Momo UK

This week's staff spotlight is on the lovely and very talented developer Lezlea Talbot.

Find out more...

Beside work (of course) tell us about your other passions...
Baking, cocktails, lizards, tapas, swimming, and scuba diving.

If you could take 3 things with you on an island, what would you take and why?
Ray-ban sunglasses, a Swiss Army knife, and a book titled 'How to make alcohol from produce found on a deserted island'.

If I gave you £200 and you had to spend it immediately, what would you buy and why?
A flight off the deserted island, I'll train dolphins to signal to the coastguard when I'm ready to leave.

Tell us a short story:
This one time, at band camp...

What made you want to get into brands/advertising/media/marketing?
I didn't plan to be part of this industry but I enjoy the challenge of no two days being the same.

What was good and bad about your first job?
Good: free jars of sweets
Bad: my boss would scratch his private parts then rummage around in those free jars of sweets.

Change one thing about your industry:
Half day Wednesday's for team sports and half day Friday's for pub lunches.

Change one thing about the world:
Create highways above the buildings for cyclists and rollerbladers.

What is your favourite brand? And why?
Hendricks Gin: it has such a unique taste, they have interesting popup events and a nice website.

What is the next big brand in your view? And why?
Vita Coco, coconut water: Not only is it amazingly refreshing and good for you but it is a great hangover preventative and cure.

Best day at work. Please explain.
Building paper planes to fly around the office for an online paper plane game we were making.
 
Ambition? Please explain.
To be Rich Savage's boss.

                               Marc and Alex gazed into one another's eyes.... 

So last night saw the 3^rd iteration of the Ricoh tennis photoshoot. Held at Campden Hill LTC in Kensington we took over an indoor court at 9pm and shot through till around 3am! Momentum team of myself, Oli Bett, Giles Ritchie and Alex Charkham all graced the set filling roles such as players, trainer, coach and agent - "Show me the money!" Everyone did a sterling job under the creative and art direction of Jules Fearns making sure we had our game faces on at all the right times.

For the second time in 3 years we hired the amazing Clive Brunskill as our photographer (http://www.clivebrunskill.com) - he is an absolute class act. He shoots regularly for the likes of Nike, the ATP, adidas, Bacardi, Rolex, Prince and has undertaken personal assignments for Rafa Nadal, Roger Federer, Maria Sharapova and Fernando Torres to name a few. He put us through our paces with such professionalism and humour that it made the night go quickly and with huge amounts of fun.

Very much looking forward to seeing the images used in the new creative that will be released around the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals, held again at the o2 in November. Images will be used for a wide variety of brand collaterals and marketing materials such as fact cards, menus, wall graphics, taxi advertising, programme ads, player guides and speed of serve certificates.

As the one year countdown to the London 2012 has been celebrated at the stunning Aquatics Centre, it doesn't seem like three years since the majority of the world watched the thousands of Chinese performers at the opening ceremony in Beijing.

I was watching  in amazement , with a little fear, that four years later the eyes of the world would be on London and as the saying goes we would  be weighed, measured and found wanting. Probably because unlike the Chinese, us Brits would refuse to wear nappies and practice for hours nonstop.

But as the months have gone by, the facilities have risen in the East end. The Games are on time and on budget. Excitement and positivity around the games seem to be growing on a daily basis. Thankfully the ticketing system has given us all something to complain about.

Just one year to go....ping pong is coming home!

http://youtu.be/JsFRgIb8mAQ

Kulula is a low-cost South-African airline that doesn't take itself too seriously.

Check out their new livery.

A great way to build awareness and bond enmotionally with audiences through innovation, creativity and humour

Simples! 

Written by: Alex Charkham

This week's staff spotlight is on Pete Harris who is a Senior Account Manager in our Sponsorship team.  Find out more about his love for music and festivals, why he's a bit of a geek and which celeb he'd take to a deserted island.  Enjoy!

