andvertisinginc

THE SECRET TO PICKING A NEW AGENCY

Posted on April 19, 2025 by David Wojdyla

Picking a new agency is like playing three-card monte – choosing the right one can be iffy.

If you’re looking for an agency that can increase awareness and revenue, here’s a formula based on proven results:

Compile a list of qualified candidates.
Send out RFPs.
Ask for speculative creative, also known as spec creative.
Review proposals.
Create a shortlist.
Schedule presentations.

During presentations, be sure to ask each finalist about their spec creative:

Is the customer promise crystal clear?
Is the customer promise meaningful to our customers?
Is the customer promise presented in a memorable manner?

Chances are all will answer yes, yes, and yes.

At this point just smile and nod. Because there’s one more question you should ask:

Do your departments SHARE IDEAS?

Working together – not in silos – is the hallmark of a good agency.

Undoubtedly all will automatically reply “YES!”

How will you know they’re telling the truth?

You won’t.

That’s precisely the reason why every client searching for a new marcom agency partner should ask for spec creative.

It’s really the only way to make an informed decision.

ANDvertisinginc (FKA “& Wojdyla, the first ad agency to put clients first”) is an A.I., Digital, & Traditional Marketing Communications Agency with a proven track record of results. It was co-founded by Dave Wojdyla, luckiest man in advertising.

Sooo, what would NOT exist if you had NOT been born?

Posted on January 1, 2025 by David Wojdyla

Show of hands – how many times have you watched ‘IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE’ with Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed?

It’s one of my all-time favorite holiday movies.

And it was the inspiration for a video tribute to Wieden+Kennedy co-founder, David Kennedy. To celebrate his induction into the American Advertising Federation (AAF) Advertising Hall of Fame.

The Life of David Kennedy Advertising Art Director

Please click here to view the video on AAF’s Vimeo channel. Because it contains an important lesson for all of us:

Our lives touch the lives of so many others.

Yet if you’re like most people, you have no idea how many lives YOUR LIFE has truly touched.

Suggestion: At the next party or get-together you attend, try this conversation starter…

Tell someone SOMETHING THAT WOULD NOT EXIST if they’d never been born.

I bet both of you will enjoy the conversation.

People ask Dave Wojdyla why he considers himself the luckiest man in advertising. “Because I’ve had the good fortune to work for, and with, the industry’s best minds,” he says.

Posted in &vertising, andvertising, andvertising partners | Tagged andvertising, David Kennedy | 3 Comments

2024. Christmas. Best Movie Yet.

Posted on December 25, 2024 by David Wojdyla

More than a decade ago, my wife started a new holiday experiential tradition.

Instead of streaming free Christmas movies on Christmas, we get up off the couch and go see a new theatrical release.

It began in 2012 with Les Misérables
In 2016 it was La La Land
Last year it was The Color Purple
Today we saw A Complete Unknown*

*Full disclosure: It wasn’t my first choice. Never been a big fan of Mr. Dylan.

So, how was it?

A Complete Unknown has displaced Les Misérables as my all-time favorite movie released on December 25th.

Later today, both of us will add a lot of Dylan songs to our playlists. (Plus music by Woody Guthrie. Pete Seeger. Joan Baez. Muddy Waters. Lead Belly. Al Kooper. And Paul Butterfield Blues Band guitarist Michael Bloomfield.

Photos of promotional posters in lobby taken by author. No copyright infringement intended.

Posted in &vertising Partner, Earned Media | Tagged andvertising | 1 Comment

My First ‘Comedy Factory’ Comedy Show Review

Posted on October 10, 2024 by David Wojdyla

John Perrotta’s Comedy Factory Presents the RVIA Benefit Comedy Show at Knights of Columbus 2295

I bought my ticket to this fundraiser weeks in advance. Because I wanted to see THE comedian everyone said I should see – John Perrotta.

Apparently, it wasn’t meant to be.

After telling everyone I was finally going to see Perrotta, he dropped out. For health reasons.

I was disappointed. But then I learned John had recently been diagnosed with lung cancer. (D’oh, of course he wouldn’t be there.)

