Doner Media

WHAT: Doner employees got into the Halloween spirit with their annual pumpkin carving contest. With the most creative minds in advertising accepting the challenge, Doner employees quickly carved, poked, painted and sculpted their designs within the one-hour time limit.  Seventeen teams designed pumpkins that range from Octomom in labor; to a glowing Coleman campfire made out of pumpkins; and the famous scene from The Shining. The contest is currently on display, and online employee voting began noon on Wednesday. The winners will be announced at our Trick ‘O Treat event at 4 p.m. on Thursday.

WHERE: Doner Advertising, 25900 Northwestern Highway, Southfield MI.

WHEN: Wednesday, Oct. 28 – Thursday, Oct. 29: Pumpkins will be on display.
Thursday, Oct. 29 at 4 p.m.: Trick O’Treat event with Doner employee children and announcement of pumpkin carving contest winners.

Today The UPS Store® launches a new Web site that turns a simple cardboard box into a fantasy world for small-business owners. “Cardboard World,” http://cardboard.theupsstore.com, combines 3-D technology, interactive games and a sweepstakes promotion to entertain and educate customers on the business services offered, including its new online printing program.

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Everyone can relate to the difficulty of keeping afloat when you have a wave of challenges crashing on top of you, especially when that wave is made up of corrugated cardboard. In “Storm,” (also known as “The Deadline”) the fourth installment of The UPS Store “Cardboard World” commercial series, a virtual cardboard tidal wave swallows a small business owner and challenges his ability to complete a project.

Previous Cardboard World spots focused on animals and people as the main elements of the animation. In “Storm,” the designers had a more challenging task to morph stiff, plain cardboard into a violent sea-storm. In the spot, the cardboard design and lighting manipulate the textures and shades of brown, creating a fluid movement of waves and water.

“Storm” introduces online printing, a new service from The UPS Store. This program connects a printing network of over 4,000 stores together to help small business owners stay afloat when the tide turns rough.

Client: The UPS Store
Spot Title: Storm
Air Date: September 21, 2009

Agency: Doner
Chief Creative Officer – Rob Strasberg
Creative Directors – Jimmy Kollin & Karen Cathel
Art Director – Karen Cathel
Copywriter – Jimmy Kollin
Agency Producer – Laurie Irwin
Director of Integrated Production – Sheldon Cohn

Executive Vice President, Brand Leader – Greg Gerfen
Vice President, Brand Leader – Julie MacDonald
Brand Leader – Kari Weaver
Project Managers – Kayln Fries & Stefanie Pattison

Production Company – Psyop

Download: Storm

This recession is not only affecting our pocketbooks, but also changing the American mindset. Instead of thinking that a new gadget or clothing item will make us happy, people are finding more value in spending time with friends and family. “What Has Worth and What’s Worthwhile”, we found that people are making a longer-term shift toward experiences and relationships than material possessions. Throughout our research we developed the following:

•Substance is the new currency: Americans are no longer fixated with material possessions, and focus more on experiences and relationships.

•Experiences have replaced possessions as “must-haves”: Consumers are predicted to spend a larger portion of their disposable income on experiences that bring them joy rather than conspicuous consumption.

•Getting connected and staying connected: People have a stronger desire to develop and maintain relationships with friends and family.

•Doing what feels right: This change in beliefs has prompted people to volunteer, contribute and share with their community.