Trouble Is Brewing...POSTED: March 18, 2013Without fail, every time I tell someone I'm an Art Director at an ad agency, they immediately ask if I drink and smoke all day while coming up with creative ways to sell people things. Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately), things have changed since the Don Drapers of the 60's were in charge of things, and coffee has since replaced scotch in terms of the go to for a creative boost. With that in mind, our new espresso machine is essentially the modern day equivalent of an in-house bar, complete with bartender. Now if only Dan could figure out how to hook the damn thing up...  0 responses COVERS: fun stuff 
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Good Spots Don’t Have To Be ExpensivePOSTED: February 25, 2013Here is a great TV spot created by our very talented VP of Creative, Patrick Derricourt. The goal is to raise awareness of the stigma and challenges faced by those with epilepsy and encourage the public to participate and support the annual Purple Day Plane Pull. This event, by the Victoria Epilepsy & Parkinson’s Centre, takes place March 23, 2013 at the Viscount Aero Centre in Sidney, BC. Have a look at our spot here: Purple Day Plane Pull TV Spot Learn more about how you can participate and support the event here: Victoria Plane Pull 0 responses COVERS: advertising
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Camosun Brand Launches To Much Fan FarePOSTED: February 19, 2013We've just launched five new television spots, three radio spots and eight transit shelter and newspaper ads -- close to two years after winning the business in a city wide agency search. This is rebranding the way it is meant to be done. We completed a series of focus groups, built the brand strategy and the brand. It was fully embraced internally before going public with a major multimedia campaign. What makes this campaign unique, is that it was built using real staff, students and alumni. And it was a true collaboration between Hot House and the Camosun marketing-communications team. Camosun president Kathryn Laurin told us she wanted a brand that her people could feel proud of… and we're happy to report that they are. Camosun Videos www.camosun.ca 0 responses COVERS: marketing
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Radio Builds Great BrandsPOSTED: December 2, 2011Radio does a lot of things. It can provide great frequency, reach if you buy enough of it and it allows you to target psycographically. But what it also does that I really like is build brand image. You can really drive emotional triggers and make people feel happy, sad or angry. Here's some spots we just did for our client Freedom Rent To Own that I think hit the funny mark, and they have professional, big brand feel to them. 0 responses COVERS: marketing,business,advertising
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Peninsula Connections For Kids Website LaunchedPOSTED: October 28, 2011The Peninsula Connections for Early Childhood (PCEC) network is a volunteer organization that builds relationships and partnerships among people who provide services for young children and their families on the Saanich Peninsula. www.peninsulaconnectionsforkids.ca 0 responses COVERS: web development
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VIATec Annual Report LaunchedPOSTED: October 28, 2011We just recently finished working on VIATec's annual report and I've gotta say, there's a lot of really exciting things happening in our community when it comes to technology. If you get a second head over to www.viatec.ca and take a look at how the great minds in Victoria's tech industry are helping to shape the world.  0 responses COVERS: local biz
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GOOD BRAND COMES TO LIFEPOSTED: August 31, 2011Here's a little A-News clip on our new client InHarmony Dental Care. They came to us with a great idea which we brought to life with a new name, brand and PR campaign. View the video here 0 responses COVERS: marketing,business,local biz,fun stuff
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Saanich Neighborhood Place - Logo RefreshPOSTED: July 8, 2011Established in 1993, Saanich Neighbourhood Place is support center that promotes the well being of families and individuals in the community by providing guidance for children and caregivers, parent education programs and various support services. The growing organization came to us in need of a logo update to help modernize and bring a fresh look to their promotional materials. While the basic idea of the original logo (shapes representing houses and people) was to be used in the design there was a need to modernize the overall look and feeling of the design. We provided various initial concepts exploring the theme of the original logo and in the end a more abstract direction was chosen as it helped add some movement and visual interest to the design. The lines forming the shapes in the logo represented the childlike element and the font and colours were updated to give a more modern feel. The new logo will inform the rest of the materials including a new website that we are in the works for as well as a brochure and other print items. We hope the new look will help in the promotion of a great community organization! For more information about Saanich Neighborhood Place visit www.saanichneighbourhoodplace.com.  0 responses COVERS: graphics design
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Se7ens Hit VictoriaPOSTED: June 6, 2011July 15-16 will be a little different this year in Victoria as our city plays host to the inaugural Victoria International Sevens Tournament featuring teams from Kenya, New Zealand and Brazil to name a few. Not only are we excited to be working on the creative for the tournament but we’re also getting amped up to play witness to one of the islands most exciting sporting events in recent history. The great thing about Sevens rugby is that it’s all about the spectators. “Sevens is a special experience because of its festival atmosphere, music, video screens and fan zones." Says Rees, who captained Canada in two of his four World Cup appearances. Stay tuned for more info as the event draws near and we’ll see you on the turf!  0 responses COVERS: marketing
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2011 Techies Going Late Night...earlyPOSTED: June 2, 2011 0 responses COVERS: graphics design
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Monarch FurnishingsPOSTED: May 20, 2011Monarch Furnishings sells fashion forward furniture you won't see anywhere else. We wanted a spot that was as different as the furniture. Solution–take a white cyclorama, stop frame animation backed with a sensational drum track and mix with live action. Result–a sharp 30 seconds that puts Monarch's unique style front and centre. Thanks to Chek for some very nice work. 0 responses COVERS:
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Hot AdvertisingPOSTED: May 16, 2011Sometimes you spend a week sweating over a concept but once in a while the creative comes to you almost instantly which was the case with this fun little ad we did for Hot House Pizza.  0 responses COVERS: marketing,advertising,local biz
