Memoirs of a beach bum: Anil Thakraney

On Day One, the suits took over and made ultra boring presentations on their cost cutting methods. No wonder most creative types were missing in action (I know for a fact that quite a few had landed in Goa, but were very smartly busy doing their own thing elsewhere), and the ‘diya’ lighting ceremony was conducted in a near empty conclave.

e4m by exchange4media Staff
Published: Apr 3, 2009 9:29 AM  | 4 min read
Memoirs of a beach bum: Anil Thakraney

First day: Left brain rules

Er, this was all about the right brain calling the shots, no? Sadly, on Day One, it got squashed by its left partner. The suits took over and made ultra boring presentations on their cost cutting methods. So, it was back to the usual intricate bar and pie charts to give us such gems as: control wastage and be prudent in these difficult times. Wow, never heard that one before! And when they weren’t telling us the obvious, the sassy managers made sure we watched their stunning adverts.

No wonder most creative types were missing in action (I know for a fact that quite a few had landed in Goa, but were very smartly busy doing their own thing elsewhere), and the ‘diya’ lighting ceremony was conducted in a near empty conclave. Had there not been a free supply of lip-smacking samosas and dokhlas, we would have been in big trouble. Of course, the media (print, electronic and web) was in full attendance, religiously taking in every sound byte.

So, we had the opening speeches at Asia’s biggest (allegedly) and most hyped ad fest with only the journalists in the house. May as well have held the opening ceremony inside one of ET Now’s upcoming swanky Mumbai studios. Why fly to Goa and waste so much moolah (talk of cost cutting)? I fled after two presentations (maybe things picked up later, though I have my suspicions), and decided to return for booze and food later in the evening.

Hopefully today (Friday) things will pick up, and we will hear some interesting people. Else, I am getting hold of beers, getting my skin tanned and my right brain massaged on the resplendent Cavelossim.

Poor Bhaskar Das

Well, poor isn’t exactly the right word to use for TOI’s big gun, he’s at the top of the pyramid of the nation’s richest media house. But excessive beer in the system (oof… this ‘atyachaari’ Goa heat!) has gotten me a little ‘emosanal’. Have known Das for many years now, even did an illegal (on my part) freelance assignment for him once upon a time. And I know this about the man: he is too correct and hardcore a suit to help journos in his organisation with award leaks. So, even if he is heading the Bombay Ad Club, I totally absolve him of having anything to do with the leak in the Economic Times.

Truth is, award competitions leak more than a municipal water tanker, so no one is really surprised. At least there’s one thing that can be said about ad trophies: they are not fixed and awards don’t go to contestants who have the right connections. A bit porous, sure, but by and large there is fairness in the system, something you just cannot say about Bollywood awards. Out there, every single star who graces the show is given out a metal, just so he/she doesn’t walk away feeling like a loser. Sadly, that doesn’t happen at ad fests, so don’t think I will go home with a medal.

But, ET guys need to introspect

Dudes, I know you must be gloating on this little ‘scoop’, but let me tell you, having spoken to some ad guys out here, the joke is on you. Folks come to Goa to gossip, party, drink and network. No one really gives a rat’s arse on a leak. They’d anyway know the results in some hours, so all you guys have done is make them snigger some more at the stupid sensationalism of the Indian media. As if Star News and Aaj Tak weren’t doing enough of that already.

If you have to prove your mettle on investigative journalism, expose tax ducks by our ‘netas’ and ‘bada’ stars. Or the way the middle class is cheated out by real estate daddies. Or how how corporates fudge their balance sheets. Oh, but you were caught napping when Satyam did its number! There’s not much glory in telling us who won what awards a couple of days in advance. There’s as much bravery in this deed as those urchins stealthily stealing ‘paani’ from water tankers. Dear ET, something to think about tonight over some King’s (just thirty bucks a bottle… am lovin’ it!).

The layout is cool

Must admit, the organisers have made sure the venue is decked up nicely and grandly. There are beach walk-bys to the various rooms, and the entire deco is festive and uplifting. The service is fantastic and the food and liquids inviting. Full credit to Colvyn Harris, Madhukar Kamath, Bhaskar Das, Ajay Chandwani and others for putting up a great and tasteful presentation. Now, if only the speakers on the first day complemented their work. Anyway, am sure things will improve once the right brainers come to the beach party.

Till tomorrow.

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E4M Our strategy is to target younger audiences through Sports: Rajiv Dubey, Dabur

The Head of Media at Dabur India spoke exclusively to exchange4media on the World Cup, associating with Indian Idol, the company’s digital spending and much more

e4m by e4m Staff
Published: Oct 27, 2023 6:15 PM  | 1 min read
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With quirky campaigns, memes and moment marketing, timed with the ongoing World Cup and particularly the India-Pakistan matches, Dabur India has got considerable consumer attention for its popular brands – Red Paste, Cool King Hair Oil, Chyawanprash, Dabur Vita and the recently launched Bae Fresh Gel toothpaste.

The 140-year-old company is going big on key sporting events, World Television Premiere (WTP) movies and reality shows. It is now gearing up to become the title sponsor of popular talent show ‘Indian Idol’ on Sony TV for the first time, shared Rajiv Dubey, who leads the media strategy at Dabur.

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Swapan Seth's new book 'COOL' is out

The book is a reflection of the author's 'eclectic taste across categories'

e4m by e4m Staff
Published: Oct 27, 2023 6:07 PM  | 1 min read
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Advertising professional and art collector Swapan Seth has announced the launch of his new book COOL. The book is described as "a ready reckoner to the hip and the happening, of the known and the very unknown."

