Sure, the Internet (Google) is great for finding answers to very specific queries (which are getting longer and longer). But the real fun begins when you allow yourself to dive deeper into a story or explore tangentially related topics. When 5 or 15 minutes later you find yourself somewhere discovering something completely new (to you), asking how the hell did I get here and then tracing back your path. You surprise yourself.

You (movie, entertainment and pop culture junkies) have to love IMDB for this. I made a Ladybugs reference at work the other day (yes, I know, but we were talking about starting a co-ed soccer team and didn’t have enough girls so I told a male AD we call Jules that he could be our “Martha”), and it sent me on the hunt for a good still image from the movie during which I found this one…

…of JB and serious 7th grade crush, Kimberly Mullen, whose name I now know is Vinessa Shaw who I then realized was Josh Hartnett’s ex-girlfriend in 40 Days and 40 Nights (I should have realized – the bagel guy definitely knew that) which was home to my 10th grade crush Shannyn Sossamon (Shannyn with a ‘y’ just like Kiptyn from The Bachlorette)…and then I had to get back to work.

Which is actually a good segue to work we’ve done for ESPN.com. It was completely based on the personal journeys of sports fans. What goes through their minds, the connections they make, the paths they take and where they end up in the online home of sports. Here are a few of them.

Okay, now off to see where the search for little Josh in Big leads me.

This guy, Dan Meth in case you didn’t click the link you lazy bassmaster, deserved a blog mention. (Mostly, I just wanted an excuse to write my witty title.) I saw this yesterday and immediately wanted to buy it and put it up on my wall.

So good. He also does “pop cultural charts” like one about the topics of early Early Beach Boys Hit Songs (cars, girls and surf) and illustrations like one of Ivan Drago and his four bad-ass lines of dialog (“if he dies he dies”).

My kind of art.

I do not want to seem ungrateful, especially in this tough time. I feel fortunate to have attracted your interest. I appreciate that you (at least a one or two of you) want to understand my needs first – before telling me about the search you’re conducting for “award-winning agency with blue-chip clients.” And I even appreciate that you’re being upfront about “finding me on LinkedIn.”

It’s just that doing a search for planners/strategists on LinkedIn and blanketing us with half-assed “this could be a great opportunity for you…or if not, can your recommend a friend or colleague” messages, is lazy and insincere. Yes, I’m easy to find, and I don’t want to change that – though if you had checked a little farther down the page, I’m not open to being contacted about career opportunities or job inquiries. But I’m also pretty easy to find things out about, including hopefully (for you) a connection to make the introduction. While you weren’t looking at my contact preferences, you also seemed to miss the link to My Blog (that’s here). Admittedly it ain’t the most professional place; yet, you can learn more about me/how I write/what I think about/etc. than on that template page that you didn’t even bother really reading anyway.

Unlike Chris Mortensen, I don’t feel like it’s a privilege to chat with me. However, I do expect some level of working for it. I do expect you to care enough about knowing with whom you’re about to make unsolicited contact to do a little bit of research. Shit, this blog is the first result for a Google search of my name. I do more digging about people I may end up meeting through friends that than you have for a person you’re about to ask to consider making a major life change. Sure, maybe I’m a little weird but that’s just weak sauce.

In case you are wondering, I’m not looking for a new gig. I know, you “don’t care” since it’s about my future career path and potential. Sarcasm aside, I’ve worked with recruiters in the past and had fantastic experiences. I understand this may be a difficult time for you. But I do not believe desperate times call for desperate measures. I even hear what Paul is saying in his recent article in AdAge, “What to Do When a Headhunter Calls,” about recruiters vs. ’senders.’

But in response to his advice (and final sentence), “Answer the phone”…

Sure. Now, what’s the password?

—
Eliminated passwords/passphrases:
- “Plethora”: It’s not inconceivable that you would start the conversation off by telling me about the plethora of opportunities you have available.
- “My Little Buttercup” (or “Rrrrraped de horses”): I’m not looking for a lawsuit.
- “Invisible Swordsman”: No fun, and I thought this (below) was a little too complicated…

There are so things I’d like to say this experience, but I’m trying to wrap things up) get out of here for the holidays. Thus, I want to make just one clear point: Sometimes when it makes perfect sense, you really lose. And sometimes when it makes no sense, you really win. And sometimes when it fits exactly or doesn’t fit at all, you actually tie.

Crystal clear?