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1up: Single Parent VictoriaPOSTED: May 12, 20111-Up is an organization that provides a steady, helping hand for single parents and caregivers in Victoria by providing education, support and a place to be heard -- in a welcoming and non-judgmental environment. Hot House is proud to offer 1up a new look, and web presence. single parent victoria 0 responses COVERS: marketing,local biz
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In The Works...POSTED: May 6, 2011An exciting new client from Vancouver and an exciting new development in store for View Royal. With a fresh new brand and more work coming soon to match this high end development...its time to go West.  0 responses COVERS: graphics design
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Taking It To The BurbsPOSTED: April 11, 2011It takes all types of thinking and Adzookie from California is doing just that. The brand is taking external advertising to the burbs and renovates the exterior of your house into a home billboard. The payoff for living in your very own ad? Adzookie pays the entirety of your mortgage as long as your home is branded. Interesting angle to follow those facing harder times or looking for help paying off the old mortgage. We'd be interested to see what the neighbours think and whether they've felt a strange unconscious desire to advertise their businesses with Adzookie.  0 responses COVERS: marketing
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Early Years Awards 2011POSTED: March 18, 2011Have you filled out our survey for 2011? it takes only a few minutes and you can be entered to win great prizes. click here 0 responses COVERS: business,local biz
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CLV Case StudyPOSTED: February 14, 2011We recently highlighted CLV (Community Living Victoria) as a case study on our portfolio. Click here to read what both sides learned from one another. 0 responses COVERS: marketing,business,local biz
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Big Bang Beats NFL And NHL For ViewersPOSTED: January 31, 2011Here are the top 10 television programs in English Canada, with viewer numbers, for the week of Jan. 17-23, according to BBM Canada: 1. The Big Bang Theory (CTV, Thursday)–3,189,000 2. American Idol (CTV, Wednesday)–2,878,000 3. The Mentalist (CTV, Thursday)–2,435,000 4. House (Global, Monday)–2,362,000 5. NCIS (Global, Tuesday)–2,347,000 6. Two and a Half Men (CTV, Monday)–2,266,000 7. NFL Playoffs – Pittsburgh vs. NY Jets (CTV, Sunday)–2,121,000 8. NFL Playoffs – Green Bay vs. Chicago (CTV, Sunday)–2,112,000 9. S#*! My Dad Says (CTV, Thursday)–2,109,000 10. Hockey Night in Canada – Game 1 (CBC, Saturday)–2,028,000 Originally published in Marketing Magazine,January 31, 2011 0 responses COVERS: marketing
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Success By 6 Taps Young Talent To Get Message AcrossPOSTED: January 28, 2011It's hard to get your spots to stand out on air these days -- especially when you don't have a big budget for production and talent. In these spots for the Early Years Awards we had a budget of zero. Our sponsors KOOL FM and CFAX 1070 were kind enough to provide production and we stepped outside the traditional on air personalities as our voice talent and used 13 year old Madison Dagg -- who was happy to skip science class for the recording studio. Dad expects great things from her in the future. And thanks to expecting father Chris Donnelly for the terrific production. 0 responses COVERS: graphics design,local biz
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What's Hot On TV?POSTED: January 24, 2011Television patterns don't usually vary much week to week. But when you get specialty programs such as the Golden Globes, they have a real impact on viewership. Here are the top 10 English television programs in Canada, with viewer numbers, for the week of Jan. 10-16 according to BBM Canada: 1. Golden Globe Awards (CTV, Sunday)–3,308,000 2. The Big Bang Theory (CTV, Thursday)–2,555,000 3. NCIS (Global, Tuesday)–2,540,000 4. Grey’s Anatomy (CTV, Thursday)–2,470,000 5. S#*! My Dad Says (CTV, Thursday)–2,187,000 6. Dragon’s Den (CBC, Wednesday)–2,182,000 7. Hockey Night in Canada – Game 1 (CBC, Saturday)–1,981,000 8. CTV Evening News (CTV, Monday-Friday)–1,967,000 9. NCIS: Los Angeles (Global, Tuesday)–1,929,000 10. Two and a Half Men (CTV, Monday)–1,909,000 Originally published in Marketing Magazine, January 24, 2011 0 responses COVERS: marketing,business,local biz
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Winter Coast ReportPOSTED: January 18, 2011We\'ve just completed the winter issue of the Coast Report -- a quarterly newsletter about real estate in Victoria we produce for Royal LePage Coast Capital Realtors. If you\'re involved in real estate marketing on Vancouver Island or interested in buying or selling a home, you should have a read. Included in this issue is a 2010 year in review and the most current mortgage rate forecast... [ READ MORE ]  0 responses COVERS: marketing,business,advertising,local biz
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City Of VernonPOSTED: December 7, 2010Kermit the Frog's infamous "It's not easy being green" may be a thing of the past as more and more municipalities start implementing positive changes instilling a big influence in the Green Movement. With programs varying from Car Free Day, Pesticides Education to Sustainability Awards -- our client, the City of Vernon is no exception. OK maybe just one -- they're doing it in style. We are all aware that it just makes sense to be a little kinder to Mother Earth, but then again, we all could use a little education on how to get there. Through our combined efforts of education, effective green messaging, marketing and design…we think we are spreading the message just a little more effectively. Be sure to check back and see some more of the exciting new projects we have on the go with the City of Vernon.  0 responses COVERS: marketing,business,advertising,local biz
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Big Numbers For Big BangPOSTED: November 15, 2010Big Bang theory tops the chart for audience viewing in Canada for another week. Personally I love the show and if you haven't sen it yet you should check it out. Other top shows are as follows: Here are the top 10 English television programs in Canada, with viewer numbers, for the week of Nov. 1-7, according to BBM Canada: 1. Big Bang Theory (CTV, Thursday)–3,408,000 2. Criminal Minds (CTV, Wednesday)–2,770,000 3. The Mentalist (CTV, Thursday)–2,709,000 4. Amazing Race 17 (CTV, Sunday)–2,674,000 5. Grey's Anatomy (CTV, Thursday)–2,672,000 6. $#*! My Dad Says (CTV, Thursday)–2,438,000 7. Survivor: Nicaragua (Global, Wednesday)–2,352,000 8. Dancing With the Stars (CTV, Monday)–2,283,000 9. Desperate Housewives (CTV, Sunday)–2,059,000 10. Hockey Night in Canada–Game 1 (CBC, Saturday)–2,047,000 0 responses COVERS: advertising