The book is a reflection of the author's "eclectic taste across categories: from boltholes to exotic hideaways."

COOL has been published by Simon & Schuster India and is available on Amazon.

Seth is an ad veteran with a long and illustrious career in the industry. He became the youngest-ever Creative Director at Clarion at age 24. He was VP at 26 at Trikaya Grey. Two years later, he started his agency Equus.

He writes for publications such as The Economic Times, Hindustan Times and India Today. This is his second book and he has previously published THIS IS ALL I HAVE TO SAY.

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Disney Star signs 9 sponsors for Asia Cup PAK

Charged by Thums Up, Nerolac Paint+, Amazon Pay, Jindal Panther, My11Circle, MRF, Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5, Wild Stone and Thums Up come on board

e4m by exchange4media Staff
Published: Aug 26, 2023 11:48 AM  | 1 min read
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e4m Staff Disney Star has signed nine broadcast and digital streaming sponsors for the upcoming Asia Cup.

Charged by Thums Up, Nerolac Paint+, Amazon Pay, Jindal Panther, My11Circle, MRF, Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5, Wild Stone and Thums Up have come on board for the upcoming tournament.
As reported earlier by exchange4media, Disney Star has sought Rs 26 crore for the co-presenting sponsorship on TV and Rs 30 crore for Disney+ Hotstar.

According to industry sources, the associate sponsorship on Star Sports has been priced at Rs 19.66 crore, whereas for the ‘powered by’ sponsorship on Disney+ Hotstar, the broadcaster is seeking Rs 18 crore.

As per the information available with exchange4media, Disney+ Hotstar has three sponsorship tiers-- co-presenting (Rs 30 crore), powered by (Rs 18 crore) and associate sponsorship (Rs 12 crore). The broadcaster is offering an estimated reach of 120-140 million for co-presenting sponsors, 90-100 million for powered by and 60-70 million for associate sponsorship.

A spot buy for 10 seconds has been priced at Rs 25 lakh for the India vs Pakistan matches, while for the non-India matches, the ad rate for 10 second is Rs 2.3 lakh. The India matches plus the final for ODIs has been priced at Rs 17 lakh per 10 seconds.

Asia Cup is scheduled to be held from 30 August, 2023, to September 17, 2023.

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Sorted 360 wins creative & social media mandate of Reliance Mall

The agency will manage offline and online campaigns for Reliance Mall

e4m by exchange4media Staff
Published: Aug 26, 2023 10:54 AM  | 1 min read
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Sorted 360, an integrated creative and social media agency, has won the mandate to providing brand solutions for Reliance Malls across India.

“Sorted 360 is set to enhance Reliance Malls' market presence with their unparalleled creative prowess and strategic thinking,” read a press release.

“Sorted 360's commitment to pushing the boundaries of creative communication aligns perfectly with Reliance Malls' ethos. With a pan-India presence spanning across 19 cities and growing, Reliance Malls has consistently captivated customers by offering an array of Reliance brands and third-party fashion & lifestyle brands. The mall has established an unparalleled connection with its patrons through superior quality, a remarkable value proposition, and an unmatched shopping experience,” it read further.

"We are thrilled to welcome Sorted 360 as our trusted partner in advancing our brand presence across the nation," said the Head of Marketing at Relaice Malls. "Their proven expertise in retail, shopping center management, and innovative creative strategies make them the perfect fit for our vision."

"Partnering with Reliance Malls is a testament to our commitment to shaping extraordinary brand experiences," remarked Prerana Anatharam, Co-founder of Sorted 360. "We are excited to leverage our strategic and creative acumen to further elevate Reliance Malls as the epitome of convenience, choice, and excellence."

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e4m by exchange4media Staff
Published: Aug 25, 2023 4:39 PM  | 1 min read

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e4m by exchange4media Staff
Published: Aug 25, 2023 4:38 PM  | 1 min read

KlugKlug onboards Hemang Mehta as Country Manager for Indias

Mehta was most recently Head of Agency Relationships at Network 18 Media & Investments

e4m by exchange4media Staff
Published: Aug 24, 2023 3:35 PM  | 1 min read
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KlugKlug has appointed Hemang Mehta as its Country Manager for India.

Mehta will play a pivotal role in driving KlugKlug's growth and expansion within the Indian market and be responsible for Sales & GTM Strategy

Prior to that, he has also represented organisations like Exponential (now VDX.tv), India Today Digital and Rediff.com. His expertise spans various domains including digital media sales, mobile marketing, media planning, and buying, social media marketing, and more.

Hemang Mehta expressed his enthusiasm about joining KlugKlug, saying, "I am thrilled to be a part of KlugKlug, a forward-thinking platform that is reshaping the influencer marketing landscape. As much as I look forward to collaborating with the exuberant team at KlugKlug, I am super excited to interact with the brands to deliver powerful data-backed Influencer solutions that will guarantee business outcomes."

Commenting on the appointment, Kalyan Kumar, Co-Founder and CEO of KlugKlug, stated, "We are excited to welcome Hemang Mehta to our team as the Country Manager for India. His extensive experience in digital media sales and marketing will be instrumental in driving our efforts to provide influencer marketing solutions to our clients. We believe Hemang's leadership will be key in scaling our operations and expanding our reach within the Indian market."

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