After a long awaited 4 years this years 2010 FIFA World Cup, held in South Africa, was far from a disappointment. The tournament ended with a 116th minute goal by Spain’s Andres Iniesta to give his team a 1-0 win and their first ever World Cup title. There were plenty of exciting moments along the way that are definitely worth remembering and i had the privilege of experiencing many of those moments at the Nike World Cup Headquarters at The Ricardo Montalban Theatre in Hollywood.

Each game I attended at the space was a unique and special experience. As I approached the theatre for each game my eyes and ears were met by a sea of super fans lined up and down the block. Flags were waving, Horns were blaring, whistles were whistling, and hundreds of people were screaming and chanting while being ushered into the space.

At each match I met great people from countries all around the world; Spain, Netherlands, Paraguay, Germany, Mexico, Brazil.  The energy and enthusiasm of the fans was unparallelled  by any other sporting experience i have has since the  Giants won the Superbowl. The weight of each countries  pride was evident in the faces of its fans.

Once Inside fans were privy to experience the matches in a truly unique and engaging way. The entire theater was taken over by Nike. Each Nations flag was hung high above the theatre, Nike Soccer jerseys were fitted to block letters on the wall spelling out “Write Your Future” The main lobby area was converted into a bar where they gave away an unlimited supply of San Miguel beer, one of my faves, and occasionally tequila. For the non alcoholic drinkers who attended the far side of the bar free coffee, espresso and tons of complimentary bottled waters and energy drinks. And if the the free beverages weren’t enough each game had free food!!

Inside, the set up was perfect. A packed theatre filled with enthusiastic super fans screaming dressed in there country colors and faces painted waving flags. Watching any sporting event on a 30 foot screen just makes every single game epic. If the seats you wanted were already occupied by drunk raging fans and you were part of the lucky few you to work for the media, be an invited guest of Nillz or so happened to know Emily then you had the option of sitting in the lounge sections towards the rear of the theatre.

There was  nothing better than watching everyone forget about their  daily problems, put aside their differences and just agree  on something as simple as kicking a ball into the back of  a net. And even if it was just for a couple weeks, this  simple game of soccer showed us that there is hope for all  of us in life, as individuals and as a country. Big shout  outs go to my World Cup 20X crew who atteneded the  matches with me: Tamara Dhia, Tony Flohr, Neran  Dhas, Peter Benedicto, Jenilee Reyes, TK Nyguen, Mark Chinapen and the lovely Emily Shin. And a big shout out to NIKE for creating a great cultural and brand experience.

PS: NIKE_ I really hope you guys do something similar for the upcoming 2011 NBA Playoff Finals featuring the Lakers and the Heat!!!

Pictures Courtesy of http://www.blinkofaniproductions.com  & http://tkofthewildboyz.blogspot.com

If you’ve followed my blog for a while then you know I like to feature creative branded content. Its not a new marketing technique but it is one that is really hard to create successfully. Thats why when I came across this I felt compelled to to share it with you and my fellow marketers. Recently Toyota teamed with comedy director Jody Hill to create a series of Web videos featuring two self-absorbed parents and the only vehicle that matches their awesomeness, the all new Sienna – the first minivan made with adults’ minds in mind. Watch as the Sienna Family drops their hot new single, Swagger Wagon. Meet the Sienna Family Here.

I love sharing some of my favorite commercials with you guys and Heineken spots have recently been amongst my faves. These new commercials by Heineken arent just great beer commercials but are among the best commercials the year. This first one is  entitled Men With Talent:

And If you you are a fan of Heinekens Walk In Fridge commercial then you’ll enjoy their recent spin on it:

My peoples at Crooks & Castles have  recently released a video short entitled “How to Make It In L.A.”. HBO did it for NY so why not do one for Crooks home base of Los Angeles. Everything from Pink’s Hot Dogs to showing how you should look while chopping it up in the streets of LA. Check out the video.

http://www.vimeo.com/10076611

Tim Heidecker and Eric Wareheim, the weirdos behind Adult Swim/Cartoon Network’s “Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job!” directed these new Old Spice “Odor Blocker” ads, and they’re so over-the-top ridiculous that I can’t help but love them. But are they better than the “Im On a Horse Guy?” It’s hard to say.  Tell me what you think.

Superb, Clever and insightful. This video was prepared by the UK branch of Dorling Kindersley Books and produced by Khaki Films. Originally meant solely for a DK sales conference, the video was such a hit internally that it is now being shared externally.  Its Good to see publishers are fighting back. I’m a huge fan of reading myself and  I understand how important books are and will be to future generations in whatever way they are delivered.  I hate to hear marketers  say books are dead when I look around me and my friends are reading more than ever.

As a Belvedere man I have to admit that Absolut is not my very vodka. But as a marketer and producer I do appreciate the fact they understand what branded content can be for a spirit brand trying to connect to the lifestyle of their consumers. Continuing to collaborate with creative visionaries, ABSOLUT Vodka presents this new 15-minute short film featuring Jay-Z. The documentary, titled NY-Z, was directed by Danny Clinch and paints a rare portrait of the global hip-hop icon. With unprecedented access to Jay-Z the days and moments leading up to, and after, his legendary September 11th benefit concert at Madison Square Garden, Danny Clinch gives us an intimate glimpse into Jay-Z: his childhood, his motivation as an artist, his passion for music, and his muse, New York.  Truly Dope. Enjoy.