Kia Motors America in Irvine released a new series of television commercials featuring NBA all-star Blake Griffin.
“As a global brand ambassador, this marks Blake’s fourth campaign for our best-selling Optima and he keeps getting better and better,” Kia Vice President of Marketing and Communications Tim Chaney said in a statement. “The Optima has been Kia’s most popular vehicle since the time when our partnership with Blake began, and he has helped us foster connections with basketball fans across the country, increase awareness and enhance our brand image.”
The first 60-second spot, “Showdown,” features Griffin as an unruly star of a Western movie in the midst of filming—“Sherriff Griffin” arrives at the scene of a shootout in a Kia Optima instead of on a horse, arguing with the director that his ride has “274 horse power and looks that demand respect.”
The other two TV spots follow a similar concept, one set on an aircraft carrier, the other in ancient Rome.
The first spot aired on Christmas Day during NBA games, with others debuting throughout the NBA season. They were created by David&Goliath, Kia’s advertising agency of record.
Got Cows?
The California Milk Processor Board in San Clemente is sponsoring the got milk? CowParade scheduled for September in various cities throughout the state.
The public art event features life-size fiberglass cows decorated by local and sometimes famous artists, designers and celebrities, such as Kate Spade, David Lynch and Christian Lacroix. It has been staged in 80 cities worldwide since 1999 and raised more than $20 million for nonprofit organizations.
This year’s “herd” will be exhibited in Los Angeles, San Diego, Palm Springs, Sacramento, Fresno, Bakersfield and San Francisco. The art pieces will be auctioned off, and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to several nonprofit groups, including THINK Together in Costa Mesa.
“We’re proud to present the opportunity for California cities and companies to join the celebration and participate in this historic art exhibition,” Steve James, executive director of the Milk Processor Board, said in a statement. “We’re going to promote education, art, and our important dairy industry—through this fun and creative installation that will be uniquely California.”
The event is the brainchild of CowParade Holdings Corp. in West Hartford, Conn. The Milk Processor Board’s sponsorship includes public relations and advertising support.
VR Show
It took eight 5K-resolution cameras by Red Digital Cinema Camera Co. in Irvine to shoot Volvo Car Corp.’s new marketing video of its 2015 XC90 luxury crossover SUV.
But it’s not for a TV commercial—the footage, filmed on mountain roads near Vancouver, turns into “a virtual reality test drive” displayed on smartphones via Google Cardboard.
The DIY, fold-out cardboard and Velcro headset is designed by Google Inc. to encase a smartphone. The video, created by New York-based agency R/GA, runs through the Volvo Reality app, creating a low-cost virtual reality experience.
Red’s EPIC cameras—valued at $800,000—were positioned “so that the entire environment around the [viewer] is captured. … Footage was then stitched together to create the full 360-degree view,” according to the company.
The Sweden-based automaker also used the Oculus Rift by Irvine-based Oculus VR Inc. at the recent L.A. Auto Show to advertise the new SUV.
Bits & Pieces
Mazda North American Operations in Irvine added New York Times best-selling author Jade Gurss to its motorsports public relations and marketing team. Gurss wrote “Driver #8” with Dale Earnhardt Jr., and “DW: A Lifetime Going Around in Circles” with Darrell Waltrip. … Morgan Marketing & Public Relations in Irvine promoted Kristin Daher to vice president. She joined the agency in 2010 and was promoted to agency director in 2013. … Irvine-based O’Neil Software Inc., a provider of technology solutions for commercial records management, promoted Mike Jacobs to vice president of marketing. … BSH Home Appliances Corp. in Irvine named Daniel Kenny its U.S. brand marketing director. He was in charge of marketing and merchandising at Los Angeles-based Paul’s TV prior to the appointment.