ABOUT THE COMEDY SHOW . . .

When the first comedian took the stage, the sound of my jaw dropping was drowned out by the applause that filled the room.

It was John Perrotta!

Mr. Perrotta is known for both his snappy one-liners as well as his ability to improv off the audience in a good-natured, friendly manner.

He did not disappoint.

What’s more, I found him much more entertaining IRL than on YouTube.

Ditto the four comedians who followed:

Ivana Bonetti, an Italian American comedian from Boston, shared the challenges of living at home, dating, and navigating LinkedIn.

Bill Campbell, always the consummate entertainer, talked about the travails of being a dad and his new role as empty nester.

Rockin’ Joe Hebert, New England’s top musical comedy act, recounted the best road rage story I’ve ever heard.

And The Prince of Mystery, aka Skip Daniels, was my nominee for the “Maximum Audience Engagement” award.

All in all, a funny fun time.

Just one thing bothered me.

There weren’t many people in the audience.

I’m not sure why.

Maybe it was poor marketing.

(RVIA printed one 11”x17” poster. And did a few social media posts.)

Or maybe the reason why had nothing to do with advertising.

I read somewhere people just don’t enjoy socializing anymore.

Geez.

I truly hope it’s the former not the latter.

What do you think?

 NOTE TO READERS: John Perrotta is fondly known as the “The Italian Don Rickles.” John Perrotta’s Comedy Factory puts together comedy shows for any occasion. The neighborhood improvement fundraiser was John Perrotta’s first show since surgery. (Visit bit.ly/3ZTUowR to read about John’s journey.)

Posted in andvertising partners, Earned Media | Tagged andvertising, andvertising partners, comedian, comedians, comedy, entertainment, humor, reviews | Leave a comment

Not enough oven space at Thanksgiving time?

Posted on November 21, 2023 by David Wojdyla

Recently on ABC’s Good Morning America (GMA), celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse said the #1 problem for cooks at Thanksgiving time is “not enough oven space.”

Not at our house.

For the last two decades, we’ve been making our turkey on a Weber® gas grill.

It’s a lot easier than you think. And it comes out juicier than any turkey made indoors. SERIOUSLY.

Turkey comes out juicier when made in an “outdoor oven”

The reason why, according to Mike Kempster, Weber Executive VP and CMO, is unlike an indoor oven which simply recirculates dry air, your turkey in an outdoor oven (a.k.a. Weber or other top-quality gas grill) is surrounded by a fresh stream of moist outdoor air.

I confess the first time Mike told me this, I raised an eyebrow in disbelief. But with more than two decades of grilled birds under my belt (figuratively and literally), I know it’s true.

© Linda Kelen

Now you may be thinking “hey Dave, that’s all well and good but I’m afraid to try something new because I might screw it up.”

Permit me to make a suggestion: Do what I did the first time.

Grill your first turkey the Sunday after Thanksgiving, when supermarkets slash the price of their remaining birds to the bone (see what I did there?).

If you screw things up, you’re only out a few bucks.

But you won’t screw up. Because as I said, it’s A LOT easier than you think. And it comes out juicier than any turkey made indoors.

In fact, I’d venture to guess you’ll become a grilled turkey convert, too.

Happy Thanksgiving 2023. And fingers crossed you take my advice. If you do, you’ll have an even happier Thanksgiving 2024!

andvertisinginc: Animal research advocates since before I was born.

Posted on October 5, 2023 by susanmorris1999

andvertisinginc recently took to social media to promote the last brochure it created for the Foundation for Biomedical Research.

I’m told this pocket brochure has become the biomedical research community’s most read public education resource in the world!

“Animal Research Perceptions vs Reality: A Virtual Conversation with Dr. Henry S. Friedman, Neuro-oncologist” is available online and in real life.

Read it now on Flipsnack.
Order ink on paper from FBR.

#animalresearch #andvertising #andvertisingpartners

Andvertising LinkedIn post — 53 reactions & 13 comments. (Not a single negative one in the bunch.)

