What a beautiful (music)video that tells the story of the passion of a nation and a sport. Check it out:

ABSOLUT is part iconic brand, part master storyteller.

Think about it. For decades, ABSOLUT managed to tell countless memorable stories with just one bottle and a two-word headline. The campaign won every industry award and filled a 100 page+ book.

A while ago, though, the bottle campaign that put them on the map was layed to rest, and the brand struggled to reinvent itself and find its place on a top shelf crowded with super-premium, vanity vodka brands.

Art, music and fashion had always been the brand pillars upon which they told their magnificent stories. But when French conglomerate, Pernod Ricard, purchased them in 2008 no one really knew what the next chapter would be for world’s FIRST premium vodka.

It’s now 2010, and the state of the global economy has put a damper on the party. Companies in every industry have shifted their messaging to focus on value and price. And luxury brands have lost their Teflon coating.

So what’s a vodka brand to do?

Well, I’m happy to share that ABSOLUT has gone back to telling great stories. This time using digital and social media to create a format unrestricted by the dimensions of a magazine’s back cover or the run time of a late-night TV spot…

In this stunning 15 minute black-and white documentary, directed by legendary rock n’ roll photographer, Danny Clinch, ABSOLUT tells the story of Jay-Z and the city (NYC) that inspires his creativity.

So what does this have to do with vodka, you may ask…

Well, at first glance… nothing. But somewhere along the way, a simple product became a powerful storyteller. And if in this media-saturated world in which we live, a brand can capture your attention, engage your curiosity and inspire your own creativity, well, that’s one brand someone might just be inclined to ask for by name.

A toast to ABSOLUT and its newest muse, Jay-Z. Skål.

BBDO New York did a great job on this ad with some awesome effects. But my favorite part of all is the tagline at the end. “Fortune Favors the Bold” — indeed a great tagline for both beer and life.

ART & COPY Trailer from ART & COPY on Vimeo.

ART & COPY is a powerful new film about advertising and inspiration. Directed by Doug Pray, it reveals the work and wisdom of some of the most influential advertising creatives of our time — people who’ve profoundly impacted our culture, yet are virtually unknown outside their industry. Exploding forth from advertising’s “creative revolution” of the 1960s, these artists and writers all brought a surprisingly rebellious spirit to their work in a business more often associated with mediocrity or manipulation: George Lois, Mary Wells, Dan Wieden, Lee Clow, Hal Riney and others featured in ART & COPY were responsible for “Just Do It,” “I Love NY,” “Where’s the Beef?,” “Got Milk,” “Think Different,” and brilliant campaigns for everything from cars to presidents. They managed to grab the attention of millions and truly move them. Visually interwoven with their stories, TV satellites are launched, billboards are erected, and the social and cultural impact of their ads are brought to light in this dynamic exploration of art, commerce, and human emotion.

Designer’s Couch has a great post of some very thought/emotion provoking social ad campaigns. Many of these take a traditional form of advertising, such as a bus stop poster, and turn it on its head (while turning heads) by adding an element of interactivity. This ranges from interactive video to even live-action actors. For such powerful subject matter, it only makes sense that the manner in which it is presented is equally as commanding.

On my usual route to the office, through the always congested streets of Hollywood, I’m literally surrounded by a plethora of ads in all shapes and sizes. Many consider this plastered landscape offensive, tacky and even an assault on the senses. Though many times I lean towards this opinion, I can’t help but be entertained, intrigued and sometimes inspired by what I see. After all, I am part of that world…I guess you could call it research.

Anyway, in my frustration of being caught behind a Metro bus, I was amused by this 1-800-Dentist ad. It’s so wonderfully simple and playful, contributing to its overall effectiveness, especially for something  as mundane as looking for a dentist.

I think its time for the ‘Accidentes’ dude to follow suit!

What’s a penny good for these days? Well, Pumped for Change, a non-profit org out of South Florida, is betting that pennies can make positive change in the lives of homeless citizens in their community. Through The Million Penny Project™, P4C is raising funds and awareness around homelessness; with a goal to raise one million pennies ($10,000) for each participating partner charity.

Here’s a peek at the new PSA spot they just released.