSL, which has handled the business globally since the internet television brand launched in 130 markets in one go at the start of the year.
Campaign Live: Piers Morgan: brands should evolve by taking a position on issues
Journalist and presenter Piers Morgan has said it is vital for brands “in this era to interact with their customers” online.
Speaking at Mail Brands IAB Digital Upfronts, the Mail Online columnist and Good Morning Britain TV presenter, said: “I like it when a brand takes a position on things. We’ve seen an evolution of the brands, I like the brands that engage with customers online and interact with them with a bit of humours. It’s part of a brand evolution and vital in this era.”