Q1) Beside work (of course) tell us about your other passions:

I am hugely passionate about all things music related. I love discovering new bands and artists, blagging my way into as many festivals and gigs that I can and annoying my neighbours with my latest discoveries. I'm also a keen sports fan.

Q2) If you could take 3 things with you on an island, what would you take and why?

Bear Grylls - surely no better man to take to an island than the chief scout

Rosie Huntington-Whitely - have you seen Transformers 3? Wow.

Laptop with satellite internet - not sure I could cope without being connected to a world of entertainment

Q3) If I gave you £200 and you had to spend it immediately, what would you buy and why?

A Big Chill festival ticket - I hear there's supposed to be a heat wave this weekend...

Q4) What made you want to get into brands/advertising/media/marketing?

I knew I wanted to get involved in running entertainment events after my experiences at University. The rush of being responsible for organising a fantastic event that can be enjoyed by hundreds or even thousands of people is quite a buzz, but also quite demanding and requires imagination, innovation and creativity.

It was clear to me from early on that a lot of brands were keen to exploit the entertainment space, they have the biggest budgets and with the right clients, brave attitudes and achievable goals I could work with them to put on great experiential activity that could more than achieve their objectives.

Q5) What was good and bad about your first job?

At 16 I worked for a high street sports retailer. Best bit was the 30% discount, the bad bits were more in number - the £3.90 an hour, the lack of any training leading to you having to Bull S*** your way to selling sports equipment to people with serious intentions and the Pure Garage III CD on loop.  

Q6) Change one thing about your industry?

I'd ban the overuse of buzzwords and jargon

Q7) Change one thing about the world:

If there was any way of banning fact-free conjecture and mindless drivel that comes out of commentators, interviewers and reporters on 24hr live news channels I'd do that. And I'd ban Alan Shearer from Match of the Day for similar reasons.

Q8) What is your favourite brand? And why?

I'm a big fan of the Red bull brand, not necessarily for their products, but more for their brand positioning. The sponsorships and the activities they promote and are associated with and the content that they produce is amazing.

They've found a niche in extreme and 'quirky' sports association and have thrown everything at it, so much so that you now expect to see the red bull brand at all extreme sports events. Supplying backing to sports innovators and experimenters (like the Wing Suit / G-Suit) also means they are prevalent within the thrill-seeker community and associated with some great viral video content.

They almost add credibility now to anything they sponsor from sport to music and culture. Their innovation and bravery is to be applauded.

Q9) What is the next big brand in your view? and why?

I'm not sure they're the next 'big brand', but I love a company called Funktion-One who produce precision engineered and unique looking sound systems and speakers. I know it's geeky, but the clarity of the sound that they produce is unrivalled and really noticeable.

They also ensure they keep the brand exclusive by only having a small number of certified suppliers to ensure all sound systems are installed correctly to ensure the sound is perfect every time.

They are becoming increasingly used at festivals and major clubs and bars worldwide.

Q10) Best day at work. Please explain.

Working at Glastonbury festival in 2010 in blazing sunshine driving a golf buggy around the site. In particular when I was taking Ellie Goulding from our tent back to her tour bus and bumping into Emma Watson on the drive, picking her and her boyfriend up, taking the pee out of her and then asking the global film star to take a photo of me and Ellie outside her bus.

Also being close enough to Lady Gaga to see her Adams apple. 

Q11) Ambition? Please explain.

Working abroad in sunnier climes, putting on fantastic, once in a lifetime, awe-inspiring events before I get too old and married and boring.

                                                       Tom before...

In an amazing act of bravery (or some might say, lunacy) our very own Tom Woodger decided he wanted to take the Momo summer party fancy dress theme a step further by having his dark brown locks bleached blonde - raising money for Body & Soul in the process.

Tom was dragged off to the hairdressers by Lindsay yesterday morning looking, frankly, terrified. 

Once in the salon, he settled into the process.