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Afrigrand Caravan FinalePOSTED: November 1, 2010Victoria is The Ste hen Lewis Foundation's AfriGrand Caravan's 36th and final stop on its coast to coast odyssey now under way. The tour honours and celebrates the lives and stories of an AIDS-impacted grandmother and granddaughter. As hosts for the caravan's grand finale, the Victoria Grandmothers for Africa invite you to enjoy an evening with Tsabile Victoria Simelane (56) and Thandeka Carol Motswa (19) from Swaziland. They will present on-the-ground perspectives on the devastation HIV/AIDS has wrought in their lives and what is being done to try to turn the tide of this disease in Africa. Victoria's Arbutus Singers and ChoirKids will provide a musical celebration to inspire us all. Wednesday, November 10th @ 7:30 - 9:00pm The First Metropolitan United Church, 932 Balmoral Rd * Admission by Donation - Child Care Provided *  0 responses COVERS: business,local biz
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Pemberton Holmes CommercialPOSTED: October 12, 2010We have recently put together a commercial highlighting Pemberton Holmes, their values and real estate agents. click here for more 0 responses COVERS: marketing,business,advertising,local biz
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VIATeC Annual ReportPOSTED: September 24, 2010When you think of annual reports the first thing that comes to mind is dry boring material. Although necessary, who reads them besides financial analysts and stock regulators, (and lets be honest, I bet those guys don't read them either). Our client VIATeC, well known for their wit and humour, are the conduit that connects people, expertise and business helping to build a burgeoning tech sector throughout Greater Victoria. So after the launch of their new interactive web site and a solid year, they were eager to put their best foot forward to the board. On a shoestring budget we rocked out a small report with an online interactive pdf for everyone to review. After Executive Director Dan Gunn’s hilarious ipad slap chop spoof at the past techie awards, we couldn’t resist the temptation to tie in their connections theme with a little nod to Steve jobs and his latest baby. Sorry, no intelligent financial pie charts in this one.  0 responses COVERS: advertising,local biz
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NABS Vancouver IslandPOSTED: September 20, 2010NABS Vancouver Island If you want to be the best, see the best. Don’t miss the sensational gala screening of the 2010 NABS Cannes Reel with all the award winners. There’s a reception before the main event where you can nibble an olive or two, mingle with others in the business and bid in a silent auction. All proceeds... will be going to th...e can-do folks at NABS who help people in the industry when they’re in trouble. Be there, it’s advertising’s big night out. 0 responses COVERS: business,local biz
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Gone MobilePOSTED: September 9, 2010We have managed a light weight mobile site to represent us on multiple devices; most notably, the iphone and black berry. The first iteration is expected to expand quickly into the next -- so stay tuned, as we pull development of our site, and clients into the burgeoning world of hand held devices. 0 responses COVERS: business,web development,fun stuff
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City Of VernonPOSTED: August 23, 2010We are pleased to announce a new venture that is taking us to the mainland - full of beautiful scenery, consisting of fertile agricultural lands, mountains, rolling grasslands, rivers and lakes. Well, we aren't actually moving to the mainland, but we did recently acquired the City of Vernon as a client through a joint venture with Atomic Crayon. The official notice was given a few weeks ago which was acknowledged by a terrific celebration put on by our team-mates Atomic Crayon in their beautiful offices off of Blanchard Street. What was even more exciting, was us finding out about their very own roof top patio and hot dog Fridays. Undoubtedly, the one word on the minds of the Hot House staff at the time?.... 'SCORE!'  Needless to say we are very excited about working with Atomic Crayon and even more excited to be working with the City of Vernon on whatever challenges and projects they direct our way. Personally, I think a road-trip is in order to work on the PR side of the relationship....Okanagan wine tour anyone?? Be sure to check back in the months to follow to see some of the work we will be producing and we'll be sure to keep you posted on the road-trip plans as well. 0 responses COVERS: marketing,business,local biz
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Stocking UpPOSTED: August 18, 2010Retail ads might not be the sexiest things in the world...but they sure present an interesting challenge. Especially when you're trying to move big ticket items, like anything to do with a marina. It's no secret that the effects of the recession are still lingering, but people still want to enjoy their time, and they like to enjoy it outside. Our client, Port Boat House, have done a remarkable job maintaining their bottom line, all the while competing with tightened wallets and frugal spending. Big sale days like this help.  0 responses COVERS: advertising,local biz
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Hot House Marketing Spikes A 5th Place FinishPOSTED: August 13, 2010Well, we were high on spirit, low on results. Hot House played in the annual Victoria Prodigy Group volleyball tournament at the Rooftop Volleyball courts at the Strathcona Hotel and laughed our way to a 5th place showing. And while we didn't take the podium, our hot-like-fire t-shirts and impromtu song-chant had us take home the coveted Spirit Award...or maybe it was just Steve's outfit that sealed the deal.   0 responses COVERS: local biz,fun stuff
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Babies!POSTED: July 23, 2010No, not in our office or attached to any staff members (that we know of.... Terry?). Success By 6 and PLAY Victoria are hosting a movie event with a different twist. No cliché cop story or over the top Hollywood popcorn movie. It's a movie about Babies...afterall, who doesn¹t love babies? The movie description best sums it up: "They grow, they learn, and they remind the rest of us of the astonishing power that is our common birth-right. We are cast into the world as a bundle of reflexes, unable to focus our eyes, control our limbs or influence our environment in any way. Twelve months later we can walk, kiss, utter basic words and comprehend complicated utterances. It may be downhill from there: a movie called 'Adolescents' or, heaven knows, 'Grownups,' would hardly be as charming as 'Babies.' But 'Babies' just might restore your faith in our perplexing, peculiar and stubbornly lovable species." There is a panel discussion on Babies in the Victoria Community to follow the show, and best of all... PRIZE giveaways! Support PLAY Victoria, head up to the University, give your respects to the UVIC bunnies and enjoy an evening at CINECENTA with Babies. 7:00pm showtime.  0 responses COVERS: marketing,advertising,local biz