Details

The Foundation for Biomedical Research (FBR) is the nation’s most experienced and largest organization dedicated to improving human and veterinary health by increasing public understanding and support for responsible, humane research with animals. This is one of the many educational resources created by ANDvertisinginc.

Non-profit Advertising on a Budget

Posted on June 11, 2021 by David Wojdyla

To rebrand “Christmas in April” as “Rebuilding Together,” the ANDvertising team used clips from the pilot episode of the supreme television classic, The Beverly Hillbillies

HGTV’s series Home Town Takeover spotlights renovations by HGTV superstars Ben and Erin Napier in a small town in Alabama. Their goal is to make an impact that’ll ripple through the community for generations to come.

Just one ad man’s opinion but it sounds a lot like an idea pioneered by a nonprofit that’s been doing exactly that for more than half a century.

In 1973, a small group of volunteers began fixing the run-down homes of people who couldn’t do it themselves. They called their selfless initiative “Christmas in April” to symbolize the unexpected joy their repair work brought to those who needed it most.

As the need for their services grew, so did the need for donations.

Unfortunately, the nonprofit’s cute name was a stumbling block. Some potential donors believed they only worked one month a year.

So C.I.A. changed their name to Rebuilding Together – to more clearly communicate their year-round commitment to repair homes, rebuild lives, and revitalize communities.

Almost immediately a new problem surfaced. Many people thought they were a Habitat for Humanity wannabe.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

You see, Habitat BUILDS BRAND NEW HOMES for low income families. Rebuilding Together FIXES OLD HOMES for low income families.

Think NEW is better than OLD? Not always. A lot of people don’t like change. Especially seniors.

PRODUCTION NOTE: REBUILDING TOGETHER’S LITTLE AD AGENCY (ANDVERTISINGINC) CAME UP WITH THE IDEA TO USE GRANNY, UNCLE JED, ELLIE MAY AND JETHRO. RT’S BIG PR AGENCY (PEPPERCOMM) HAD THE RESOURCES TO GET THE O.K. TO USE THEM.

Posted in (and)vertisinginc, Public Service Announcement (PSA) | Tagged andvertising partners, Rebuilding Together | 1 Comment

Best B2B Ad Ever (Remix)

Posted on April 12, 2021 by Michael John

Perhaps the best example of owned media is a website.
In the age of Mobilegeddon, how does your website perform?
To find out, take Google’s mobile-friendly test.)

Meme inspired by 1958 McGraw-Hill ad by Fuller & Smith & Ross, Inc.

Posted in Owned Media | Tagged B2B, owned media | 1 Comment

“Send us your capes deck.”

Posted on February 28, 2021 by susanmorris1999

Those are five words we love to hear. But there are four words we love even more:
“Let’s schedule a meeting.”

(Got fingers crossed that’s what you’ll say after reviewing our capabilities deck.)

(and)vertisinginc powerpoint presentation for potential new clients

(If you already have an ad agency, gently suggest they study our 3-step, scientifically-proven formula)

Posted in (and)vertisinginc, andvertising, Illinois State Bar Association, ISBA | Tagged Illinois State Bar Association, ISBA, Legal Health Checkup | Leave a comment

My all-time favorite Walt Disney quote

Posted on December 5, 2017 by susanmorris1999

114 years ago today, Walt Disney was born on the northwest side of Chicago.

Posted in Happy Birthday | Tagged Chicago, Walt Disney | Leave a comment

Recalling half a century in the ad biz

Posted on December 2, 2015 by David Wojdyla

No, not my memories.

Memories and stories by Michael Koulermos, former McCann SVP & master of portraiture.

Yesterday I visited the ADC Global Gallery in NYC to see Mr. Koulermos’ exhibition of Impressionist portraits of ’60s, ’70s & ’80s ad men & women.

I stayed for over an hour and left sooo inspired.

Unfortunately the exhibition ends tomorrow.

Then the portraits will be taken down, wrapped carefully & given to each ad legend or family member.

Got fingers crossed these oils (& the engaging stories that accompanied each one) will one day reappear as an online exhibit.

In the meantime, I have just one thing more to say:

Thank you, Mr. Koulermos, for sharing your labor of love.

