RedFence

Movie of the Moment 16

The Editor’s pick of videos by awfully talented people.

BaM!

We don’t usually flog for the big corporations, but I believe that good work should be commended. In this case, Microsoft got it right. The software Megatron’s latest series of web-ready micro-ads managed to shake off the stuffy pretentiousness that ham-strung earlier attempts at humorous advertising (think the embarrassingly unfunny marriage of Gates and Seinfeld in those atrocious man-of-the-people spots ::shudder::). The intent to make videos with some hope of “going viral” may be entirely transparent, but for once the attempt was not also completely insulting. These ads are actually goofy, engaging, and maybe even worth Stumbling to someone.

Not too surprising that the juggernaut owes this bit of success to a relatively tiny partner. Indianapolis-based ad agency Bradley and Montgomery, affectionately known as BaM, created the spots. The company’s homepage runs sadly lean on company history and biographical info, but it does proclaim the firms commitment to “Speed,” “Courage,” and “Independence.” Can’t vouch for the speed or independence, but any creative team willing to face the perils of creating its own LOLcatz deserves points for courage.

We also have BaM (pronounced like bam!) to thank for the recent “Windows Mojave” stunt that lied to test users in order to trick them into liking the largely despised Windows Vista OS. Yep, gotta hand it to a company that tells Microsoft they need to make an ad that takes advantage of the fact that everyone hates their operating system. Then, next time around, they come up with a series of spots mocking people for wanting all the features introduced on its new browser.

All I have to say is: Keep up the good work guys!