Atonement

My visit to see Atonement was quite eventful. We settled down into our seats at Odeon Tottenham Court Road, just as the film was starting. The room was completely quiet. Too completely quiet, it soon became clear. There was no sound for the first 20 minutes. The whole cinema revolted, led by a fabulous Australian girl. The manager was apologetic, but no, he couldn't start the film again. He explained this was because of the digital technology. I would like to believe him, but my cynical side suspects it may have been more to do with the fact they didn't want to spoil their schedule. To make a long story shorter, we eventually got our money back and some complimentary tickets; which I felt was the only appropriate course of action for the manager after our Friday night had been a bit of a disaster.

On Sunday, we decided to try again. We also decided that, as we had guest passes, we would go to the huge Odeon in Leicester Square. We got fabulous seats and the film was fantastic in my humble opinion (although it would seem Cosmo from The Times is a harder man to please). Keira Knightly's acting was much better and the cinematography was stunning. Odeon made amends for Friday night's fiasco; their brand equity is now higher in my eyes!

The Battle of Big Thinking

I have a flyer for the 3rd Annual Branded Content Forum on my desk. It looks really interesting. So I am going to go.

In my time at the IPA, I've been lucky enough to go to loads of interesting conferences and seminars. Not only have they helped me do my present job, but have filled my head with all sorts of random facts and ideas, which will hopefully be useful in the future.

The one conference which I'd love to go to is 'The Battle of Big Thinking'. I've heard it was great last year, but I haven't managed to get hold of a ticket for it yet ...to go there will be one of my New Year 2008 resolutions, I think.

Planning Books

I love books. I am regarded as bizarre by my friends as I probably read more than I watch T.V.

One of my many favourite books is Atonement by Ian McEwan. This is mainly because it is stunningly, beautifully written. I like the plot as well, but if I could ever frame a sentence as perfectly as Ian McEwan, I would be a very happy girl.

When discussing the film and Ian McEwan generally in the office, it became increasingly clear that not everyone shares my high opinion. 'Pretentious b******!' was one of the more extreme responses. I am sure he probably is; great writers are not known for being likable human beings in general, but I'm still going to wax lyrical about Atonement.

I am going to see the film tomorrow, which I am quite intrigued by. I usually find Keira Knightly wooden, so I hope she raises her game.

On the subject of books, I have decided to read a few about planning, in preparation for my secondment at BBH. I've already read a few, but manged to miss 'Truth, Lies and Advertising', which is apparently essential reading. I will be curling up with that tonight.

Everyone loves a story

"Everyone hates ads, everyone loves a story."

This quote is from someone we interviewed for Hamish's book.

This opinion is also popular outside marketing and in advertsing.

Perhaps agencies need to be hiring journalists and storytellers, copywriters should go on creative writing courses and planners should find the story, rather than (or as well as) the insight?

I'm back!

After a fabulous holiday, I am back!

I like to try something new each time I go away, to stop myself being accused of being boring. This year it was exploring caves. Given my claustrophobia and hatred of all small spaces (particularly lifts), this was no small thing.

However, once walking the 1.7km underground, I needn't have worried. These caves were more like caverns the size of the Albert Hall. We walked along, guided only by torches and an excitable Frenchman (stupidly, we thought our 'we can get buy relatively well' French would cope with cave lingo - it was interesting) until we were ordered to turn our torches off. Apprehensively I did so, grabbing onto some poor man's arm. The electric spot lights then flickered and, suddenly, I was staring at the most wonderful prehistoric doodles. The excitable Frenchman explained that the horses and bison were believed to have religious or sexual symbolism.

I maintain that some poor caveman/woman, 1.7km into the Earth, had looked out at the miserable Pyrenean weather that morning and decided to stay in. When bored of staring at the fire, s/he decided to decorate his/her cave with pretty pictures. Or maybe it was advertising the menu for dinner? Or maybe I'm being flippant?!

Advertising quotes

I have spent far too much time this afternoon looking for positive quotes about advertising. You wouldn't think it would be that difficult.. and it isn't, if you want something negative!

The only remotely interesting ones I have found are:

"Advertising is the foot on the accelerator, the hands on the throttle, the spur on the flank that keeps our economy surging forward."

And my personal favourite:

"Advertising is the most fun you can have with your clothes on."

I wish someone important would say something nice about advertising. Go on, surprise me.

Ken Livingstone

Ken Livingstone (...actually someone in his office) wants a copy of the report I am writing about 'London as a Global Advertising Centre'. Gulp.