Gangland: BBDO Germany

Oh the possibilities, the ad above could have easily been mistaken for an advertisement for Gangland, a History Channel TV series. The Gangland and BBDO Germany ad look as if they could come from the same family. But the ad above is actually a recruitment ad for BBDO Germany.

If I would have saw the ad I would have simply passed by it because I would have thought it was promoting a TV show. Well ok, maybe not me because I honestly love the show. But honestly as a print ad the message will not resonate with the intended target audience very well. An online interactive ad would work 10 better especially with young advertising professionals.

Also, why do you guys think they used the image that they did? Were they trying to intimidate potential employees into coming to work for the agency? I don’t think that’s the case. The economy is bad throughout the world, people would kill for any job. Anyway, these are just my thoughts.



Best,
A.B.

Spook Recruitment Ads

I can’t believe the CIA is using the mainstream media to recruit future spooks. Now don’t get me wrong; I don’t see anything wrong with using all methods available to spread the word about your needs. But I mean come on your not going to work for Wal-Mart, it’s the C.I. freaking A! The CIA apparently needs a few good men — and women. I wonder can we blame this on the current state of the economy too?

Their ads, both in radio and in print are for the National Clandestine Service (NCS). According to the Wikipedia article about these guys they are the ones that conduct government sponsored secret missions. You know what I’m talking about Chuck Norris — Delta Force type stuff.

All of the agency’s ads use buzzwords such as "patriotism," "adventure" and they also reek of government ambiguity. But, do I have a right to complain if that’s what it takes to keep me safe?

According to one article on a government Web-site the CIA’s recruitment office creates its own ads.

Here are some TV ads that I found via YouTube. The agency’s TV spots usually appear on channels like the Discovery Channel. You can view the T.V. spot here.

Best,
A.B.