Ad Matters 15.8.25

This summer rolls hazily on. Judging by the out-of-offices, there’s a good few folk in our industry enjoying a break or two during these hot, hot weeks. So, if you’re kicking back and relaxing, or if you’re looking for more inspiration on that  commute, here are a few recommendations of things the AA team have been enjoying…

The podcasts we are listening to this summer include ‘The Rest is History’, ‘The Chipping Forecast’, ‘Psychopedia’, Comfort Eating with Grace Dent’, ‘The Rest is Politics’, ‘Nearly Parents’, ‘Wanging on with Graham and Maria’, ‘Feel Better, Live More’ by Dr Chatterjee and for those interested in climate, ‘Outrage + Optimism’.

On the top of our reading list has been The Spy Who Came In From The Cold by John Le Carre, Fundamentally by Nussaibah Younis, The Happiness Equation by Neil Pasricha, Yellowface by R.F. Kuang and Table for Two by Amor Towles.

Movie and TV recommendations from the team include the remake of The Naked Gun and the new Superman film (both in cinemas now), Sinners, Overcompensating, Slow Horses, Freakier Friday and Alien: Earth (building on Ridley Scott’s legacy).

Our must reads:

• Alex Dalman, head of AI at VCCP, and other advertisers give their opinion on advertising’s new audience: AI. (City AM)
• Meagan Loyst, Founder of Gen Z VCs, explains how brands can make social content using creator entertainment, advice and marketing on TikTok. (The Times)
• Adland has supported Brixton Finishing School’s silent fundraising auction to fund diverse talent to join their eight-week summer school. (The Media Leader)
• The children from Educating Yorkshire have featured in a one-take film ‘School’s back’ by 4Creative and Blink director, Dougal Wilson. (LBB)

Our pick of the ads:

• Our Ad in the A is Accenture Song’s ‘Women’s Rugby World Cup’ for Defender which celebrates Emily Valentine, the first ever female rugby player.
• AMV BBDO’s  ‘Step into the future’ for Currys encourages consumers to replace their old laptops with new technology.
• Dude London has transformed Tower Bridge into ‘The Biggest Goal’ to celebrate the beginning of the new Premier League season for Puma.
• Havas London hailed Birds Eye as the ‘flag-bearer for frozen food’ with their new mantra “That’s a recipe for a life well fed.”

And finally, I’m chuffed to bits to say the final manuscript for our new book, Trusted Advertising, (which I’ve been writing with James Best) has been submitted to the publishers, Kogan Page. Many of you reading have been brilliant, helping with interviews, data, research reports and insights to put this one together. It comes out in February next year and we’ll be sharing more about the book and our plans with you nearer the time.