Globespotting – October
PR Campaigns & Stunts
THAT’S SO FETCH!
What?
To celebrate Mean Girls Day on October 3rd, Brazen client, Showcase Cinemas announced it would be screening the classic film across all of its cinemas for one day only
Who and When?
Since Aaron Samuels announced the date ‘October 3rd’ to Kady Heron in the film, it has been known around the globe as Mean Girls Day
Where?
The story was picked up nationally on the likes of the Daily Mirror, Pretty52 and inews, as well as regional coverage across the country
Why?
Newsjacking continues to provide a simple yet effective way to secure column inches and put bums on seats. And yes, you can sit with us 😉
IS THIS THE REAL LIFE?
What?
Brian May and the cast of Bohemian Rhapsody switched on the Carnaby Street Christmas lights
Who and When?
To celebrate the launch of biopic Bohemian Rhapsody, spectators were delighted when the Carnaby Street Christmas lights were brightly illuminated with the lyrics to the famous Queen song
Where?
The story received national coverage, including Mail Online, as well as Evening Standard, Londonist, NME, Time Out and ITV
Why?
As one of the world’s most iconic and best-loved songs, it was the perfect way to drive awareness of the new film during the crowded Christmas noise
HISTORY IN THE MAKING
What?
IKEA unveils ‘The Last Straw’ in an exhibit at London’s Design Museum
Who and When?
The Swedish furniture chain announced earlier this year that it will phase out the use of plastic straws by October and made headlines, again, by displaying its last straw to raise awareness of plastic waste
Where?
Global national coverage was secured in titles such as The Guardian, The Times and Washington Post, as well as across industry business and consumer media
Why?
With plastic waste reduction on every company’s agenda, right now, this clever, symbolic stunt captured the attention of the conscious consumer across the globe
UNBE-LEAF-ABLE
What?
A giant replica of Leonardo da Vinci’s famous Mona Lisa AKA ‘Mona Leafa’ painting was created this month, using thousands of purple, red and brown leaves
Who and When?
B&Q commissioned modern art and pop culture artist, Nathan Wyburn, to recreate the painting as part of its autumn campaign, which revealed cleaning and tidying the garden is the most satisfying job for homeowners
Where?
National coverage was secured across titles including Mail Online, Mirror, The Independent and The Sun, as well as picked up by consumer home titles
Why?
We love an arty stunt at Brazen and this reminded us of our recent ‘Clean Art’ for client, Dr Beckmann… imitation an all that 😉
Trends
KEEPING UP WITH THE ROYALS
What a Royal Affair October has been! Just when we thought Princess Eugenie tying the knot with beau Jack Brooksbank was all, it turns out the bride was upstaged on her wedding day when Prince Harry and Meghan announced they are expecting a bundle of joy in the new year. OUCH! And if one baby isn’t enough, Princess Kate became an Auntie on the same day when Pippa Middleton gave birth to a baby boy. Place your name bets, NOW!
Happy New Year, everyone!
IT’S 2018
Social media went into meltdown when a woman tweeted Kleenex telling the story of her son questioning the word ‘mansize’ on its box of tissues and if women can use them. Social media users slammed the woman and were quick to jump on the bandwagon by asking other brands such as Mother Care, Nando’s and Five Guys, in humourous posts, why their packaging made reference to a particular group of people which excludes others. During a time where gender equality is highly debated, the question here is where do we draw the line?
TRICK OR TREAT!
Halloween is fast becoming the nation’s favourite time of year after Christmas, providing the perfect opportunity for brands to have some fun with frighteningly good stunts. Love or hate them, Marmite introduced two new limited edition Halloween jars for fans, a ‘potion for lovers’ jar, or a ‘potion for haters’ jar. And our very own client wilko headed to Meadowhall Shopping Centre with street magician Damien O’Brien to give unsuspecting shoppers a magical TRICK or a TREAT.
Spooktacular!
#PRFAIL
RYAN NIGHTM-AIR
What?
Airliner Ryanair was slammed for a statement it issued in response to a situation which captured the attention of millions following wide press and social media coverage
Who and When?
An elderly Black woman was the subject of racial abuse from her neighboring passenger when he refused to sit next to her and demanded she moved seats, on a flight to London. The abuse was captured on video and went viral
Where?
Blanket coverage has appeared globally, with the story being picked up on The Guardian, The Telegraph, BBC, Daily Mail, CNN, ABC News, Washington Post etc
Why?
A prime example of how not to handle a crisis – the statement which read ‘We are aware of this video and have reported this matter to Essex Police’ has been critisiced by PR industry professionals due to its lack of empathy and inadequate response
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