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Real EstatePOSTED: July 23, 2010We've just completed the summer issue of the Coast Report a quarterly newsletter about real estate in Victoria we produce for Royal LePage Coast Capital Realtors. If you're involved in real estate marketing on Vancouver Island or interested in buying or selling a home, you should have a read. Included in this issue are the latest MLS(R) statistics and an interesting buyer profile... [ READ MORE ] 0 responses COVERS: marketing
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Tru Value TV SpotPOSTED: July 20, 2010Check out this cool TV spot for a great client --- Tru Value Foods -- with locations in Brentwood Bay and on Pender, Mayne and Quadra Islands. If you are in the neighbourhood, be sure to stop by. They are committed to Quality, Selection, Service and above all the Community. Tru Value Foods is out there from sunrise to sunset looking for the best so you can have the best --- from the choicest meat and seafood to the freshest produce. They are out in the community too, supporting everyone from pre-school groups to volunteer fire departments. Because at the end of the day, we believe it’s all about being a good neighbor! http://tinyurl.com/3xlgap7 0 responses COVERS: marketing,business,advertising,local biz
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Port Boat House - Biggest Sale Of The YearPOSTED: July 5, 2010On the heels of their re-brand...our client, Port Boat House, recently had their annual clearance sale. We were asked to help market the sale and best direct PBH in the proper media and tactics to ensure a successful day...even with the ffects of the recession still evident. Hot House identified that the Times Colonist has a large distribution up-island, and based on PBH's target audience...that this would be a good fit. Coupled with some strategic Black Press publications, a radio blast and some personalized material for their current contacts, Port Boat House were able to defeat a rainy day and have a very successful sale. And of course the moral of this story: Retail advertising is it's own beast and needs to be strategically thought through before "throwing spaghetti at the wall"...and if you're in the market for a new boat, visit www.portboathouse.com  0 responses COVERS: marketing,business
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Tru Value FoodsPOSTED: June 30, 2010Our fabulous client, Tru Value Foods, with locations in Brentwood Bay and on Pender, Quadra and Mayne Islands are running a Smokin' Summer promotion giving away $100 in Angus Beef, a Broil King BBQ to cook it on and all the fixin's including a cooler full of Coca Cola products at each store to one lucky shopper! So if you are in the Brentwood Bay area this weekend or happen to be visiting one of the Gulf Islands be sure to drop in and enter to win. PLUS --- check out their amazing specials this week --- they areworth the trip!!!!!!  0 responses COVERS: business,local biz
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Careers And Transitions For SD63POSTED: June 27, 2010web development is now underway for the School District of Saanich (63) and their newly formed Careers and Transitions program. The web site is expected to detail available programs, alongwith steps on just how students and parents get involved. Here is a sneak peak:  0 responses COVERS: web development,local biz
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Tru ValuePOSTED: June 9, 2010Our first commercial for Tru Value Foods has aired on both A-Channel and CH...and we couldn't be any happier. We love what Tru Value stands for. Principles and service. Rather then go on and on about the production and the creative behind it, we'll leave you with the video itself: 0 responses COVERS: marketing,business,advertising,local biz
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Cakes Etc.POSTED: June 6, 2010Contrary to circulating rumours, Dan is not contemplating buying the Willy Wonka chocolate factory. Just a little teaser into some of our latest work with Cakes Etc....OK and an excuse to post a picture of Dan in a hair net. Hot Stuff! Some exciting work to follow, not to mention a strong likely-hood that the entire staff might have to enter a weight loss program after this one. Can you say product research??  0 responses COVERS: business,local biz
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Mobile Web 1.0POSTED: May 24, 2010Developing a mobile site to match our online web presence has been an overdue project item here internally. It\'s exciting territory for us to be stepping into -- with a light weight PDA presence of Hot House Marketing due out shortly. Stay tuned! 0 responses COVERS: business,fun stuff
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VIATeC Technology Awards 2010POSTED: May 14, 2010The gang at Hot House Marketing joined in with the rest of the technology community yesterday for the VIATeC Technology Awards. The awards celebrate the achievements of technology companies responsible for making Greater Victoria the fastest growing technology region in British Columbia. The event was a resounding success, and it was an honor being part of the ceremony production once again this year! 0 responses COVERS: business,local biz
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Robert Bateman Centre Legacy PathPOSTED: May 10, 2010Royal Roads University recently unveiled an exciting initiative for the Robert Bateman Centre, titled the 'Legacy Path'. We assisted the University in building a page for the Bateman Centre, detailing what the initiative is, the benefits and how to get involved. www.batemancentre.ca 0 responses COVERS: business,local biz
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Reynolds Community Spring FairPOSTED: May 4, 2010We tend to have a soft spot when it comes to helping out great causes, especially when it takes you on a trip down memory lane and involves games, food and live music. You may have noticed if skimming through the bios, that prior to turning to the dark side of design and marketing, one of our elite staff taught for a number of years at Reynolds High School. So when a student from Reynolds approached us about his idea of putting on a community fair with proceeds going to a great cause... we were more than happy to help out. The poster sums it up but with local food, live entertainment, carnival games, sky divers prizes and passing on the awareness of sustainability & eco-friendly choices? That's a fun filled Friday. Did we mention the man in charge of throwing this all together is in grade 12??? Good on ya Evan. So mark it on your calendar, invite friends and family and beef up your good karma as all proceeds raised will go to support Reynolds Secondary School sister village, Panajachel, Guatemala. Did we mention admission was FREE? Friday May 14th at Reynolds Secondary from 1-7pm. Supporting others. Building community.  0 responses COVERS: business,local biz