 A few hours later, Tom returned to Momo, golden and glorious, ready to dress up as Mark Ronson (although Draco Malfoy, Val Kilmer as "Ice Man", Alistair Darling, and that bloke from Erasure were also bandied about to describe his new look)

 We're now hoping Tom's going to keep it, nipping back to Exmouth Market for regular touch ups.

Nice one for Raising the cash Tom - we salute you!

We spent a good 3 hours exploring the 14 rooms of the exhibition, from Miro's early life growing up in Catalunya, through his exile, the Spanish Civil war, the war, his trips to America, and his return to his homeland.  The exhibition is so well curated we left feeling a really understanding and empathy with his life and work.  You are made to feel that you are going on a journey through Miro's life with him, and by the time you get to the final "Fireworks" tryptich, you end up with a huge sense of celebration at the end of his life and the difficult political oppression  his country had endured.  It short - it's a well good exhibition, go and see it.

Sorry for the delay peeps. We promised to give you the final tally on the funds raised at the Momo Big Picnic once we had broken into the Fort Knox that is our charity box. After much cursing, hammering and purchase of a special screw driver, we have finally got our hands on the cash. Mwuhahaha

After counting pennies like the nursery rhyme king for half an hour, I am pleased to confirm that the final, nicely rounded, amount raised for the Friends of Clerkenwell charity is (queue drum roll)...£200. As mentioned previously this will go towards maintenance and upkeep of the charity's much needed ambulances.

Judy Gould (from the F+C charity) sent us this message:

"Wow, thanks so much for thinking of us and raising £200 - we're very grateful.  Please pass on our thanks to all your staff who participated and were so generous."

A job well done guys. Great effort.

Cheers Al, from the Give Back team.

The London office enjoyed a special, extended lunch break yesterday courtesy of le grand fromage (Simon White) and in association with the Give Back team. The agency descended en masse to the much coveted, local patch of grass (namely the park round the corner) to enjoy a gastronomic extravaganza and to terrorize fellow luncheoners with Frisbees.

Staff were challenged to create a signature, picnic dish to enter into an agency judged competition. Needless to say the challenge was well met and we were treated to host of waist expanding, food finery from Salads to Pies!

In uncharacteristic fashion the British weather held out splendidly and the picnic was blessed with bright sunshine and a light summer breeze. The perfect setting to indulge in a little Frisbee and Boules - continental style.

The event was put on to support the Friends of Clerkenwell (a local charity that provide much needed social, emotional and practical help to housebound or isolated senior citizens) and staff were asked to make a donation to fund their ambulance service. The great news is that the charity box is full to bursting and laiden with gold coins. The bad news is, that we can't get the thing open so will have to report back once we've pick-axed and blow-torched our way inside.

A special shout out goes to; Rich Savage (for the man-baked, ham and cheese stuffed Focaccia), Mrs Bonnick (for the guilt ridden amazingness that was the Rocky Road - we know you didn't make them Lee), Sarah Jones (for the sparkly carrot cake), Issy (for the face distorting lemonade), Fran (for the right royal coronation chicken) and last but by no means least Mark Roffey (for the uber shooter pie). It appears professional catering will no longer be required for agency events.

Coming soon: A fitness workout to help you burn calories after an agency picnic...

                                        Ice cream from an old truck anyone?

Sorry I couldn't help myself with that cheesy title...it's a hot day in London town - around 29 degrees and we are loving it!  Apparently it may even get up to 33 degrees - we'll see.

Yes we may be in the lovely air conditioned office but lunchtime is nearing and I can guarantee people will be using their 1 hour - actually we think you should!!

The sun doesn't come around often and later this week, rain is expected.

So to all those people thinking of staying in the office at lunch - please don't.  Top up those weekend/Cannes tan and enjoy it whilst it lasts.

Sunshine rocks.

                    Can you make out which brand name this is?  Read on....

Last week, 3 of our rising stars at Momentum took part in a week long training activity at one of our sister agencies, McCann Manchester.  The special x3 Momo-mites selected to take part were Rich Newcombe, Account Manager; Sarah Jones, Account Manager and Dominique Hess, Strategist.

