From coding music vids to beer-filled baubles, here are some things that made us say “That’s Interesting” in the studio this week.
DojaCode.
Eleven-time Grammy nominee, Doja Cat, has collaborated with non-profit, Girls Who Code, to create (what is believed to be) the first ever codeable video. DojaCode, made for the track ‘Woman’, allows fans to become creative directors by customising elements of the video through code. The collaboration’s objective is to influence young girls into STEM subjects and help rectify its industry disparity. Evolving media and technology means there are more (and smarter) ways brands can deliver messages through brand ambassadors.
Start coding here
Sex and the Spin.
Those of you who’ve seen first episode of the Sex and the City reboot are probably still reeling from the ‘Big’ shock. Having been implicated in what’s possibly the TV crime of the year – and with its share price dropping by a whopping 15% – Peloton reacted both swiftly and smartly, launching its own parody-ad within 48hrs that debunks the show’s insinuations, shows humour, and, altogether, manages to positively capitalise on its implication in this cultural event. Shareholders may disagree with Oscar Wilde’s ‘any publicity is good publicity’. But being in the spotlight is chance to shine, and a little ‘spin’ can help turn bad to good.
And just like that celebrate life here
GreenMac.
McDonald’s has opened its first net zero carbon restaurant. Housed in Market Drayton, Shropshire, this ‘green’ McDonald’s has been made with sustainability in mind: wind turbines and solar panels power it, recycled IT equipment and household goods make up the building’s cladding, its signs are made from used coffee beans and its insulation uses sheep wool. Hopefully McDonalds rolls this out across its other 34,000! Every brand is making concessions to sustainability. When being used as a basis of marketing, initiatives must be extra special to stand out.
A side order of sustainability here
Jingle Burp.
Even though it doesn’t feature in any of John Lewis’s ads, ‘getting drunk’ is a time-honoured Christmas tradition. Miller Lite, on the other hand, have welcomed the tradition by releasing the Beernament, a Christmas bauble filled with eight whole ounces of deliciously golden pilsner. (And you wonder why Santa’s got a beer belly…) Limited edition packaging, especially during festivities, are great ways to build brand, drive sales and generate buzz.
Get jolly here