The month in marketing: UK government scores fried chicken own goal as Lewis Capaldi licks Oreos
A round-up of the latest news and insight from the global marketing sector
UK government tackles knife crime with fried chicken
The UK government unveiled its #Knifefree campaign by FCB Inferno this month, where more than 321,000 chicken boxes were redesigned to dissuade young people from carrying weapons.
The boxes included real-life stories of young people who chose to pursue “positive activities” instead of carrying a weapon.
Is this some kind of joke?! Why have you chosen chicken shops? What's next, #KnifeFree watermelons? https://t.co/34DwwxSmCN
— David Lammy (@DavidLammy) August 14, 2019
More than 210 independent shops and chains in England and Wales, including Morley’s, Chicken Cottage and Dixy Chicken, replaced their packaging with the artwork.
The work included billboard ads and a hero film for TV that showed off the stories of young men and women who no longer carry a knife with them.
Lewis Capaldi licks Oreos in video campaign
Oreo caused a stir this month after recruiting Scottish singer songwriter Lewis Capaldi to advertise its famous biscuits.
In an August video, cult hero Capaldi was shown dunking and licking a pack of Oreo cookies and then putting them into a limited-edition pack.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eqFnIg8qtYk
They were then sealed in an autographed glass frame, ready to be sold to the highest bidder.
The Mondelez International brand is auctioning off the pre-licked Oreos in a charity auction on eBay, with proceeds going to music-therapy charity Nordoff Robbins, which was chosen by Capaldi.
Disney hires former Sky CMO for platform push
Disney has hired former Sky CMO Luke Bradley-Jones to run its new subscription service, Disney+, in Europe and Africa as it ramps up focus on its direct-to-consumer business.
According to Marketing Week, Bradley-Jones will join as senior vice-president of direct-to-consumer and general manager of Disney+ in Europe and Africa.
Hundreds of cast members. Five continents. One Day At Disney. Original documentary. Streaming December 3 only on #DisneyPlus. pic.twitter.com/6iY27erdz5
— Disney (@Disney) August 23, 2019
Based in London, he will start in early 2020 and report into both Jan Koeppen, president of TV and direct-to-consumer in the region, and Michael Paull, president of Disney streaming services.
The move comes as Disney ramps up efforts to support its new subscription service as it looks to take on Netflix.
Channel 4 makes light work of viewer complaints
Channel 4 launched a new video talent campaign this month that celebrates the range and diversity of its stars through complaints made against them by viewers.
In typical Channel 4 style, ‘Complaints Welcome’ brings to life the humorous complaints received about its presenters and shows to highlight the fact that the broadcaster often sparks discussion.
Featuring an all-star cast of Channel 4 stars, the ad opens with Hollyoaks actor Kieron Richardson and his husband kissing in front of a dinner table laden with food.
He turns to the camera and says: “I’m not homophobic but do we have to have gay kissing at dinner time?” He then chews a chunk of roast turkey off a bone with his teeth.