Michael Koulermos Best Quote

john emmerling advertising

ed mccabe advertising

janet wolff advertising

paul capelli advertising

allen steven kay advertising

steve frankfurt advertising

Posted in &vertising Partner, andvertising, free andvertising | Leave a comment

“LETTERS LOST THEN FOUND: A Conversation Between Two Brothers, 1942−1945.”

Posted on September 15, 2014 by David Wojdyla

This new book is not online or in any bookshop.

As far as I know, only a couple dozen copies of this book exist. Pity. For two reasons.

First, the war time letters in it were written by brothers who loved each other very much. So I think anyone who likes a good love story will enjoy this bromance.

Second, more than any Hollywood film or TV show I’ve ever seen about WW II, Letters Lost Then Found provides the most realistic picture of what life was like back then and gives new meaning to the phrase, “supporting our troops.”

I first became aware of the book while helping judge the West Michigan ADDY Awards earlier this year. We gave it “Student Best of Show.” Yep. This was put together by a student.

To read the surprising backstory of how this book came to be, visit http://bit.ly/1mQMGa0

Amy L. Johnson used her considerable graphic design talent to bring this trove of heartfelt letters written and sent more than half a century ago back to life. Then printed a small run for family and friends.

Got fingers crossed Ms. Johnson will one day connect with a forward-thinking book executive who’ll publish it and make it available to everyone.

Posted in andvertising | Tagged andvertising, andvertising partners, must read, WW II | 3 Comments

Last night I saw a HOTT show

Posted on June 21, 2014 by susanmorris1999

HOTT (Helping Others Through Theatre) PRODUCTIONS was founded almost two decades ago by Schaumburg residents Christine Seminaro and Donica Seminaro Luzwick, her sister. The non-profit’s dual mission is ambitious: (1) Provide quality musical theater experiences and (2) donate all proceeds to charity. By virtually any measure it’s been a smashing success and the founders show no sign of slowing down.

With the help of Donica’s husband, David Luzwick (who joined in 1998), and hundreds of others, HOTT Productions has entertained musical theatregoers of all ages with more than 30 classics—everything from “Grease” and “Guys and Dolls” to “Hair” and “Hello Dolly.” Its current production is “Oklahoma!” by Rodgers & Hammerstein.

All proceeds raised by this all-volunteer group have been donated to worthy causes. Recipients include local families in need plus organizations dedicated to autism programming, helping those with multiple sclerosis, cancer prevention and children’s literacy. Tally of their donations so far? In a word, “BOFFO.” Nearly $125,000!

Tickets for tonight’s closing performance are still available. (I went last night and left the Prairie Center for the Arts humming and smiling all the way home.) Show starts at 8 PM. To make a reservation, call 847.895-2828.

Editor’s note: If you believe in what Christine, Donica and David are doing, perhaps you’ll consider donating your time and talents to help with their next production, “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.” If your calendar’s already full, please consider becoming an Angel to the Arts with a financial donation of $25 or more. You can reach HOTT Productions at 847.650.4688.

Posted in free andvertising | Tagged andvertising, Christine Seminaro, David Luzwick, Donica Seminaro Luzwick, HOTT Productions | 1 Comment

Chuck Peebler & David Bell

Posted on June 11, 2014 by David Wojdyla

When it comes to pitching new business, our agency has a pretty good track record. Reason why? Probably because I’ve had the good fortune to be hired and mentored by some of the best Creative, Account, Research, Media and PR people in the world, including these two Advertising Hall of Famers: Chuck Peebler, (Chairman-CEO of BJKE) and David Bell, (Bozell Worldwide Chairman-CEO). This decades-old video is part of their response to an RFP from agency search consultants Leslie Winthrop and Lisa Colantuono.

BTW, last Sunday was the 78th anniversary of Chuck’s birth. To learn more about his contributions to the world, click here.

Posted in Bozell | Tagged andvertising partners, Chuck Peebler, David Bell, Pitching new business | Leave a comment

It’s Law Day again in America

Posted on May 1, 2014 by susanmorris1999

So what is Law Day?!