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Elaborate Marketing?POSTED: May 2, 2010What's interesting behind the latest next generation iphone is the latest and very public mix up with an well known APPLE programmer. It's being said that a programmer, working at APPLE, left his beta prototype next-gen iphone in a bar -- offering someone else to find it and sell the technology to Gizmodo. The mistake by APPLE left Gizmodo with the rare opportunity to break down the technology, to a small degree, and promote the iphones' new features before it's official release. The 'small degree' was a limited look at the phone due mainly with APPLE's very tight security set-up. The 'limited' exposure to the phone's features raised an interesting point on whether what really happened was simply an elaborate marketing campaign.... The timing and what had been promoted was interesting, since the phone is, for the first time, experiencing a stiffer line of competition. And APPLE isn't one to shy from creative marketing to stay ahead of the curve. More information on what Gizmodo did. http://tinyurl.com/y3ooa6r 0 responses COVERS: marketing,business,advertising
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Finally, Dockside Dining. Done Right.POSTED: March 18, 2010Still a work in progress, but we were excited to have the opportunity to rebrand and work with the Flying Otter Grill which is a local restaurant located in the inner harbour...literally. Needless to say, the team was more than excited to partake in some extensive research at Victoria's very own exclusive floating restaurant and what better way to sum up this little jewel than describe it as 'Dockside dining. Done right'. With summer on its way and only a quick hop on the inner harbour ferry from our office?!? This may very well be our new favourite hang out. Dockside bevies anyone?  0 responses COVERS: marketing,business,advertising
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Thinking Inside The Box Can Be Fun Too.POSTED: March 12, 2010Radio is a great medium. It allows you to target pretty narrowly and have a lot of fun creatively. Radio swept the globe when it launched during the great depression and is recognized as a great brand building medium. Here are some fun spots we've just created for Hot House Pizza that will be running on the Zone 91.3. Burnt Pizza Ninja Turtles Snow Boarders 0 responses COVERS: marketing,business,advertising
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Off To The Boat ShowPOSTED: February 23, 2010It's near the end of February here in Victoria, so what does that mean? Well...sun and hot weather of course. Our client, Port Boat House from up in Port Alberni were down at Perkes arena for our annual boat show. A few of us from the shop saddled up on Sunday and went to visit, say hi, and to dream about our future company yacht.    0 responses COVERS: marketing,business,advertising
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Early Years Award CeremoniesPOSTED: February 17, 2010A big thank you to the award winners and community nominees this year for the early year awards! It was a thrill for Hot House Marketing to have been part of the ceremonies. Read more about the 2010 award winners and award ceremonies! www.earlyyearsawards.com 0 responses COVERS: business,local biz
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Olympic Blog!POSTED: February 15, 2010Four Foot Curling has recently added a web blog to their website. The blog gives an inside look as to what it is like at the very heart of the Olympic games! More to follow... 0 responses COVERS: local biz
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Simation UnveiledPOSTED: February 3, 2010Hot House Marketing is proud to be part of an exciting new local product release. Software developer Simation Global Technology in collaboration with Dr. David Miller, a Victoria endocrinologist, is about to launch ISIS: Insulin Simulation Instructional System this week to put more information and options into the hands of physicians who treat diabetic patients. ISIS is an educational tool that will empower front-line physicians while improving the care their diabetic patients receive.  0 responses COVERS: business,local biz
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Early Year Awards: Last CallPOSTED: January 26, 2010Last call. Success By Six need your help and participation. Fill out our short survey and be entered to win a bunch of stuff! If you're a parent or still young at heart...click the link. www.earlyyearsawards.com Win two nights at Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort in Parksville with dinner for 2 in the Cedar Room, and pa......sses to enjoy the Grotto Spa Mineral Pool. A one-year home delivery subscription courtesy of the Times Colonist newspaper. A Salmon Kings prize package including 4 tickets to an upcoming home game, 2 hats, 2 t-shirts and a pennant. 0 responses COVERS: business,local biz
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Early Years AwardsPOSTED: January 9, 2010In an effort to acknowledge members of the community who go above and beyond to support parents and their children best, Success by Six developed The Early Years Awards program. If you care for a child aged five and under we need your help to recognize people, businesses and organizations in our community that support young children and their families. Learn how to get involved today, by dropping through to success by Six's website. www.earlyyearsawards.com  0 responses COVERS: business,local biz
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New BC Assessment VideosPOSTED: January 3, 2010With Hot House Marketing, BC Assessment presented a fresh set of instructional videos this week for visitors looking at how the assignments online work. Learn more! www.bcassessment.bc.ca 0 responses COVERS: business,local biz
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Happy Holidays This Season!POSTED: December 24, 2009Merry Christmas and a Happy Holiday Season from the team at Hot House!  0 responses COVERS: fun stuff
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So This Is ChristmasPOSTED: December 11, 2009It’s that time of year again. Work and family life clash, personal finances and gift purchases collide, vacation stress levels rival those at the office and the soundtrack playing throughout takes on one too many bells. So this is Christmas. The strange thing about this holiday, however, is that good always seems to prevail. You may have a million things on your mind, a rapidly emptying wallet in your pocket, and four screaming kids in the backseat but when you open the door to the smell of a home cooked meal, a roaring fire, and hundreds of fir scented sparkles blinking at you from the tree…it somehow makes it all worth it. As you grow older that warm cozy feeling seems to stay the same while everything else changes. I find I care more about surrounding myself with good company instead of presents. While as a child, thoughts of sugar plumbs and fairies may have danced in my head, these days it’s thoughts of a new year and self reflection that are doing the tango. We just finished some creative for Victoria Hospice Foundation. Spanning radio, web and print the message was a strong one, timeless yet timely considering the season. The message was simple: “Honour a memory”. This holiday take the time to be thankful for the people you have in your life by spending as much time with them as possible. Honour the ones that are no longer with us by taking the time to remember them, remember who they were to you and how they’ve shaped who you’ve become.  It’s easy to get caught up in the herd as yet one more member of a mass stampede of marketing seduction and consumerism, sometimes it can even be fun for a little while. Just make sure you bring a roadmap on your adventures this season because if you can’t find your way out, you’ll be missing out on the best part of the holidays. Merry Christmas. 0 responses COVERS: local biz