No. Okay, well, here’s some advice for Louis V and other advertisers out there. Just because you make a cinematic ad (style and message), it doesn’t mean it’s right for the cinema (media). Furthermore, just because you think your target is “sophisticated and upscale,” it doesn’t make people at “more artsy theaters” the appropriate audience for your advertising. In fact, I’m really having trouble thinking of any theater or movie it would “work” for. Going to see a movie is social; it brings people (from diverse backgrounds) together for shared entertainment. (Not to sound like the speech given at every Oscars ceremony) Even someone who is compelled by the “journey” story (or even enjoys its music selection), is not going to do so in a crowd of strangers. Especially at this economically-difficult time, I can’t think of anyone who would self-identify as a fan of that brand.

I have been meaning to write this since seeing Slumdog Millionaire on Saturday night at the Angelika (highly recommended by the way) when after 4 indie previews were followed by the ad embedded above. It was met with an “Are you serious?” moment of silence, followed by a barrage of laughter and conversations (at least in rows near me) about the ridiculousness of LV’s communications. I can’t imagine the reaction would be any different elsewhere, so it’s crazy to think they’ve been running these since at least this May.

In fact, I would argue they actually disrupted my journey into a movie-going mindset (suspending disbelief, being open to being moved, etc.) with this unbelievably silly and self-important move.

Please tell me I’m not alone.

1. Much has already been said about both. (In particular, I recently saw Three Minds post about Cloverfield and Brand Flakes post about Lost.)
2. Last night’s unfortunate and awful Golden Globe production make movies top of mind. (It was the first time I felt the real impact of this writers’ strike.)
3. I just saw this pretty excellent site for Be Kind Rewind. (Image below is from the Swede Yourself section.)
While this site is not novel in its idea or application, it is relevant to the movie and does follow the (tentative and changing) rules of viral success: make it personal, make it simple, make it slippery. (via Herd)

It has “pass-ability” like its predecessor, Simpsonsize Me—which I read had over 16 million hits and 700,000 photos uploaded in 3 days. It makes nice use of the actors, Jack Black, Mos Def, and Danny Glover like Snakes On A Plane did with Samuel L. Jackson—may have not have made money to match the buzz, but over 1.5 million calls were sent in week one alone. Even it’s not the most novel or cool thing out there, it does show that movie studios are investing in the digital space with interactive content. And they are showing they understand communities and community needs, whether its galvanizing an existing community (often times the case for a sequel or book adaptation or even leveraging a fan club of an actor). Kite Runner did both with its clubs for pre-screenings, celebrity-signed kite auction for charity on eBay, and other prizes.

I must say, however, that most fall short in continuing the relationship with movie goers. They create excitement, get people to the theaters, let the film speak for itself, and assume people will recommend to friends, family, coworkers, etc. Which is not a bad assumption. Lots of us love to talk about movies. However, there seems to be an opportunity to aid in this WOM by applying some time and effort to reconnecting post-seeing the movie, especially in the online world. Rather than have people leave and lose them, why don’t we extend the conversation and make it easier for people to share their thoughts (hopefully recommendations). Whether its through more related content (new side characer story-lines, for example), badges to wear with pride on your blog or Facebook profile (or even soundtrack samples), sites that are only accessible to those who saw them movie (make them answer a question from the movie) that offer exclusive merchandise or other experiences, etc., it is largely under-leveraged.

In short, viral shouldn’t stop at the end credits.

I remember feeling that way about Juno. I left the theater wanting to tell (just about) everyone I knew to get tickets immediately. Instead of sending a mass text though, I hit up Twitter and told 40 people rather than 140. I wanted to post about it and title the post, “Honest to blog” but couldn’t remember the line. My old boss, Nigel believed strongly in the power of highly repeatable thoughts. Most times they took the form of taglines. Movies usually have hundreds of little pieces of highly repeatable lines, stories, thoughts baked in. The more we can give a taste of this interestingness, interactivity, and i-(shit no i-word) how about “viral-ity” into our communications pre- and POST-viewing, the better.

There’s probably such a thing as over-promoting (think Jerry Seinfeld for Bee Movie) but overall it seems movies are again remembering the success of The Blair Witch Project—which grossed $248MM at the box office with a $25K budget.

I’m a big fan of this type of promotion. Movies seem to have a lot of opportunity to create real experiences, to utilize many assets and content, to galvanize audiences/communities. This isn’t funny, but check out what Kite Runner did with viewing parties. On the contrary, Balls of Fury is right up my alley but after the trailer went around online months before its theatrical release, there was no follow up. Anyway, I am going to try and hit up the show in NYC on the 19th, but its holiday party season so I may have to miss it. If anyone is definitely going, let me know.

