Archive for March, 2010

A splash from the past

"The aftershave for men"

 

Was stuck in traffic on the M25 this morning, so was listening to the radio to pass the time. At the risk of revealing my age, I was a little surprised  – no, actually a lot surprised! – to hear an advert for Old Spice.

Now, those of you under 40 may not realise this wasn’t referring to the new solo album from Mel B. Old Spice was, in fact, THE aftershave back in the day. By which I mean the 40s, 50s, 60s and, frankly, the 70s!

I remember it well, as my Dad had a bottle sat in the bathroom, only ever to be used for special occasions! (I was too young to know what special occasions were in those days!)

After I’d got over my surprise, I reflected on how this brand actually represents a whole lot more than a few old memories – this is a textbook example of how effective marketing and promotional activity can result in real longevity.

Old Spice has stood the test of time and maintained its market presence throughout the tremendous changes we’ve seen in the male grooming market over the past 50 years. These days, a man is virtually undressed unless swathed in designer body lotions, gels and moisturisers. Old Spice, which was usually the first ever aftershave a guy would wear – before perhaps progressing on to Brut! – had cornered what was virtually a virgin market more than 60 years ago.

Interestingly, its tagline is still the same: “The aftershave for men” was how Old Spice originally marketed itself, many years ago – it will be interesting to see how many new men will be tempted to give it a try…!

Mock it if you like, but I wonder which of today’s fancy fragrances will still be on the market in half a century!

Posted on March 17th, 2010 by clivefactory  |  1 Comment »

A New York vibe in NW5

Flashbulbs, fashionistas and fox fur collars – a model crowd was on show last night at the launch of photographer Rankin’s latest set of snaps.
Some 500 of the capital’s most stylish individuals braved the cold to come to the Annroy Gallery in north London to see Rankin’s Cheeky collection – nudes, lingering lingerie shots and suggestive poses from the likes of Kate Moss, Helene Christiansen, Eva Herzigova and Lily Cole among others.
The event, hosted by Esquire magazine’s editor Jeremy Langmead and Rankin himself, saw the premiere of than 30 erotic, evocative and enigmatic images, from stunning portraits to more abstract visions of some of the best known supermodels – all with a definite sense of humour and Rankin’s own interpretation of ‘cheekiness’.
The impossibly skinny crowd drank Cheeky cocktails made with sponsor Woodford Reserve bourbon and danced along to a beat set by alternative DJs.
London experiential marketing agency The Factory Live organised the event, which seemed like a real life scene from The Devil Wears Prada – bringing a definite New York vibe to NW5.

Posted on March 11th, 2010 by clivefactory  |  1 Comment »

Green light for Green Zone !!

green_zone_poster_01

Last night a few lucky staff from London experiential marketing agency The Factory Live were treated to the UK cast and crew screening of the new Matt Damon film ‘Green Zone’.
If you are looking for another ‘Bourne’ movie, then this is not for you, however, if you are looking for a nonstop gripping action movie that see’s director Paul Greengrass and Matt Damon back to their ultimate best, then this is definitely for you!
The film is based on the actual events of the Iraq war, Damon plays Roy, ‘Chief’ Miller who heads up a team of US troops who were sent in to unveil the so called WMD (weapons of mass destruction).
A major government conspiracy is unveiled throughout, which plays out as an incredible nonstop electrifying film.
From start to finish, Greengrass manages to create an incredible atmospheric film which keeps you on the edge of your seat until the credits roll.

Damon portrays Miller in a very convincing way which leaves us asking, are there any rolls this man cannot play ??
Speaking to one of the crew after the film, we were told that the real Roy Miller was on set throughout the filming of the film, and was very impressed with what he saw.

‘Green Zone’ is the latest blockbuster to be released by UK film giants Working Title, who yet again have managed to deliver us an outstanding piece of cinematic history.
We wait with baited breath for their next big release ‘Nanny Mcfee The Big Bang’, which luckily is only at Easter, so not long indeed.
Until then though, The Factory Live give ‘Green Zone’ a massive 13 out of 10 and is our current film of the year. Our only disappointment, is that it didn’t receive any deserved credit at this week’s Oscars ……

For a glimpse of the film go to: http://trailers.apple.com/trailers/universal/greenzone/

GreenZ2

Posted on March 10th, 2010 by clivefactory  |  2 Comments »

A Small Birthday Treat for Rihanna

 

2zjm355

What do you buy the girl who has absolutely everything she has ever dreamed of for her birthday?
Well a sexy dance from a 3ft porn star of course!
To celebrate her twenty second birthday Rihanna was treated to a lap dance by the world’s smallest porn star, The Factory Live has discovered today!
As a special birthday treat from her new boyfriend Matt Kemp, the star was said to have absolutetely loved it.
So there you go boys, no more diamond rings, chocolates or flowers; why not treat your partner to sexy dance in small proportions!

lap

Posted on March 10th, 2010 by clivefactory  |  1 Comment »

Coronation Street…The Musical?

coronation_street_the_musical

The factory live has discovered that the Soap Opera will be going, well, opera?
Coronation Street Abridged Live! will take the audience through more than 7,000 episodes and 2,000 storylines including 115 deaths, 37 births and 86 marriages.
The cast will include none of the series past or present actors but promises just as much drama as the popular soap!
We have seen many ambiguous titles hit the theatre from the hilarious Sister Act to the obscure Jerry Springer, both of which have enjoyed great successes! So, will Coronation Street Make a great musical?
Well, probably yes but frankly I’ll be waiting for Eastenders the Musical!

Posted on March 10th, 2010 by clivefactory  |  2 Comments »