Articles from AdWeek Advertising and branding

Vans has released an ambitious new documentary project titled "Living Off the Wall" with a gorgeous scrolling website and so much great content that no one in their right mind has time to watch it all. But of course, I watched it all for you. Check out the documentary on the East Los Angeles punk scene for some of the best-cut stuff. The documentarian Angela Boatwright has a special way of capturing wayward teen anger that capitalizes on every eye roll and seamlessly blends with the alternative perspective of the Vans brand.

McDonald's puts our minds to the test in this British campaign from Razorfish that features prankvertising and an online quiz. The premise is that people can't concentrate on anything else when the Big Mac is nearby. Unlike some recent hair-raising ad stunts, and the million-calorie sandwich itself, the prank element here is pretty benign. On a busy street, a young couple with a camera ask presumably unsuspecting passersby to take their picture.

The historic roots for modern-day mentoring can be found in Homer’s Odyssey. Odysseus, king of Ithaca, went to fight in the Trojan War and entrusted the care of his household to Mentor, who served as teacher and overseer of Odysseus’ son Telemachus. Nearly 3,000 years later, the need for sage guidance is greater than ever, and those who have acquired expertise and wisdom should share their wisdom with the next generation of leaders—especially in this age of digital transformation and disruption.

Chad Saul is getting grounded again. After more than a year of working at a holding company (MDC Partners) and consulting, Saul this week joins Innocean USA as chief growth officer, a new position. Saul, who before MDC worked at Deutsch LA, Team One and Arnold, said he missed being in the trenches of an agency. At MDC, he provided pitch support to agencies such as 72andSunny but wasn't connected to any one shop.