:: adgruntie :: Nearing the end of 2004

+ PSFK gives us a peek at their forecast for 2005. A worthwhile read.

+ Lewis Lazare takes a look at the local Chicago ad scene for 2004.

Looking back over the year's creative output -- a fairly good barometer of the state of the ad business hereabouts -- we had to make a painful admission. There simply wasn't enough superlative work to justify a 10-best commercials of the year list. So we have assembled a five-best list instead, and even that required a twist of the rules about honoring the work of only Chicago ad agencies.

See the link for the top 5 list.

+ Advertisements produced in Korea are gaining popularity abroad. "Those that appeal to global audiences are re-recorded in local languages, while others that feature Korean celebrities are used in countries that are interested in Korean culture."

+ Wendy, The Snapple Lady returneth.

In the early 90s, Wendy Kaufman, then a Snapple employee, was featured in commercials reading letters from consumers in her thick, Long Island accent.

The ads were credited with helping the brand achieve its initial popularity, but Kaufman was replaced as a pitchwoman when Quaker Oats bought Snapple in 1994. She returned for a stint in 1997, when Snapple had changed hands again.

In a series of quirky ads that will debut Jan. 17, Kaufman interviews consumers about the brand. After they say good things about Snapple, Wendy interviews other people about the Snapple fans.

The campaign will be the first from Cliff Freeman and Partners since they won the account from Deutsch Inc.