Just in case that [info] was too soft, here’s your fill of more traditional immaturity:

Happy Hamukkah. Oh thank you Balducci’s.
Huhukkah?. As TrueHoop blog says “Dunk got your tongue?” Darius Miles is not as good when his lines aren’t written for him Van Wilder-style. (This has nothing to do with the Jewish holiday, but was trying to keep the theme going.)
Chicagokkah. Okay, now I’m really forcing it. But thanks Jake, for this gem and for giving the pre-read background: “It looks like they took a press release for winter tires and replaced tires with a certain hilarious noun.”

And finally, if you’re in NYC tonight and are ready to begin training to walk hard, you can start by rocking out softly. My buddies Matt and Jimmy are going to be DJing at Midway (25 Ave. B at 2nd St) from 11pm on. From their “press release”:

We’ll be going by the moniker Awesome Dudes — an alias that, besides being awesome, is also subtle and cool, just like us. We’re gonna be jammin’ like it’s 1978, dropping nothing but the hottest soft rock hits and blue eyed soul from the likes of Steely Dan, Todd Rundgren, Boz Skaggs, Hall & Oates and whatever else we can cook up on the laptops. We’ll also throw in some disco and house to get the bodies moving. So stop by to say hi, have a drink, and rock out (as long as you do it softly).

Whatever the case, sometimes when these three things—advertising, music, and sports—come together something special happens. When watching some uploaded amateur videos from (my alma mater) Georgetown’s Midnight Madness, I came across this one below (introducing our center, Roy Hibbert). I couldn’t help but thank advertising for making it possible.

No, not for making Roy’s return to G-town possible (he came back for his final year even though he could have possibly been a lottery pick in the NBA this summer – you can see in the jumping around in the stands how much he loves being in college). Rather for giving students and all our fans the ammo/inspiration to show their appreciation, enthusiasm, and love together, chanting, “Roy, Roy, Roy, Roy…” Because without advertising, bringing Roy out to the Eye of the Tiger would not have never happened.

The video does also seem to make a compelling case for regular-people-made-ads. I mean, you put a swoosh at that end of this footage, and I’m sold – on my way out to cop some new Nike kicks.

First, this Duran Duran Rio seems like a bit of rebelling against the end of summer unless he started here with this Bruce Campbell Duran Duran cover for Old Spice and worked his way back.

Regardless, I don’t know what kind of search led to this Swayze number but it could have led in two directions – Hasselhoff eating a cheeseburger off the ground or late 80s-early 90s movies around the time of Ghost’s release. I’m happy to inform that in this case, the road less traveled was coming to America – watch and let your Soul Glo and the state of Johnny Utah – see Point Break Live

And though the final numbers may seem a bit random—The Aliens Robot Man and Night Ranger Sister Christian—well, they are random. Enjoy.

Starting with politics, this is probably one of the funniest things I’ve seen in weeks. John Oliver and the rest of The Daily Show correspondents bring us a political trendspotting segment. Also gives a great word of the week, “Youthanize” – as in, “let’s see if CNN can take the debate and youthanize it.” I am definitely going to start DVRing The Daily Show again:

In case you needed a reminder that it’s also educational.

Onto sports, peep the faces of Ping Pong and just in case you haven’t seen it (in a while), Balls of Fury.

And while the Michael Vick story is upsetting, this group is pretty funny.

Lastly, create your own Simpsons character like I did a couple posts ago if you’d like or just watching this human recreation of the show’s opening.

Like last week another great but very different mashup: House Of 1,000 Muppets

May I present to you the AMI – St. Louis loves three things, baseball, beer, and b-mustaches. After all, it is “home to the world’s largest mustache, the SL Arch.” (Thanks Jake)

A pretty awesome music video starring some ex-Nickelodeon stars on Leland’s blog

A kind of sad story but appropriate ad placement for Shaq’s new reality show.

An regression for Dunkin Donuts SoBe drink. (I drink D&D too. I used to wear corduroy pants.) Check out the new Naomi Campbell spot directed by Zach Braff as well. From Hill Holiday.

Finally, Phillipines Prison Thriller. They do Sister Act as well.

Seriously though, I wanted to document this collaboration as one of the most interesting and well-executed in my (short) marketing memory. This is truly an idea that must have been fought for and I’m rooting for. And so far it seems to be delivering the goods.

As you can see on Brand Flakes for Breakfast – a new favorite site – hats off to the team behind the Simpsons for continuing to make great decisions in the company they keep.

I’m going to play their old Nintendo game where spray paint solves everything.

So how do you know Harvey, the man that fills you with anxiety for 23 minutes (the show’s never even close to a half hour) and then haunts your dreams?

