Firebrand TV

I was channel surfing in a hotel tonight and suffering through an incredibly crappy selection of televised entertainment when I came upon Firebrand (warning: huge flash homepage), a channel that just shows very cool commercials. Given the state of TV these days I wasn’t surprised that I found Firebrand TV much more entertaining than anything else on. Check out this beautiful Spike Jonze Adidas ad.

It got me thinking about how Web video for small businesses might evolve. Companies like Turn Here are producing some pretty nice stuff, but everything I have seen from them thus far look like very well-produced “fun” video presentations. Given the budgets and talent available maybe that’s all there is to expect and maybe these ads can be pretty effective.

But I think the day will come when a truly talented local video producer will start dreaming up ways to make local business videos as compelling in their own way as the Adidas spot. They will put something up for a client, do a little social media marketing and that video will go viral not just across the Web but across the community the business serves. The client’s business will go through the roof and everything will change. Smart small businesses will start to realize the value of content in marketing.

Of course this theory depends on a lot of talent and a lot of luck. But if Firebrand takes off I wouldn’t be surprised to see them start developing local channels at some point that show the best of local ads. This could provide a great venue for local marketers and attract insomniacs everywhere.

Note to Firebrand Execs: Your website needs an overhaul. It takes forever to load and has some serious SEO issues.

Trendy Word of The Day: h.ads.web.aol.com

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3 Response Comments

  • Local SEO Specialist - Terry Reeves  December 19, 2007 at 7:42 am

    Andrew, we both dream the same dream. Then I wake up and see the latest local commercial on cable and realize there’s no chance in this lifetime in my community.

    It would seem that the local cable advertising producers like to make the local business commercials look as corny as possible. Either that or the local businessman is directing the spot.

    I think it is the latter.

    There definitely needs to be an injection of talent from an outside source to make that dream come true.

  • Andrew Shotland  December 19, 2007 at 11:26 am

    I’m not sure I would classify it as a “dream” Terry. I reserve that term for things like wreck diving in Fiji with Jacques Cousteau while Bob Marley is picking at his guitar on the boat or doing perfect S turns on Mt. Everest in 70 degree weather. But I hear what you’re saying 🙂

  • Peter  January 11, 2008 at 9:25 am

    GetFave.com is a local Chicago search engine. We highlite what is great about Chicago, using video as a matter of fact.
    Take a look at our site so that you may gain a better understanding that local video doesnt have to be cheesy.