• A new execution from Publicis Montréal pays homage to Steve Jobs. It will appear in advertising and business publications throughout Canada. Publicis Montréal vice-president, creative director Nicolas Massey said “We wanted to pay tribute to a man who built one of the strongest brands in the world. He’s an inspiration for all of us.”
• Branded content collective Loopmedia recently redesigned the website for Toronto’s Project 10 Productions, a boutique production company that does commercial, film and new media work. Project 10 wanted a a fresh and clean new look for its site. The neutral colour palette of grey and white that Loopmedia created works well to showcase the photography on the site, which uses very simple navigation. It proves usability can trump e-bells and e-whistles. Loopmedia and Project 10 paired up previously on the 2011 Toronto Blue Jays’ “Hustle + Heart 2.0” campaign.
• Montreal agency Newad is introducing near field communication (NFC) technology to 200 of its advertising displays on college and university campuses across the country. As of next year, passersby can learn more about the product being advertised, or even purchase it on the spot, simply by tapping the ad with their NFC-enabled smartphone. Consumers interacting with the ads, will also have access to photos, videos, and store finders related to the advertised item.
• PR firm Phillips & Company has launched a new QR code marketing service called Blue Marble that puts QR codes on the rooftop of businesses. The captured images of the codes are then made accessible in navigation applications such as Google Earth and Google Maps. A dynamic QR code is integrated into the physical site and then an aerial or satellite image is taken from space. By connecting a company’s physical profile to consumers trolling online for products and services, Blue Marble helps mobile users access rich-media marketing programs, digital coupons and location-based content as they view a company’s specific geographical location.