In 1961, a Joint Resolution of Congress set aside May 1 as a special day for all Americans to celebrate our liberties and to reaffirm our loyalty to the USA.

It’s a day for us to consider our duties and responsibilities such as (1) keep informed about government and community affairs, (2) vote in elections, (3) respect others’ rights, (4) obey and respect the law and (5) serve on juries and as court witnesses if called.

At &VERTISING INC, we think it’s also a good day to read the Illinois State Bar Association’s Legal Health Checkup, a 12-page educational guide created by us.

(BTW, if you’re going to hand out free copies on Michigan Avenue, a good place to start is on the plaza outside NBC 5 Chicago’s news studio. Yes, they turned the camera on us!!

David Wojdyla shares last-minute advice with his street marketing team.

Posted in &vertising Partner | Tagged andvertising, Illinois State Bar Association, ISBA, Legal Health Checkup | Leave a comment

Art school question

Posted on April 14, 2014 by David Wojdyla

No one’s asked me this question. But if they did, here’s what I’d say:

Last Wednesday was Career Day for graphic design seniors at Kendall College of Art and Design in Grand Rapids.

In the morning they received real world advice from professionals. In the afternoon they received feedback on their portfolios.

I was one of the guys giving feedback. (Mostly “WHOA,” “WOW,” and “If we had an opening I’d hire you in a heartbeat!”)

A year ago I did the same thing at the School of Visual Arts in New York.

Overall, I liked the students in Michigan better.

( Just one ad man’s opinion.)

Bravo, KCAD Graphic Design Faculty!

Posted in Art School | Tagged KCAD | Leave a comment

2015 ADDY Award Winner

Posted on March 28, 2014 by David Wojdyla

Chicago Tribune | Business | Section 2 | Friday, March 28, 2014

The 2014 ADDYs Show is about two months away. Which means the 2015 ADDYs is about 14 months away. Yet I’m going to stick my neck out and predict this bus shelter (which I walk past twice a day) will win an ADDY, or as the AAF renamed it, an “American Advertising Award.”

In today’s paper, Trib reporter Jessica Wohl writes: “The bus shelter is part of a campaign focused on family time… (it) was chosen for its high-traffic location, not its proximity to the rival chain, said Brian Shembeda, a SVP at Leo Burnett.”

Not sure I believe Mr. Shembeda. (Especially since this bus shelter is spitting distance from his office.) But let’s give him the benefit of the doubt.

The supersized Happy Meal box is a simple idea executed flawlessly. Bravo!

FOOTNOTE: I don’t have a list of creatives who did this out-of-home (OOH) execution. But I know one name that won’t be on the list but should be: JACK GOLDENBERG. Long before YouTube popularized viral marketing, he launched the Happy Meal with word-of-mouth communication (WOM).

Posted in &vertising Partner | Tagged McDonald's Happy Meal | 1 Comment

Everybody in advertising should watch this

Posted on January 29, 2014 by David Wojdyla

I’ve lost count of the number of TV commercials I’ve done when I told the agency producer – after a long day of shooting – “I don’t care how long they’ve been working. I WANT TO KEEP SHOOTING!”

Then I watched this documentary written and directed by Haskell Wexler.

To all the film & production people I’ve abused over the years, please accept my sincere apology for being a dick.

Posted in Documentary | Tagged andvertising, andvertising partners, Haskell Wexler | 1 Comment

150 years ago today

Posted on November 19, 2013 by susanmorris1999

Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address. Like you’ve never heard or seen it before. (Just click here.)
Creative Credits:
Design & Animation: Adam GAULT and Stefanie AUGUSTINE
Voiceover: Mitch RAPOPORT
Sound design: Chris VILLEPIGUE
Additional animation: Carlo VEGA

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Abraham Lincoln, Gettysburg address | 1 Comment

Leo Burnett’s Mentor

Posted on October 13, 2013 by David Wojdyla

Leo Burnett (age 26) and Theodore F. MacManus (age 45)

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been a fan of Leo Burnett. And although I never met him, he’s been a mentor to me. I’m serious. (Read Leo Burnett, Star Reacher by Joan Kufrin and you’ll be inspired, too.)

