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Sweets for my sweet, sugar for my work

November 9th, 2011 by RhiannonH

Rhiannon's cake

Baking is my hobby. Unlike most hobbies you undertake after office hours, it’s not something that helps you lose weight or meet new people. Baking is a hobby that gives you great culinary skills but best of all it gives you the ability to put huge smiles on faces with lovely cake.

I’ve baked a few cakes and jam tarts for the office and I’m proud to say the discerning palettes at Eulogy! polished them off in minutes. I feel I’m doing a service for the agency by giving them a bit of sugar to get the creative juices flowing and create some excellent PR!

When I was asked by the Grand Marnier account team to have a go at making the brands chocolate fondant recipe I was delighted to take part. At the time I was hooked by the British bake off and considered applying, so I was treating this task as though I was competing in the competition. That was until I realised I was being judged on producing a type of cake slightly out of the realms of my signature bakes. The image from the recipe looked like something Raymond Blanc would whip up without looking. While I feel confident with sponge and pastry, getting the gooey soft centre and silky hard casing correct for the fondant would prove a challenge.

Armed with my ingredients and Cath Kidston apron, I pre heated the oven and carefully read the recipe instructions three times. As the mixture started to emerge into what I felt was the correct consistency I threw caution to the wind and divided the carefully crafted chocolate goo into individual pots. After placing the fondants in the oven I had one eye on Coronation Street and the other watching every millimetre of the mixture rise.

When the seven minutes of cooking time was up I pulled the cakes out of the oven and plopped onto a plate with whipped cream and icing sugar. Initial reviews were very good as the piping hot runny chocolate centre went down a storm with my first critic, my possibly biased boyfriend. However after sitting in the fridge all night waiting to come to the office the cakes did not look their best. I should not have worried so much, while they might not have looked like something from Pierre Hermé in Paris; they were devoured by the Eulogy! cake lovers in seconds. As I like to say, it’s not what it looks like it’s how it tastes…well that’s what I like to think anyway. The fondants provided a little sugar to fuel our excellent creative PR ideas.

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Absolutely fussing over nothing?

September 2nd, 2011 by Phil

So Absolutely Fabulous is making an anniversary return and, whether you’re popping the cork on your nearest bottle of Bollinger or think the joke has since worn as thin as a Gucci pashmina, it’s a story which has gained much interest.  And rightly so.  As Mark Borkowski suggests as he airs his opinions on the subject here and here, the level of promotion (and as a result, buzz) around the show’s latest outing is enough to make any PR team very proud.  But the rest of his view, to me, is a little precious.

As a PR, I’m not remotely threatened by the damage Borkowski suggests will be wrought on my reputation, or that of my industry, by the characters in Absolutely Fabulous.  The show, arguably a classic of British comedy, is populated by caricatures and scripted around hyper-real situations, told to the audience in a familiar comedic format, set to a laughter track.  What’s more, it’s been part of the television landscape, on and off, for two decades.  Will its appearance really make any difference to how PR and its people are perceived, especially when it’s worth noting that with the greatest will in the world, these new episodes won’t stray more than a few drunken steps from the themes of the original, for fear of disappointing a nostalgia loving audience?

My issue with Borkowski’s viewpoint is twofold.  Firstly, it doesn’t matter what the wider audience thinks about Ab Fab; it’s what our audience thinks.  Are we really suggesting that client budget holders, the channel owners, the industry experts, the media at large, the users of our skills and services, will base their opinion on something that’s been part of the national consciousness for so long?  Anyone can tell I’m not from the Ab Fab mould within the first 30 seconds of meeting me, so what’s the worry?  And secondly, if we’re going to think about changing perceptions, shouldn’t our time and effort be focused on building on the existing stature and value of PR to these aforementioned audiences, so we’re able to secure even larger shares of the budget?  This, to me, should be based on what PR can and does achieve, and has nothing to do with bemoaning the misadventures of an obviously fictional character.

Yes, Lynne Franks received some stick through association, but that also didn’t stop her highlighting her role as the show’s inspiration (in true self-promotional style).  Say what you like about her but Franks has always been a smart PR operator, especially when she recognised the value her association with Ab Fab delivered over any negative connotations, and went on to build a career out of it.