Here’s my guess: You know Harvey, real life Maury Chaykin from one of two movies (or both). Drum roll please…

Entrapment – He plays Conrad Greene with similar agression and a bit more sloppiness. Can’t find a good image or video so here’s the trailer where you get to see CZJD play both sides.

OR (And I can’t believe I couldn’t place this.)

My Cousin Vinny – He’s Sam Tipton, a witness to the Sac O’ Suds murder of Jimmy Willis. Here is testifying that he doesn’t like his grits al dente and no self-respecting southerner would ever use instant grits.

Anyway, I think it often happens with 80’s movies. They are just so bad, they’re actually good. Like Teen Wolf. Not just because I identify with Scott Howard’s high school awkwardness (and perhaps hairiness) but the sweet kegger party scene with 7 minutes in Heaven with Boof and Styles’ van surfing are reason enough to invest 2.5 hours (yes, we all hate movies with commercials – in fact, I’ve always thought if one company could just sponsor all these cheesy movies and make them commercial free, it’d go a long way…maybe the company that makes slap bracelets). Plus, the guy in the stands who has to zip his pants after Scott hits the winning free throw actually exists unlike Aladdin telling Jasmine to take off her clothes at the end of their magic carpet ride.

So, here’s another one of those movies that maybe I shouldn’t admit I’ve seen in the double digits. But I will caveat that I watch just for this scene. (The same way I watch 106 and Park Freestyle Friday battle.)

Look how funky he is.

POLL: What’s the one movie that gets you every time; that you really can’t turn off?

Anyway, this is what’s shaking in the off-weeks:
First, Roy Hibbert has decided to return for his senior year at Georgetown. Jeff Green has not. But the Hoyas are going to be a force once again, which means I may have another reason to use miles to get to the Final Four next year. On a related college/pro bball note: Greg Oden wears Jorts. (For the uninitiated, Jorts = jean shorts)
Second, from a newish show on Fuse called The Whitest Kids U’ Know, a dating show a la Mallrats.
Third, if you play pickup basketball regularly or even sporadically (yes, I watched Clueless today), you know some of these cats.
Numero Schick quattro, on the same Clueless tip, you’ve all heard about the Rosie feud – here’s some Silverstone doing some snubbing of her own.
And finally from The Whitest Kids U’ Know (yes, again), a skit about a guy who doesn’t really get slang hand signal.

I guess it’s just as Daryl Jenkins (played by Eriq LaSalle in Coming To America) said: “Personally, I don’t like any sport where you can’t use your hands.”

Let Your Soul Glo

7. 24 Fans, a little dated, but just in case you haven’t seen: http://www.notrly.com/jackbauer/index.php?topthirty
6. It was a big shot: http://espn.go.com/motion/splash.html?pop=true&id=2327798&category=Page
5. The new Farrell trailer: http://www.sonypictures.com/movies/talladeganights/index.html
4. Don’t even say it reminds you of someone: http://mrbula.dinbror.dk/gallery/mrhair.php
3. Beirut/Beer pong and bridging the gap: http://www.collegehumor.com/movies/1661872
2. Free viewing of March Madness: http://www.ncaasports.com/mmod
1. Accomplishments in literature: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0312341970/102-3207903-1415301?v=glance&n=283155

Yes, this week was sports heavy for sure. I guess the upcoming NCAA bball tourney is having more of an impact than the Oscars… on most of us at least. I started this as a weekly glimpse into the 23-26 year old young “professional” male’s life for Fallon’s planning blog. And it has been met with pure enthusiasm: El Gaffney, what you’ve just added are some of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever seen. At no point in your rambling, incoherent post were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone who visits this blog is now dumber for having clicked on these links. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul.

That’s all I’ve got. I’m an awful critic. If I really was one I’d use bad puns (see above) or quotes from other (and often unrelated) movies and shows to critique (i.e. I wish I had 4 hands so I could give that movie 4 thumbs up). Thus, rather than provide a plot summary, note on symbolism or a social commentary, I’ll stick to what caught me most – the beauty and serenity of the actual geography – and how it positively changed my perception of Wyoming. I remember wanting to hit up a ranch after City Slickers. Now I’m not just aware of Wyoming, but am compelled to put this type of travel (lake and mountain America) into my vacation consideration set. And it seems I’m not the only one… http://www.usatoday.com/travel/destinations/2006-01-30-brokeback-tourism_x.htm

Who cares if it was shot in Canada? I’m already sold on Wyoming. And just so you know The Pirates of the Caribbean 2 and 3 are being filmed in The Bahamas… at least one or two scenes.