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November In ReviewPOSTED: November 26, 2009"Dull November brings the blast, then the leaves are whirling fast.” Sara Coleridge dialed it with that one as the second to last month of the year has been a fairly eventful one for us. The first quarter of the month was spent gearing up the public for Island Tech; an annual showcase with a focus on technology and innovation. Crystal Gardens opened her doors on the 13th of November to a welcome public, local support was strong for Island Tech this year and the turnout was excellent making for a fantastic event. Less than a week after Island Tech on November 18th came the 20th anniversary of the convention on the rights of the child, a special celebration hosted by Success By 6 Victoria & headlined by Raffi & The Choir Kids. The evening carried a strong message and I think it goes without saying that everyone in attendance left with more than they came in with. That about covers this month, no that’s not all of it and no the month isn’t quite over but time is money and I need to go spend mine on a couple of tickets to the Canada VS. Russia hockey game tonight.  0 responses COVERS: business,local biz
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Community Living Victoria Chooses Hot House To Champion Their CausePOSTED: October 9, 2009 Community Living Month was kicked off in style with world-class hockey action at Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre on October 5th, as Canada’s Olympic Gold medal hopeful in Women’s hockey took on Team USA. Hot House Marketing was excited to help promote the game, which ultimately contributed some much needed support to Community Living Victoria who provides assistance to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. A kick ass game program, a rock star TV ad, heartfelt radio spots - along with inspiring interviews, call to action print pieces and more were created by the Hot House team to help motivate the over 6000 fans to participate in the evening, raising more than $50,000 for CLV. 0 responses COVERS: marketing
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VIHSP Website Goes LivePOSTED: September 17, 2009We’re happy to announce the launch of the newly redesigned Victoria International High School website. We’ve got some long days and late nights under our belt with this one and although the website is live, we are still currently in the process of perfecting the extensive video content. Stop by the site and have a look around, let us know what you think and don’t forget to check back for the updated videos. Click here to take a peek! 0 responses COVERS: web development
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Community Living Victoria Chooses Hot House To Champion Their CausePOSTED: August 5, 2009After reviewing proposals by two other major Victoria advertising agencies, Community Living Victoria awarded their business to us. The review committee complimented us on our proposal stating that it was “the best proposal they had ever seen” adding that our work was “fresh and powerful.” Once we come down from cloud nine, we will begin work on the campaign. The multimedia campaign is intended to raise awareness and understanding of individuals with disabilities and to create a positive predisposition towards their brand. The campaign will be fully integrated and include radio, television, print, outdoor and digital marketing. We’re thrilled to be doing the work because it allows us to use our talents in very positive way. Watch for the campaign when it breaks this fall. 0 responses COVERS: marketing,business,local biz
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Hot House Ads Senior Creative TalentPOSTED: August 2, 2009We're pleased to announce the appointment of Patrick Derricourt as Vice President of Creative Development at the agency. Patrick has a tremendous background that includes senior positions with advertising agencies McCann Erickson London England; as well as Copeland Communications and Redbird Communications here in Victoria. Patrick's awards include New York Art Directors Club, London Film Festival. British Columbia Association of Broadcasters: Best Agency Film and Best of Show GDC VIctoria. Patrick will help us to evolve creatively and allow us to keep up with the growing demand for our work. 0 responses COVERS: marketing
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Simation Chooses Hot House To Build StrategyPOSTED: July 23, 2009We're thrilled that Simation Global Technology has picked us to provide research and strategic planning services for their growing company that markets to a global audience. Simation requested proposals from two other Victoria based advertising agencies, but picked us for our strategic depth and innovative approach. We will be undertaking primary and secondary research for them using a combination of qualitative telephone interviews and a online quantitative survey to capture a large global response. We have created an innovative online survey approach that will utilize social media and pay per click tactics to capture qualified responses. Armed with some good research, the plan should be insightful and the result guaranteed. 0 responses COVERS: business,local biz
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Family Coming To Town?POSTED: July 22, 2009Not every project is going to take months of strategy, planning and creative sessions. Sometimes a job will come in and need to have a quick turnaround on a set budget. Such is the case with this fun little card we developed for the Delta Ocean Pointe Resort. OPR came to us with a local mailout idea to attract local residents and their "visitors" to special rates available to Victoria residents. We came up with 4 different concepts, all within a tight deadline and presented them to the client. The hardest part about this job...well, that was with them and which concept they wanted to run with. The moral of the story here is...it's not always about huge budgets and the open ended scopes of a project. Many times, you'll have a blast coming up with the funnest ideas working within the given restraints and under the gun.  0 responses COVERS: marketing,fun stuff
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Compliments To St. Margaret’sPOSTED: July 2, 2009St. Margaret’s school was awarded first in Vancouver Island secondary schools this year in the rankings of 313 B.C. schools done by the Fraser Institute. The all-girls private school has leapt from 16th place to 8th in the province in just 2 years according to the annual secondary school report card, which was released yesterday. From the time we’ve spent with the staff and students we know this was well deserved, our compliments to the crew at St. Margaret’s. 0 responses COVERS: business,local biz