Getting hung up on a TV show which the entire audience knows is nothing more than a fashion-conscious joke seems a little like overreaction, or perhaps it’s simply a way of Borkowski saying something mildly controversial to generate some self-promotion of his own.  I suppose that’s what ‘PR gurus’ are famous for.

Absolutely Fussing over nothing?

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Cannes you believe it?

July 1st, 2011 by Louisa

Myself, Vicky and Phil are officially old ( I know, a shocker). After a mammoth sojourn to the Cote d’Azure we are all feeling the pains of no sleep and beaucoup de vins. It’s an awful job but someone had to do it.

The jam packed schedule started the moment we hit the airport where we met with Gemma Greaves, Marketing Director of The Marketing Society to talk serious business (well more the best restaurants, parties and bars, it was imperative to visit).

After dumping our bags we hit the Croisette for a spot of steak tartare and bumped into no other than Tim Hipperson of G2. Vicky then had a meeting with MEC and Phil and I co-created probably our most glamorous comment piece ever (in terms of location) with Christoph Becker at Gyro. No rest for the wicked (and no planned nap) we headed off to the back of town to catch up with The Brand Union following their stupendous installation, The Big Book, which had pride of place at the foot of the Palais. And yes our photos could be found amongst the pages, much to our delight. Although we still haven’t forgiven Rankin for not recognising our photographic genius by failing to select them for the top 11 (eleven is the new ten, apparently). Never mind, we don’t hold a grudge (much).

Supper was a lovely affair at a beautiful garden terrace, where we spotted none other than Robert Redford – although on closer inspection, I suspect it wasn’t really him… although has anyone else noticed the distinct resemblance to John Hegarty???

And then to the Gala Party, followed by the Gutter Bar where they ran out of beer – outrageous. I think we crawled to bed at 5am.

Bright eyed and bushy tailed the next morning (going via a pharmacy for Phil, who managed to lose his voice the night before), we grabbed a coffee and awaited the arrival of another client, Alchemetrics.  Given it was their first time at Cannes, the weeks previous we executed a campaign nattily entitled “Cannes You Find Us” through LinkedIn and Twitter. This culminated in a photo shoot by The Big Book, which challenged delegates to come and find us; the prize a free lunch. We were “found” but we promised not to reveal by whom – they don’t want anyone to know they like free lunches! (But it’s sooo tempting). After a long lunch in the old town we were joined by the lovely Caroline Barker at Momentum and Gemma from the Marketing Society, where the “after, after party” was conceived, brainstormed and agreed. Amuse bouches (not sure that’s the plural) were a key feature.

Caroline and I then went to her interview with Adforum.com and then had a wander around the amazing Japan exhibition, a collection of fundraising creative activated by adland in response to the earthquake. Here we spied Michael Roth and the Japanese Ambassador to France. On to The Big Book cocktail party where we entertained journalists from as far afield as Australia.

Again shunning a nap we hot footed it to the Campaign Party (sleep is for wimps) and hobnobbed with Phil Smith, Sara Kimberly, Jeremy King, Suzanne Bidlake amongst others. Without a doubt a fantastic event (although I probably would say that!), not least because I had my first paddle and met a super new business lead. On to supper and then another session a la Gutter alongside Momentum who had just finished organising one of the parties that everyone wanted a ticket for. So exclusive was it,  even we didn’t get a pass (!!!). Then to Bed. Selflessly we had given up one of our rooms to the plight of a journalist so  Vic and I shared a rediculously small bed – it’s a good job we like each other (and I think we still do, Vic?).

The following morning we sorted out our Shots tickets, caught up with a few more journalists, harassed Phil Smith, who happened to have the misfortune of staying in the same hotel, and then hung out on the Carlton Terrace to people watch. Then off to the Ogilvy party which had the most magnificent aerial acrobats amongst flowing cocktails and plentiful sausage rolls. Contentment is a party called Ogilvy. The battered mars bars were a big Eulogy! hit.

We then decamped to The Shots Party, which was absolutely heaving and at capacity by 12.30am. An apparent record. Big thanks go to Attilio and Hayley for looking after us so wonderfully.

