- Nothing but NETFLIX – Whether it’s adding to your queue or watching instantly, Netflix has figured out the formula for success. With more than 2 million new users since the beginning of 2013, Netflix has risen to the top, while bringing the trend of “binge viewing” into the homes of the American public. The online video provider has branched out by creating original content with the launch of its first series “House of Cards.” Netflix also signed a coveted deal with the producers at “Arrested Development” to bring 15 original episodes of the cult comedy back to the small screen to pave the way for a potential movie. Netflix is hot right now, and its lack of commercial content is what makes it stand out from the other big guns of binge viewing. This is a tough nut for brands to crack, but a growing platform with real PR legs if leveraged strategically.
- Courting Martha Stewart? – America’s favorite homemaker sat down with Matt Lauer last week where she confessed to wanting to try online dating, specifically Match.com. This was obviously music to the ears of the folks at Match.com, who coordinated a follow-up special on TODAY featuring Martha and Matt hunting for her online love. Even if she doesn’t find her soul mate, Match.com certainly took advantage of a golden opportunity.
- Get Your Own Gala Gown – With the Met Gala taking place tonight, celebrities have enlisted the help of their glam teams and famous fashion friends to get prepped. Aside from the Oscars, the Met Gala is arguably the biggest fashion night of the year, and a time to make a real statement. Upscale E-commerce giant and event co-sponsor Moda Operandi has partnered with several of the designers to offer the gowns as soon as they hit the carpet in a live streaming flash sale. Get your credit cards ready gals, these gowns will cost you a pretty penny.
- Seacrest and Paltrow Team Up – PEOPLE’s Most Beautiful and E!’s most profitable have signed on to create a 10 episode web based series on AOL’s On Network. The series entitled “Second Chances” will feature Gwyn and her fitness guru pal Tracy Anderson as they share stories of women who have faced and overcome a variety of obstacles in their lives. The series will roll out over the next couple of months, as Ryan Seacrest Productions continues to focus on digital content.
- Mr. President Goes to Hollywood – President Obama took a break from his day to day duties to join Hollywood’s elite for the 2013 White House Correspondents Dinner. Conan O’Brien took over as host, while delivering some memorable zingers. Not to be outdone, Mr. President had no shortage of one-liners himself; even getting a few laughs while sporting his wife’s buzzed about bangs. Often deemed the “nerd prom,” the annual White House Correspondents Dinner is a collision of two different worlds, but always makes for some good laughs.
Image courtesy of Netflix
- Sweet Melissa – She’s done it again! Melissa McCarthy is Hollywood’s newest darling and the ratings prove it. She brought in big numbers during her second stint of hosting Saturday Night Live, following a highly applauded first hosting gig in 2012. With one box office hit under her belt already this year (Identity Thief), and with the release of The Heat costarring Sandra Bullock this summer, Melissa shows no signs of slowing down. She is charming, likable and has mastered physical comedy with comparisons to such legends as Chris Farley and Jim Carrey. Women are gaining strength in the world of comedy, and Melissa is just another example to prove it.
- The Even GREATER Gatsby – The remake of The Great Gatsby, brought to life by visionary director Baz Luhrmann has been the talk of the town for years. The film is finally about to make its debut, with a strategic premiere during the Cannes Film Festival. Aside from the actual film, the many released trailers feature exclusive song teasers by some of today’s biggest names including Jay-Z, Lana Del Ray and Florence and the Machine. An interesting vehicle to release new music, and most likely foreshadowing a bigger trend in the industry.
- It’s a Mad Mad World – In its sixth season, Mad Men continues to attract a hefty number of viewers. As the show centers on the inner-workings of an ad agency in the 50’s, it only makes sense for brands to cash in. Over the years big name brands have strategically partnered with the show including BMW, Banana Republic and Unilever. A changing opportunity comes as the show evolves with the times, and the cast is now entering a new era of fashion, food and brand names.
- Festival Frenzy – With SXSW behind us and Coachella this week, it’s officially music festival season! That means big name acts, festival fashion, and soaking up the sponsorship opportunities. It has always been a natural synergy for brands that leverage summer and being outdoors to sponsor music festivals, but more and more brands are seeing this as an opportunity to target a unique demographic. Returning brands signed on to leverage the festival this year include Lacoste, the Ace Hotel, Guess and Levi, with newcomers including Mulberry and Belvedere.
- Who Holds The Power – This week The Hollywood Reporter released its list of most powerful forces in media, and who tops the list is not surprising. Kelly Ripa and newly appointed host Michael Strahan cover the issue, with honorees including the TODAY crew, Good Morning America, Bill O’ Reilly, Wendy Williams, Jimmy Fallon, Jeff Zucker, Arianna Huffington and more. As the media landscape continues to evolve, the movers and shakers on this list are surely ready to evolve with it.
