Have a Tonic with your Burger

After many weeks of pitching, a shit load of Whoppers and a couple of trips to the States, we can finally announce the news that Burger King Middle East has appointed us as their creative agency… who's your daddy :)

This is probably the first time in the region that a global blue-chip brand has moved it’s entire creative account to an independent agency and hopefully it won’t be the last. We won against four other network agencies after a pretty intense pitch that included two rounds of reviews from BK regional head office and key franchises, as well as a final validation from BK’s US brand agency, Crispin Porter + Bogusky.

The decision by BK to give their account to us as an independent agency is a sure sign that the region is evolving. Regional marketers are beginning to realize the advantages of dealing with creative agencies that are producing daring and effective communication that finds its way into popular culture.

So soon, we’ll be entertaining you guys with some fresh, appetizing work made to order, the way only Tonic can deliver. Ok, too many puns, my bad.

Radio for Art Directors

Recently, Tony Hertz was in the UAE doing his Radio for Art Directors workshop and if there's any place in the world that needs more help in producing better radio, it's Dubai. The workshop helps advertising agencies and clients alike find better ways of approaching radio advertising. I couldn't help feel though, that Tony was preaching to the converted. I wish there were more clients and stations in attendance. Never the less, it was an inspiring day and everyone left the workshop ready to produce the next award winning spot. I pulled the following ad off Tony's website. Enjoy.

For more info visit www.hertzradio.com

New Bafco Campaign for 2008

Finally a new campaign for 2008 worth posting. We've been so busy working on property clients that we're going a little crazy (ok, maybe alot crazy). Anyway, Bafco have always given us creative leeway and this year was no exception. This was a campaign that we wrote and rewrote because we never knew where to draw the line. Here are the first three ads, there might be more depending on how well they are received. All pics were shot by Peter Walker and the styling, props and locations were provided by Nadia Marto from Production Planning Solutions in Dubai.

This is Elliot. He still lives with his mother. This is his car. This is his best friend. His idea of fun. How he spends most of his evenings. And this is his job. The only thing that stops Elliot from putting a bullet through his middle-aged balding head is coming to work everyday where he can be more productive in his ergonomically designed office chair and feel like a real player.

Copywriters Wanted

Tonic's first ad of 2008 is a follow up to our much-loved or much-hated but much-responded "Apple core logo Art Director Wanted” ad. This time we’re looking for copywriters. Borrowed from a clever wordplay, we thought this simple sign would make a great recruitment ad for writers.

If you’re scratching your head thinking WTF, read each word carefully :) If you got the ad immediately, send us your book.

AWOL

It’s not often that we go on holiday (because we love our jobs so much), but recently quite a few of us went on leave. Tonicians were spread on nearly every continent on earth and some weren’t even on this planet ;)