Last week I bought a book written by the ad guy who turned Burnett on to advertising:

Theodore F. MacManus.

In 1915, Burnett quit his job as a columnist for the Peoria Journal and moved to Detroit to work in corporate communications at Cadillac.

That’s where he met the man who wrote the most popular car ad ever.

Their working relationship lasted about three years. But I suspect the mentor/mentee relationship continued a bit longer.

Because less than a decade before Burnett started his own agency (1935), MacManus wrote a book about the secret of creating effective advertising.

Burnett loved books. And while it’s true I don’t have proof he read The Sword-Arm of Business, I challenge anyone to prove he didn’t.

I just finished reading it. The lessons MacManus shares are timeless.

Which is precisely the reason why I’ve already incorporated some of that learning into our Agency’s capabilities deck.

FOOTNOTE: Some time ago, I gave a presentation to the Chicago Advertising Federation (in a Leo Burnett conference room) titled, “NEW IDEAS FROM DEAD AD GUYS.” (I’m looking at it now. Not bad if I do say so myself.) Perhaps I’ll update it and put it on SlideShare. It’ll be better than the original. B/C now I know what both of these legendary ad men knew about creating effective advertising.

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Hot off the press

Posted on October 2, 2013 by David Wojdyla

If you saw last year’s invitation, you know why I proofread this six times before it went to the printer.

Posted in &vertising portfolio | Tagged National Radio Hall of Fame | 1 Comment

My LinkedIn Connection, Larry H.

Posted on August 6, 2013 by David Wojdyla

As an art director, I’ve worked with a lot of photographers. Recently, I met a new one through LinkedIn. His name is Larry Huene and here’s the first job we did together.

Not only did Larry shoot this nostalgic still life, he retouched it, too.

Oh, and did I mention before he shot this in his Elmhurst studio, Huene (1) traveled to the client’s storage facility downtown, (2) explored their incredible collection of memorabilia, (3) hand-picked most of the items shown here and (4) added a few of his own to the final composition?

Talk about “going the extra mile” for your clients!

Now you know why I consider Larry Huene one of top three shooters I’ve ever worked with.

Worldwide Creative Director: DAVID WOJDYLA; Art Director, MICHAEL JOHN; Copywriter: SUSAN MORRIS; Photographer: LARRY HUENE; Client: NATIONAL RADIO HALL OF FAME

Posted in Radio Hall of Fame | Tagged Radio Hall of Fame, WLS Barn Dance | Leave a comment

Best Qualitative Researcher I Know?

Posted on August 1, 2013 by susanmorris1999

PATRICIA WOJDYLA, Founder, Patricia Wojdyla Qualitative Research.
(And I’m not just saying that because my boss is married to her!)
View on SlideShare

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Qualitative Research | Leave a comment

BOZELL, NYC (1990)

Posted on May 21, 2013 by David Wojdyla

To help build camaraderie across all departments, Chuck Peebler, agency CEO,
funded a video with virtually everyone in it. To view it, CLICK HERE.

CREATIVE CREDITS
CD: Jay Schulberg
Copywriter: Jimmy Cohen
Art Director: Rick Paynter
Director: Julius Weil
Video: Karl Bauer

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Before the buzzword existed, he was Mr. “Media-Neutral”

Posted on May 7, 2013 by David Wojdyla

During his career, Nick worked on the agency side (DDB Needham, Burnett), the client side (7-Up, Kmart), and the media side (Focus Media, Optimedia).

He truly was a 360° guy.

Teresa Luciano wants Chicago’s marketing community to know Nick loved his career and all his wonderful friends.

To read his obituary, click here.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Nick Luciano | 3 Comments

Mr. Schulberg finished his thought by adding, “Without unexpected, brilliant creativity, your message – no matter where it’s placed – will pass like a ship in the night.”

Posted on April 28, 2013 by David Wojdyla | 1 Comment

Apple’s “1984” Super Bowl Spot – The Backstory

Posted on January 12, 2013 by David Wojdyla

Stuart Elliott labeled this the “Best TV Commercial Ever Made.”