They were joined by 40 others within the EMEA region who were specially selected for this programme.

Split into 5 groups, they were asked to pitch on a live brief for Aldi looking to secure the brand for the future post recession. Each team competed in a "The apprentice" style fashion to crack the brief and asked to produce the best creative response possible.  After 5 gruelling and long days from 7 in the morning to 1 at night (plus a few beers of course) each team finally presented to the client at the end of the week.

We're very pleased to announce that Rich's team were selected as the winners though he admits it was an incredibly close call.  Congraulations Rich J

Well done to all those that took part and particularly Rich, not for winning but these photos!

                      Rich at breaking point - "....is this what it takes to win?!"

                                    Late nights eh?!  We see the wine....

                                   Victory! Rich and his global winning team.

If you work in our industry you would have no escape of knowing that this is the week of Cannes.  Or as they put it "....the world's only truly global meeting place for creative professionals in the communications industry....." where "...thought-leaders and experts in all forms of communications and creative thinking come together to inspire, debate and entertain."

The Cannes Lions Festival officially opened yesterday and runs for just under a week, ending this Saturday but for those of us in the office who can't make it to the festival, there is an alternative option as created by digital agency LBi.

The Cannt Festival.

 Created by LBi's Excecutive Creative Directors, it is the (East) London alternative to the south of France festival.  Other agencies are involved and there will also be a link up to the real festival.  The Cannt festival will consist of various networking events, workshops, sessions, art installations and all types of fun.

We'll see you there!

We're happy to say that Rachel and Mona won last night at the Freesat blogger evening pub quiz.  Not only did they win last night which meant they won a freesat+ box with installation each but they also got to meet the freesat tech team.  They had a fantastic night with the trophies to prove it.

 
Well done!

Yup...it's very clear today in our office that when the guys got up this morning, were clearly thinking about Brokeback Mountain.  We present to you, the 'Brokeback Moutaineers'.

Happy Friday all:)

Danny Clarke works with Lee Hilse as a fellow video technician had some comical words to add:
"Having fled South Africa in somewhat mysterious circumstances, Lee arrived at momentum 4 years in a large cardboard box marked this way up.
Assuring us he  was innocent of all charges he was immediately put to work as part of the video team, where he has taken inspiration from his love of abstract russian cinema, and the Olson twins back catalogue to produce some truly confusing work.  Outside of the office Lee has a passion for the gossip pages and is an ok magazine gold member, so if you need to know whose got cellulite, or who's snogging who, Lee is your man."

Read on... 

Q1) Beside work (of course) tell us about your other passions
Spending time with friends, watching rugby and pretending im a photography enthusiast.

Q2) If you could take 3 things with you on an island, what would you take and why
My camera (to do one of those 1 photo everyday timelapse shots that crazy people do on YouTube)
That volley ball that kept Tom Hanks company (I can't remember his name)
Someway to keep track of the Premier League and Super 15 scores.

Q3) If I gave you £200 and you had to spend it immediately, what would you buy and why
Prob put it toward a lens for my camera or a flight to see somewhere new.

Q4) Tell us a short story
I once almost killed Amy Winehouse. Just after leaving the gym riding home on my motorbike she ran across the road between two  pubs. As it was relatively early she was still able to see and dived out of the way at the last minute. Its the closest if ever come to hitting a pedestrian.

Q5) What made you want to get into brands/advertising/media/marketing?
I love moving image and how creative it can be. This industry is always testing you and keeping work interesting.

Q6) What was good and bad about your first job?
I worked at an outdoor camping store. Bad: I had to fold clothes Good: I got to play with knives.

Q7) Change one thing about your industry
Deadlines.

Q8) Change one thing about the world
3 day weekends nuff said.

Q9) What is your favourite brand? And why?
I don't have a favourite brand. I do love Vespa (I have a really old one back in Cape Town), Apple always seem to win, but generally who ever the Springboks have on the front of their jerseys.

Q10) Best day at work. Please explain
Getting to shoot a press conference with De Niro.