And then because it’s the law, a stint back at the Gutter. Where the prices had magically increased by 7% on the night before. We are seriously in the wrong business.

Not only did we meet and spend time with some great people,  but we also learnt masses too. Watching sessions such as the debate between Murdoch and Sir Sorrell were invaluable, not to mention listening to the controversy  caused by Will.i.am’s exertion that “Ad agencies are yesterday”, innit.

Another festival over, but it was without a doubt the busiest I have seen in recent years and the mood exceptionally buoyant. If that’s anything to go by, hopefully the industry can look forward to a more positive year than last.

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Jason Eulogy! get back on track with wonder Gold!

June 22nd, 2011 by Andrew

The great quote says that it’s not about how many times you fall down, but how you pick yourself back up. And so it was that Jason Eulogy! returned to the field of play at London Bridge after a humiliating 12-1 defeat to Synergy, looking to get their London PR League campaign back on track against high-flying Nelson Bostock. Without attackers Rik Salmon and David Macnamara to look to, Eulogy! were short, but what they lacked in players they made up for with partisan support from the strong Eulogy! crowd in attendance.

With star keeper Fletcher restored to between the sticks, Jason Eulogy!’s confidence was evident. They started quickly and soon found themselves 1-0 up with Boyers opening the scoring. After neat link up play with Gold, who pulled back for Boyers to smash into the top right hand corner for 2-0, Eulogy were immediately looking comfortable. A couple of minutes later and Boyers had completed his hat-trick – another cool finish showing why he’s top of the scoring charts with 18 goals this season.

However, Jason Eulogy! showed that they are prone to switching off and failing to track back with Nelson Bostock scoring two goals to make it 3-1 and 4-2, making the scoreline far closer than it needed to be.
At 3-1 though, it was left to Gold to score the goal of the night, the tournament so far, the year, the decade and perhaps even all time. Taking the ball just inside the half-way line Gold curled an unstoppable Bergkamp-esque shot into the top right hand corner, in off the cross bar.. .Gold was, however, heard muttering to Horn afterwards: “that was a total fluke.” Indeed.

Cohen then scored his first ever goal for Jason Eulogy! since his big-money summer move, sliding the ball home much to the joy of the crowd who had themselves a new hero. Cohen was a constant threat during the night and demonstrated that so far, he is an inspired signing, finishing the night with two goals.

While Eulogy continued to press, Nelson Bostock offered little. Horn and Steward were rarely troubled at the back, impressively marshalling the defence and setting up a number of Eulogy!’s forward moves. They even began to maraud confidently forward too, both coming close to their first goals of the season. Half time and Eulogy! were comfortable at 6-2, a win looking likely. It should have been more with a number of chances going awry during the first half.

After the break Jason Eulogy! continued to find Nelson Bostock’s keeper in fine form making a string of saves from Boyers, Gold, Cohen and even Horn. However Eulogy didn’t get frustrated, continuing to press and show their counter-attacking prowess. A ball straight from the back by Horn was flicked on neatly by Gold for Boyers to run into the open space on the left and rifle into the bottom right hand corner for 7-2.

Eulogy didn’t rest on their laurels and with Fletcher coming on for an outfield cameo midway through the second half, the front trio of Gold, Fletcher and Boyers linked up beautifully for Boyers to complete his double hat-trick with a powerful shot from the right to make it 9-3. Fletcher usually the stopper of so many goals, came so close to a goal of his own when his neat shot was tipped onto the post.

Athletico got a final consolation to make the final score  9-4 – the only blemish for sub-keeper Horn, but by that point the damage had been done and Jason Eulogy! had secured a comfortable win, firming their grip on 4th in the table and that all important Champions League place.

After the match captain and man-of-the-match Andrew Boyers was full of praise for Jason Eulogy: “Another great performance in front of a fantastic crowd, once again. We’ve got great support so it was nice to send them home with a win.” Asked about Ben Gold’s wonder goal overshadowing his second double-hat-trick haul of the tournament, Boyers said: “it was a great strike, but if you put a ball at the feet of Katie Bawler even she’s bound to make a good connection at least once.”

