Blog categorized as Branded Debrief

This week had actual brand decisions, made by real people, that tell you something about what a company believes.

This week gave me a fresh reminder of how fast that habit gets expensive, and how much faster the smart people get out once they figure out what they actually agreed to.

Cannes wrapped Friday and July 4th is Saturday. I’ve been thinking about the fact that they’re happening at the same time. The biggest creative awards show on the planet and the biggest brand opportunity in 250 years, back to back.

Cannes week does something to me every year. Twenty-four years in this business and the festival still makes me equal parts proud and embarrassed, sometimes in the same afternoon. This week handed me both feelings before the opening ceremony even started.

The World Cup opening ceremony shared its biggest moment with a stuffed monster. A fried chicken chain figured out the collectible toy game better than most toy companies have in years. And two brands told us exactly who they are, in opposite directions. One nailed it. One didn’t.