Q11) Ambition? Please explain
Learning how to play guitar properly and building my own house.

 

 BRING A PLATE + GOLD COIN DONATION/S = MOMO'S VERY OWN BIG LUNCH!

Give Back are hosting their very own 'BIG LUNCH' 

(http://www.thebiglunch.com/)

with a twist.

30^th June, Thursday from 1230 - 230pm @ Spa  Fields

A special 2 hour lunch break where each person attending will need to bring their 'homemade signature' dish (picnic friendly of course!)  to share with everyone. 

On the day, there will be a small competition element where everyone can vote for their favourite dish via a ballot box. 

Drinks and cutlery will be provided.

Why?

For us to get together, have fun, be one but also to give back.

We're raising funds for one of our local charities in Farringdon called 'Friends of Clerkenwell' (http://finsburyvolunteers.org.uk/). 

They're in desperate need to help elderly citizens with transportation costs so they can buy weekly groceries and take them out on important social trips for their well being.

xx

This week's staff spotlight is on the gorgeous Lucy Gibbs who is an Account Executive on the Sponsorship team.  Read on to find out more about what gets Lucy going.

Beside work (of course) tell us about your other passions

Trying new things and exploring new places, cooking with my friends and family and getting engrossed in a good book!

If you could take 3 things with you on an island, what would you take and why

Michael Colling's and his guitar (they come as one right?).

The dad from Swiss Family Robinson, whose name I don't know, pretty sure they just call him 'Father'?! Father could make me and Michael a wonderful home out of bamboo and leaves.

And last but definitely not least my flat mate to keep me smiling, plus she'd love living in a tree house - however the island will need to be in the sunshine.

If I gave you £200 and you had to spend it immediately, what would you buy and why

European InterRail train ticket, I've wanted to travel through Eastern Europe for the last few years. If I had £200 to hand right now I'd book it.

Tell us a short story.

Not so good at short stories, mine tend to go on a bit so how about a short riddle instead:

It regulates our daily movements, but it feels no interest in our lives. It directs us when to come and go, but does not care if we pay attention. What is it...

A clock.

What made you want to get into brands/advertising/media/marketing?

Love the dynamic people it attracts, and the diverse clients and brands you get to work on. It is never boring and no day is ever the same!

What was good and bad about your first job?

The GOOD:

My local pub did a great Banoffee pie and there was always copious supplies, so the left over's were all for me!

The BAD

Smelling like a fry up all day every day. That smell is impossible to get out!

Change one thing about your industry

Getting briefs through for work needed yesterday.

Change one thing about the world

War in Congo, and the unbelievable cruelty inflicted on the Congolese women.

What is your favourite brand? And why.

Red Bull whether you love the taste or not (personally not) they approach things differently, in terms of how the brand connects with its consumer.

What is the next big brand in your view? and why.

It's already big but I love LE COOL and their local city insights across Europe. They always find interesting and slightly alternative events/ exhibitions etc which would take me hours to find on your own.

Best day at work. Please explain.

Working at Wimbledon in Ralph Lauren's hospitality marquee; 5pm Finals day most guests have to catch flights home, yet there's still another 4 hours left of (arguably) the greatest  game in the history of Wimbledon: Nadal V Federer - the order shows where my allegiance lie, sorry Marc & Oli! I manage to slip into the seat next to Vanessa Redgrave and Claire Danes and watch the drama unravel. Surreal but truly brilliant 

Ambition? Please explain.

Live and work in Cape Town, with a great view overlooking the ocean one side and table mountain the other.

                                              Hyde Park in the Summer...

As we sit here in the London office, all of us can't help but think about the sun we are currently missing out on.

Yesterday was gorgeous, today is 25 degrees and tomorrow is scheduled to be the same.  Could we be being blessed with a nice sunny weekend - we all hope so!

Everyone is looking smiley, happy and positive as we all are working towards some lunchtime sun. 

Here's to a great Friday and an even better weekend;)