THE YEAR IS 1983 AND APPLE IS ABOUT TO LAUNCH a new computer called Macintosh. Steve Jobs thinks it will change the world. He wants to do a big introduction. Someone says, “Let’s throw a simultaneous launch party in NY, Chicago & LA with the most famous rock bands on the planet.” After Apple’s CFO runs the numbers, the upstart computer company realizes they can either throw the parties or make the computer. Jobs tells his agency, “Do us a TV commercial or something.”

<-- BEGIN “A TRUE STORY BY STEVE HAYDEN” HERE -->

“Why 1984 Won’t Be Like 1984” was conceived as a print headline the year before by Gary Gussick & Mike Moser. The long copy newspaper ad never ran. My art director partner, Brent Thomas, and I purloined it for our purposes. It was the inspiration for the whole spot. Our own “Suits” tried to keep us from shooting a :60 version because the client had only signed an estimate for a :30. Without authorization, I authorized it. After the spot was finished…

<-- BEGIN WALTER ISAACSON STORY HERE -->

Jobs previewed the ad for the Apple sales force. They were thrilled. But when Jobs previewed the ad for the Board of Directors, everyone in the boardroom was mute. Philip Schlein, the CEO of Macy’s California, had his head on the table. Mike Markkula stared silently; at first it seemed he was overwhelmed by the power of the ad. Then he spoke: “Who wants to move to find a new agency?” Sculley recalled, “Most of them thought it was the worst commercial they had ever seen.” Caught between a rock (Jobs) and a hard place (the Board), Sculley got cold feet and told CMO Bill Campbell to “figure it out.” Campbell, a former football coach, decided to throw a “Hail, Mary.” He told his team, “I think we ought to go for it.”

<-- END ISAACSON STORY, RESUME HAYDEN STORY -->

The only reason “1984” aired was because we were unable to sell off half a million dollars worth of Super Bowl time and had to fill 60 seconds with something. So we really owe it all to the ineptness of Chiat/Day’s media department.

ANDVERTISING PARTNERS:
Art Directors: BRENT THOMAS & LEE CLOW
Copywriter: STEVE HAYDEN
Announcer: ED GROVER
Agency Producer: RICHARD O’NEILL
Production Company: FAIRBANKS FILMS
Director: RIDLEY SCOTT
Clients: STEVE JOBS, JOHN SCULLEY, BILL CAMPBELL

To read “Steve Jobs,” by Walter Isaacson on your Kindle, click here.
To view “1984,” click here.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Apple, Lee Clow, Steve Hayden | 1 Comment

Had lunch at the Tavern Club today…

Posted on December 31, 2012 by David Wojdyla

…ran into a former client, who was already well under way on his New Year’s celebration. For the twenty-five years or more that I have known this man he has been both a drunkard and a lecher, yet he and his business have flourished like the green bay tree. Pondering on this, I remembered how the prophet Jeremiah had once pleaded with the Lord to tell him, Why do the wicked prosper? And received no answer.

WOJDYLA’S FOOTNOTE: Regarding today’s blog post, the iPhone picture is mine but the words that I paired with it are not. They were written by a “guest” blogger, James Webb Young. The 4A’s Past President typed this snarky comment eight decades ago on December 31, 1942. (It can be found on page 96 of his book, “The Diary of an Ad Man,” published by Advertising Publications, Inc., Chicago.)

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Which search engine do you use?

Posted on December 8, 2012 by David Wojdyla

Did you know when you search for something using Google, you may not be getting the most trustworthy results?

That’s the point of “Scroogled,” a new holiday ad campaign by Bing. Here’s the script:

HER: Jeff, what are you making?
HIM: My famous chicken cacciatore. You are in for a treat. I just got a new pan for it. Great price online. A top pick on Google Shopping.
HER: How do you know you didn’t get scroogled?
HIM: Scroogled?
HER: Google sells it’s shopping results. And while they look like honest search results, they’re really paid ads.
HIM: So you might not get the best price?
HER: You don’t even know which stores they’ve left out.
HIM: Man, I just got…
HER: SCROOGLED! Next time, use a search engine that won’t burn you.
ANNCR: Don’t get scroogled. Try Bing.