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VIATeC "Techie" HonorPOSTED: May 21, 2009Hot House Marketing was honored to receive the 2009 VIATeC Member of the year “Techie”award. The VIATeC Member of the Year recognizes a member of VIATeC who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to the technology sector through involvement, volunteering and support of VIATeC. The awards were held at the Victoria Conference Centre on May 21st, 2009 where we had several members of the team in attendance. To view some candid moments of the awards and the after party view the Hot House Marketing Flikr page.  0 responses COVERS: business,local biz
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Louder Than WordsPOSTED: May 2, 2009We're proud to have C•Fax as a client and we're even prouder to play a small part in the annual Community Awards. Every year, nominees in a number of categories are honored for the roles they play in our community. This includes Citizen of the Year, Youth Leader, Sports Leader and a variety of other areas that help make Victoria a great place to live. Hot House would like to congratulate all of this years winners as well as a special congratulations to Sinclair Mar and his Community Leader award. We had the pleasure of working with Sinclair and the 150 years in Golden Mountain celebration this past summer and are extremely happy to see him honored. Congratulations to all  0 responses COVERS: marketing,advertising,local biz
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Helping Therapeutic Edge Get Back On
POSTED: May 1, 2009 |
Oscar, Grammy, Juno Step Aside…the VIATeC Techie Is In The House!POSTED: March 27, 2009 The 2009 Vancouver Island Viatec Awards are 2 months away, but the hype has officially begun. VIATeC and Hot House have teamed-up to place the VIATeC awards in the hot-seat of big events to hit the Island this year. The annual event captures “the enthusiasm, energy and innovation that characterize Greater Victoria’s technology entrepreneurs and business people.” To sum it up, it is a fantastic event that allows the technology business of Vancouver Island to showcase their accomplishments in one of our largest business industries on the Island. Although the awards lack the key category of top notch marketing and design campaign, we’ll settle for the positive feedback we’ve received and perhaps an embarrassing photo or two of our staff at the award’s infamous afterparty to pin up in our office. What will you do with your techie?  0 responses COVERS: business,local biz
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Hot House Expands To Meet Demand For Online ServicesPOSTED: March 4, 2009Hot House Marketing continues its expansion with the addition of Harry Tamacas Perla in the position of account executive and online media planner. Harry is the third addition to the Hot House team since Dagg Integrated Marketing Services Ltd. acquired the company just over a year ago. “I’m thrilled with the growth we’ve witnessed in a difficult economic market like this. It means we’re doing something right.” Notes Dan Dagg, president of Dagg Integrated, which also owns 2.0 Productions, a local video company that specializes in video for the Internet and sales and marketing purposes. Online marketing spending is growing rapidly and is expected to almost double in the next five years, from $23.6 billion in 2008 to $42.0 billion by year-end 2013 according to source eMarketer. “Our research and experience suggests that the biggest growth opportunity online is going to be in the area of video content.” Notes Dagg, “The rapid growth in our own video production division will attest to that. There isn’t a client we talk to that doesn’t want to add video to their site.” “When the web began to get popular in the early nineties, most ad agencies didn’t know how to deal with it. As a result, they became followers and their clients looked elsewhere to fill that void. We don’t want to see that happen with online marketing here at our shop.” Explains Dagg. “Quite simply, our goal is to build a robust agency that is leading edge and delivers what our clients need.” In addition to Tamacas Perla, who brings with him an extensive background in hospitalities, tourism and online marketing, Hot House added Steve Guy web developer and Tom Sinclair as designer earlier this year bringing total staff for Hot House and 2.0 Productions to nine. Hot House Marketing is a Victoria BC, based advertising agency with local, regional and internationally based clients. 0 responses COVERS: business,local biz
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St. Margaret’s Pick Hot House To GrowPOSTED: March 3, 2009One of the top private schools in Canada, St. Margaret’s School for girls, has chosen Hot House Marketing as the best agency to help them revitalize their hundred year old brand and compete more effectively in an international market. We are now in the research stage of a strategic re-positioning strategy which will ultimately lead to an enhanced brand identity, website and marketing videos. Stay tuned and we’ll post the results in about eight weeks.  0 responses COVERS: marketing,business,local biz
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The Day Of Reckoning Is Nigh!POSTED: March 1, 2009Nothing in life is more certain than that of taxes and death, and with something as daunting or unpleasant, our goal was to take our client Fastax and bring across a message that most of us wish to hear when discussing the process... Done Right. Done Fast. Our approach? A light hearted commercial, shoestring budget, a whole lot of friends (who we still owe a few reciprocal favours to) and the star of our show? A beautiful red chair. (A standing ovation to the fantastic upholstery job on the chair – you know who you are). 30 seconds of a little humour and simple clear messaging. If only filing taxes could really be that fast.  0 responses COVERS: marketing,advertising
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Pathway To Personal & Professional GrowthPOSTED: February 26, 2009Do you remember a time in your life when everything felt good? When you were happy and things seemed to come easily? We recently did our own reassessment with quality of life and finding harmony when rebranding a client of ours, Source Energy Consulting. The goal was to bring forth a professional and cohesive brand that better represented the services provided and the overall benefits to individuals and businesses alike. Brand identity is something that is repeatedly communicated, in multiple ways with frequency and consistency throughout the life of one’s business. Essentially, our goal was to establish a different or higher expectation and uphold it in all client touchpoints with Source Energy Consulting. From the defining elements of the brand to website, video, and printed collateral the result was a very successful rebrand that better reflected the products provided.  0 responses COVERS: graphics design,advertising,web development