Rumours are rife about the growing rift between Jason Eulogy’s strike partnership of Gold and Boyers; during the match, Gold was heard saying he hated the fact that Boyers was top scorer and it’s no secret that Boyers was disappointed too, to not have the limelight on him for a change last night. When asked about the possible fall out after the match, Gold did little to quash the rumours: “I’m pleased I got my one goal of the season and Jason Eulogy got the win. That’s all that matters at this stage.”

So Jason Eulogy! go into next week’s game full of confidence, but with the threat of inner turmoil constantly following them. Will they succumb?

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VICTORY

June 1st, 2011 by Andrew

They say that before you know what success feels like, you have to suffer an absolute spanking beforehand. And so it was, that after their 12-4 drubbing by Grayling, that Jason Eulogy! FC would return to work on Wednesday heroes of the hour. That is, of course, if the Department for Transport would allow it. For it was they, that were slain by the sword of Jason last night.

Previous performances had affected morale and attendance – yet again, Jason Eulogy! turned up with no fans. But then, neither did DfT. Who needs fans anyway?

Following last week’s embarrassment Boyers made wholesale changes; Gold and Macnamara stepping in for Salmon and Steward for their first starts. From the outset, JE FC could smell blood. Delayed reactions from the DfT resulting in early passes cancelled out by surging Eulogy! attacks, an early goal was on the cards.

It came down to Captain Boyers to lead the way. A mazy, if a little clumsy and greedy run through the DfT back line was followed up by a swerving shot hitting the post, ricocheting of the flapping goalkeeper and into the net. Boyers’ claims to have scored the goal were curtailed by his entire team. An own goal it was.

But a goal, nonetheless. A hope. A chink of light. Maybe we might not get spanked after all. Tails up, Eulogy! dominated; Gold and Horn, steady at the back, Boyers, greedily sensing a few goals in the game surging forward with the ever-present Macnamara. Boyers scored two in quick succession, the second an opportunist long range shot. 3-0. It was down to the always reliable Fletcher to make a string of saves to keep the DfT score at zero. DfT became ragged; fouls aplenty, their only way of stemming the flow.

Gold, Macnamara and Salmon all fancied a piece of the action, too. Goals galore. Celebrations, jubilant scenes. If only there had been fans to celebrate the success. By half time it was 6-0 to Jason Eulogy!. A done deal. Wham, bam, thank you mam.

A shock substitution at half time saw England’s number 1 venture out of goal for the first time this season – his brief cameo showing he has skills in his feet as well as his hands. Chaos abounded at who would replace Fletcher, however. Salmon, desperate not to look the chump in gloves hollered ‘BAGSY NOT IN GOAL’ first. Coward. Boyers, captain, manager, shirked the choice. Coward. Horn, the man of honour, stepped up. In he went, and promptly let in three goals. None his fault, all the result of cockiness. For a moment we thought we were Arsenal. We weren’t.

At 8-3, panic set in. Fletcher was restored to shotstopper extraordinaire. ‘Thank god’, the team uttered. Steward steadied the ship at the back – a predator pouncing on all that was put in front of him. For the rest of the game, he was a rock – nothing got past him. DfT tired; gaps opened up, with Boyers and Gold linking up nicely for 9-3 and the pick of the goals. Two players on a hat-trick – who would be first? Fate uttered ‘Boyers’, and so it was. A powerful shot from the lanky northerner went through the DfT’s keeper for 10-3. Triumph – a hat-trick hero. But he wasn’t alone. He would be joined by Gold next, Salmon after that. Macnamara, pissed off that he wasn’t part of the club, scored two late goals to join that club, a third a scorching Henry-esque volley.‘YES!’ he screamed, all those years of hurt pouring out.

13-3 it finished – an emphatic win. Glory, glory Jason Eulogy. The dream is back on.

After the match, Gold, on scoring his first hat-trick of the season, was delighted: “To come back from my horrific injury last season and score a hat-trick in my first start is amazing. This pushes us on for the season – there’s a long way to go, but who knows where we can finish?.” Asked if he was gutted to have missed out on the ‘Player of the Match’ award to his captain Boyers, Gold was dismissive: “This was a team performance. We were all players of the match.”

Macnamara, still ecstatic after his hat-trick, was jubilant: “YESSSSSSSSSS!”

Bring on Red, they said.

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