I think the strategy is brilliant. I think the creative execution is clunky.

I think Bing should buy a bunch of TV time in 2013 and continue educating the public. (And I think Bing should hire a small creative boutique to do new ads.)

Your thoughts?
Is this an “inbound” ad (educational and helpful)?
Or “outbound” ad (whiny and selfish)?

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Last month, I made the most stupid mistake

Posted on November 7, 2012 by David Wojdyla

Last month, I made the most stupid mistake

Do you see the typo?
When I signed off on this proof, I didn’t.
Today, it’s the only thing I see.

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Steve Frankfurt, 1931-2012

Posted on October 3, 2012 by David Wojdyla

Teaser Ad by FRANKFURT COMMUNICATIONS (1978)
Art Director: Philip Gips; Photographer: Henry Sandbank;
Creative Directors: Paula Silver & Steve Frankfurt.

A memorial service was held yesterday at the Riverside Memorial Chapel.
Read Steve’s obituary. Read about his Hall of Fame career. Sign the guestbook.

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Robert Boyle (1909-2010)

Posted on August 1, 2012 by David Wojdyla

My favorite non-Madison Avenue art director‎
in “The Man on Lincoln’s Nose.”

In Hollywood, the art director (a.k.a. production designer), is responsible for the visual space in which the film takes place. No matter what your age, you’ve probably seen one of his films. After reading his obit in the NYT, you’ll probably want to see more.

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Best magazine cover at Hudson News this month

Posted on May 29, 2012 by David Wojdyla

Best magazine cover story at Hudson News this month

Cover Story: IS FACEBOOK MAKING US LONELY?
Magazine: The Atlantic, May 2012 (The Culture Issue)
Writer: Stephen Marche
Photo: Phillip Toledano

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What do you think of the breast-feeding photo on the cover of Time Magazine?

Posted on May 11, 2012 by David Wojdyla

People who know me only through Facebook or LinkedIn probably don’t know I started my career at HBO (in the Time-Life Building). Ever since then, I’ve had an affinity for powerful visuals. To me, this is their best magazine cover in a decade. Bravo, Martin Schoeller & Rick Stengel.

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World’s Best Tourism Campaign

Posted on April 18, 2012 by David Wojdyla

It’s not for the state I was born in. Or the state I live in. Or any other state for that matter. It’s for a country that wasn’t even on my bucket list until I saw this spot.

CREATIVE CREDITS: Cathie Campbell & Pam Ferman & Joe O’Neill & Rich Pels & Peter Smillie (& maybe some others I’ve forgotten).

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Robert B. Cohen (1927-2012) Hudson News Founder

Posted on February 9, 2012 by David Wojdyla

A spontaneous flashmob memorial for the business executive who helped make business travel a bit more bearable.

If you’re looking for an agency that can increase awareness and revenue, here’s a formula based on proven results:

During presentations, be sure to ask each finalist about their spec creative:

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Show of hands – how many times have you watched ‘IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE’ with Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed?

FURTHER READING (IF YOU’RE SO INCLINED): “How to grill your turkey on a gas grill” by the Reluctant Gourmet

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PRODUCTION NOTE: REBUILDING TOGETHER’S LITTLE AD AGENCY (ANDVERTISINGINC) CAME UP WITH THE IDEA TO USE GRANNY, UNCLE JED, ELLIE MAY AND JETHRO. RT’S BIG PR AGENCY (PEPPERCOMM) HAD THE RESOURCES TO GET THE O.K. TO USE THEM.

FOOTNOTE: I don’t have a list of creatives who did this out-of-home (OOH) execution. But I know one name that won’t be on the list but should be: JACK GOLDENBERG. Long before YouTube popularized viral marketing, he launched the Happy Meal with word-of-mouth communication (WOM).

andvertisinginc.

FURTHER READING (IF YOU’RE SO INCLINED):
“How to grill your turkey on a gas grill” by the Reluctant Gourmet