Life Music

Music can be bigger than life. Rabfak is proving it with their new home-made video clip. Enjoy responsibly.

Media Placement

Who the hell is ready to pay for a place like that? I hope Nouvelle Etoile did not pay that outdoors place, which message is mainly directed to the guys living on the 3rd floor of the near building.

(Photo: Dirrty Frank, sure some Cannes Lions opportunities are unknown here because of bad media placement)

Branded Silence

Arshavin seems to be that you can build a lot without being talented. In the crowd of the average football players, he is the only one to have created something interesting for business...not for sport obviously - and his mnemonic is that finger on his mouth. He just created a brand that is aimed to propose young, modern and comfortable clothing line for young men. The purpose to launch in few months few other things like Arshavin Life, Arshavin Sport or Arshavin Baby. Arshavin Scary.

In that path to branding, he should be more careful about the projects he accepts. I don't talk about Pepsi which we did with him...he was fortunate enough not to be removed from the campaign. I talk that shitty thing on the tramways in Moscow for windows. Even more, the placement is really strange. There is a warning sign 'please, step in by the front door' right directed to his mouth. If he wants to brand himself better, perhaps he should have a look to the creative work before signing.

Digital Medvedev

Russia is getting digital years after years (LiveJournal, ICQ, shares in Facebook...and of course Chatroulette). It pleases Medvedev that claims to be a frequent internet user since a long time. He is in California to meet few global actors like Steve Jobs that offered him an iPhone or the guys from Twitter. Even Shwarzy appreciates...after killing the Russians in his films, he is making business with them.

Rock For Blondes

It's true that russian music industry (and even more pop music) is populated by really attractive girls. Who cares about the music when the boobs are pulsing the beat? But sometimes, you can have good surprises (well, it depends what you're looking for...). Just to make it clear, the first video features one of the most famous bands in Russia and the second a real artist.

It Never Happens

I'm still in my automotive psycho period. Look at that cute little scene. The guy in the SUV just in front of the camera is closing the fuel cap of the shitty Lada on his left. That's nice but it happens rarely...I just don't even believe it still. In Moscow, drivers are predators.

Shiny Mazda

You don't have money to buy a Bentley. Don't stress, buy a shiny Mazda. After zoom-zoom-zoom, just say bling-bling-bling.

(Photo: Stephane, always prefers diamonds)

Russian Charm

This video from Amnesty International makes quite a noise among bloggers/young internet generation in Russia. Don't even think that Russian people want to hide anything. They know the problems better than anybody.

Toys for Rich

Summer is not clearly there in Moscow but rich people already get out their toys. Just a little rally in the center of Moscow. We may admit that it's easier without snow. Moreover for the egg-shaped cute one.

(Photos: Dirrty Frank, rolling near the river)

Si t'as pas d'Amis, prends un Curly

Curly hair is getting predominant in advertising in Russia. Few examples on billboards and TV ads (one of mine in few days). I try to understand how inspirational it is for real Russian people who have massively straight and boring blonde hair. Perhaps, a new symbolic to convey creativity, difference and leadership. To think over, for sure...

(Photo: Dirrty Frank, curly but straight)

Easy Advertising

Ok, right guys. Let's find something edgy. The execution should be simple.

American -> United States -> State -> California -> California Cheese -> California Maki -> Japanese Restaurant. We cracked it mates.

Advertising's sometimes easy in Russia

(Photo: Dirrty Frank, trying to make that job a bit better)

Hot Stuff

Always a pleasure to pass by a lingerie shop. For the guys mainly, obvioulsly for the girls for shopping reason. But, in that particular case, the mothers will freak out a little bit more. That shop announces a new collection, all in sensuality and attraction appeal, nice but thick strings and encouraging bras. The only problem is that they branded the whole thing with the name of the College Ball that happens every year. What does it mean?

Well, nothing dramatic. Just the fact that these outfits are designed for girls of 16/17 yo, going to their wild graduation party. I let you imagine the rest. Hot...

(Photo: Dirrty Frank, not surprised about the Gaga-Spearsization of the youngster)

Life is a Cycle

Life is unexpected and strange. I've started my career in advertising working with Beigbeder as a copywriter (I was account) in Y&R Paris. I was there for '99 Francs' and for many different exciting stuff. Many years later, deciding to travel and after living in different countries, I land in Moscow and work in different agencies. In the meantime, I follow Frédéric's work and understand his interest in Russia and in the excess of Moscow...why not? And then, one week ago, he's invited to the hypest show on TV 'Project Paris Hilton' and he jokes about one of my latest campaigns on Snickers in BBDO.

Life was already short, the world was already small and now, obviously, both of them are operating a stupid cycle.

Perfect Flatmates

Renting a flat in Moscow is not an easy task. Well, like in all other capitals in the world, you need to show that you're a good guy or fantastic family. Clean, reliable, wealthy, happy, shiny people. For example, this couple is proving their good intentions by putting a badly photoshoped photo, proving that they're really good people. Just imagine that behind that perfect pic is hiding a gipsy family, all of them with golden teeth.

(Photo: Dirrty Frank, thinking about the power of (fake) images)