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Advertorial GoodnessPOSTED: February 17, 2009So, all the scariness that our new friends at Hazpro informed us of, has now turned into a series of advertorial newspaper ads. Advertorials are a mix of advertisement and editorial work and their primarily goal (at least in this case), is to inform the public while acknowledging their part in the service. Asbestos is serious thing, so it was important to Hazpro that they help educate their potential clients, and really, anyone who may be concerned about asbestos problems in their homes. Below are our two ads we've written to help convey their message. So far they've had some real positive response and we're proud to of been apart of the process.   0 responses COVERS: marketing,business,advertising,local biz
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A Hot JanuaryPOSTED: January 22, 2009Well, we're marching on into 2009 and it's starting off with desks piled high in work. These are concerning times, so we're more than appreciative and honoured that our clients are putting their trust in us to help make a push in these markets. We also are pleased to announce two new exciting (and local) ventures. The first of which is HazPro Environmental. HazPro actually came in and interviewed us right before Christmas. They scared the crap out of us about asbestos...but with the reassurance that they are the guys to call if you're crawling around your attic and discover any. We've completed their identity and in a few weeks we'll be launching their new website. And right after, we'll be informing, not so much scaring, the public about what to look for and what can be done about asbestos and vermiculite abatement.  Our other new client is ThermoProof Windows. ThermoProof has actually been around for a long time, and many of you may even have their products installed in your home. The catch is, they never really stood up and shouted out who they are. That's where we come into play. We're in development right now and will be producing a series of marketing videos and a rich and engaging website. We really want to help give ThermoProof get the splash they deserve. Stay tuned for the launch in February.  0 responses COVERS: graphics design,web development,local biz
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Happy Holidays!POSTED: December 19, 2008With the Christmas holidays upon us, we wanted to take the opportunity to say thank you. Thank you again for your business and happy holidays!   0 responses COVERS: fun stuff
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HappyPOSTED: November 21, 2008It's busy in an ad agency. Normally there are 21,985,032 things going on at once. So it's pretty impressive when a single envelope can cause all of these things to come to a screeching halt. The first instance of our Smile: MasterCard ad for our client InComm has come out. This is a national campaign run in several major industry publications. We're really excited for both the fact that MasterCard liked and approved the use of their mark in this ad, and that we finally get to see it in use. Here is a peak at the creative.   0 responses COVERS: marketing,business,advertising
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Pemberton TV ShootPOSTED: October 31, 2008We're putting together a series of commercials for our client, Pemberton Holmes, and while we don't get a lot of snow here in Victoria, we do get rain...and our next few days is our chance to take advantage of the sun and sans damp weather. Our crew is amazing and so are our REALTORs. Knock on wood, but it's been a smooth and enjoyable ride. We have some fantastic footage. Here are some out-takes from the shoot.   0 responses COVERS: marketing
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Restell Strategic PartnersPOSTED: October 31, 2008Restell Strategic Partners approaches us to help them with a directory ad. We had three concepts that went over well, but this is the one that got the final call. RSP was a pleasure to work with, and even though it was just one ad...following through with Creative Briefs and a well outlined plan really makes the process a whole lot more effective, for all parties. It was interesting to create an ad that was professional, but still have a personal feel to it. It needed to come across as serious, but not unapproachable.  0 responses COVERS: marketing,advertising
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Our “Hot” New SitePOSTED: September 16, 2008So if you’re here you’ve made it to our new website, complete with our news/blog section. We were shooting for “big agency” with our own unique west coast twist. We wanted something that showcased our work, looked good and was easy to navigate. I think we hit the mark with this one. We’ve also included some new sections that I think you’ll like… “the dark side of hot house” is an inside look at some of the staff quirks and agency gags. We were going to install a SteveCam but we haven’t met the Broadcasting Standards Guide with that one. But you should check out Bambi, the office mascot. Also included is a section called “What you should care about.” This is a section where we are going to post articles of interest, links to cool sites and shout outs for causes we care about and think you should too. It’s basically about all things passionate here…the biz (and by the biz I mean “industry” a George Jarvis’ism), the people in the biz and the people that make our world a little bit brighter. Anyway, I hope you like what you see and come back often. And of course a big thanks to my boys Steve Guy, Terry Dee and Eddie G. for dreaming this baby up and keeping me that one blink away from hip “replacement.” 0 responses COVERS: copywriting,business,local biz
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Hot House Wins A Hat TrickPOSTED: September 14, 2008Okay, I barely know what a hat trick is, but I think it means three goals in a row. So it started with Liquor Express.  The client has hired us to develop a marketing plan and help them grow business at their five stores here in Victoria, Nanaimo and Gold River. The boys would like to do the whole thing contra. But I say no. The second win came a few days later when we picked up the Pacific Sky business. They want a strategic marketing and adverting partner for their executive charter airline and flight school. We’re thrilled to have them on board…ha ha. Final win today. We have been awarded the Yates Street Physiotherapy Clinic business. Marketing plan, rebranding and role out of an integrated marketing strategy. Okay, so we also picked up a long-term consulting contract with the Royal Roads University Foundation. We are providing ongoing strategic communications support to the $100 million legacy campaign. But that makes four and I know of no sports term for this.* *Update from the AD office: We’ll go with “and one” here. A three point shot + the foul (and one). I have to wonder why I was asked to stop reading ESPN at work… 0 responses COVERS: marketing,business
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