Image courtesy of The Hollywood Reporter
- 90’s Fever – Can you smell the teen spirit? The last few months have marked a 90’s resurgence in the wonderful world of pop culture! First the announcement of a Boy Meets World spinoff, Girl Meets World. Danielle Fishel (a.k.a Topanga) even turned up the heat by covering the April issue of Maxim. More recently, Jonathan Taylor Thomas joined his Home Improvement dad, Tim Allen on Last Man Standing and the boys of Hanson just released a new single. Fashionistas are even trying to bring back overalls and scrunchies! Brands should capitalize on this trend quickly, as the nostalgia builds.
- Late Night Lullaby – Déjà vu anyone? NBC has officially announced that in 2014 Jay Leno will be stepping down as the host of The Tonight Show and will be replaced by Late Night host Jimmy Fallon. Seems like a familiar tale as we remember The Tonight Show fiasco that went down with Conan and Leno. The big question is who will replace Jimmy on Late Night? Seeing the hosting success of Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, it might be worth the ask NBC!
- Dory’s Story – Years after Finding Nemo dove into theaters, Dory is finally getting her time in the sun! Pixar announced that they will be releasing the sequel to Finding Nemo entitled Finding Dory. Marina Maher Communications client COVERGIRL’s own Ellen Degeneres will be reprising her role as Dory, when the flick hits the big screen in November 2015. Turns out there are only TWO fish in the sea!
- Raise your VOICE – Has Idol finally met its match? NBC’s The Voice premiered this week with two big name judges, Shakira and Usher, who join returning judges Adam Levine and Blake Shelton. Idol (in its 12th season) is the undisputed champion in the singing competition show, but with the new roster of judging talent on The Voice, they could finally get voted off. Both programs have been saturated with strategic brand placements for years, including Starbucks with The Voice and Coca-Cola with Idol.
- Clarissa Loses it All – Melissa Joan Hart is the latest celebrity to jump on the baby-weight-loss wagon by signing a contract with Nutrisystem. After welcoming her third child, she has spoken publicly about the pressures of losing the baby weight. Melissa has already lost 20 pounds with the program, and even rocked a hip-hugging blue dress at the premiere of The Incredible Burt Wonderstone.
Image courtesy of Andrew Eccles/NBC
If you work for a technology company, the answer is yes. Celebrities are going beyond endorsements at companies like Intel, Apple and RIM and taking on creative design roles.
According to Product Development Technologies (PDT), the standout celebrities are mainly music artists like Lady Gaga for Polaroid, Will.I.Am for Intel and Alicia Keys for Blackberry, although the trend goes back to the 1990s, when the band U2 co-developed the U2 iPod and George Foreman developed the Lean, Mean Fat Grilling Machine.
PDT poses the question, will this lead to greater innovation? What do you think?
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Last week, MMC hosted COVERGIRL Trend Downloads, an event that provided media with an exclusive look at the top Spring/Summer ’13 beauty trends, courtesy of P&G Cosmetics Global Creative Design Director Pat McGrath. In addition to Pat’s presentation, the trends were brought to life with COVERGIRL’s newest products in makeup stations manned by Pat’s assistants.
MMC involved influencers and consumers in the beauty conversation on Twitter (#COVERGIRLtrends) and Instagram. Follow @COVERGIRL and “like” the COVERGIRL Facebook page to get all the latest beauty news.
Photo courtesy of CoverGirl
Barneys and Disney made headlines last week with their newest collaboration, Electric Holiday. The campaign includes Disney-themed holiday windows at Barneys’ flagship store and a short film featuring Disney icons sporting designer garb and prominent figures in the fashion industry. Both were unveiled by Sarah Jessica Parker at Wednesday’s kick-off event.
Media from coveted fashion books to TIME to CBS Interactive took notice, and we did too. Below we’ve outlined why we’re digging the concept.
- It’s a fun twist for everyone! Celebrities – some more frequently than others – are known to pull off bold fashion statements, making them look like cartoon characters. With an ironic role reversal in this campaign, it’s the characters that are pulling off fashion. It’s catchy. It’s different. It makes you pay attention.
- Fashion icon Sarah Jessica Parker is the “face” of the campaign. The SATC series was the ultimate female fantasy, and SJP’s role in it makes her well-suited for the fantasy-themed collab. She’s also known for her outrageously awesome fashion on the show, yet she’s “Disney-approachable.” Remember, she was voted unsexiest woman on the planet by Maxim back in 2008.
- Beyond fun and fashion, there’s a charitable component. Twenty five percent of sales from the collection will be donated to the American Red Cross. That’s on top of $2 million The Walt Disney Company pledged to support relief efforts, including $1 million to the Red Cross for immediate relief and an additional $1 million to support Hurricane #Sandy relief efforts. Kudos to them!
Check out the collection here or in selected stores of Barneys New York. Proceeds will continue to be donated to the Red Cross through January 3rd.
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