Z2 Marketing

Winter 2010 Z2 News

Seeing RED

You might be familiar with the UPS tagline, “What can brown do for you?”

But here at Z2 we’ve started asking the question, “What can RED do for you?” We’re referring to an investment we just made in a RED ONE HD digital cinema camera. With its purchase, we are now one of only a handful of full-service advertising agencies in the nation that can offer clients the cinematic-quality a RED camera affords.

The name RED ONE might not mean much to the man on the street, until you start naming films that were shot with it. This is the camera that was used to shoot such blockbusters as Angels & Demons, District 9, and The Knowing. It’s the camera used by directors like Ron Howard, Peter Jackson and Lars Von Trier. Oh, and our favorite director Cory Zimmermann used it to film two recent national television commercials for Assurant Health.

We’ll spare you all the technical geek-speak about why this camera trumps all other high-end HD cameras. If you need proof, feel free to stop by our office, and we’ll show you a side-by-side comparison. The image speaks for itself.

We chose to invest in the RED ONE to provide the best possible product for our clients. We can’t wait to show off its potential, so look for us to post some sample videos soon.

Z2 Gets Published

Z2 is featured in a new book by Gavin Ambrose and Paul Harris titled, Design Think!ng.

To demonstrate a successful example of “delivering a solution to the design brief,” the authors featured a brochure cover Z2 designed for the Delafield Hotel. The authors then examined how the piece incorporated photography, typography and print as a solution to the brief.

We'd be lying if we said we weren’t pretty proud to have our work featured in this way. We always strive to provide excellent strategic design solutions for our clients. To have one of our pieces validated by recognized experts like Ambrose and Harris lets us know we must be doing something right.

BUY IT HERE: AMAZON.com

Marcus Corporation

It’s our job to make clients look good, but with clients like Marcus Corporation, that job becomes much easier-and more fun! Z2 enjoyed another year as marketing partner with one of the Midwest’s premier hospitality companies. From developing comprehensive brand platforms for the Pfister and WELL Spa to hosting bocce ball and an underground concert series at the InterContinental. From designing e-mail blasts, radio campaigns and PR opportunities for great Marcus Restaurants like Kil@wat and ChopHouse. Catching a movie? Check out the original Z2 production featuring Chef Mark Weber of Mason Street Grill at all local Marcus Theaters. And don’t forget to check out the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa’s new renovations and endless activities featured in the recent series of TV and radio spots. We’re thrilled to work with such a great team at Marcus and encourage everyone to enjoy their hospitality.

PORON & PORON XRD

Z2 is all about making an impact-even when we’re marketing impact protection.

Last spring, Z2 partnered with Rogers Corporation to develop brands for PORON and PORON XRD: cutting-edge, impact-absorbing materials designed for varying applications.

If you’re running a marathon, in the middle of a double shift or just want to work hard in comfort, PORON Performance Cushioning is essential gear. And it’s not just for shoes, either; PORON is incorporated into the hats of Major League Baseball, keeping sweat out of the eyes of players through extra innings, double headers and the dog days of summer.

For high-impact sports like football, skateboarding and BMX riding, gear with PORON XRD is key. Now with Microban germ protection and available in molded shapes for easy application, PORON XRD is lightweight, breathable and absorbs 90% of energy on impact. But don’t take our word for it: check out the Z2-designed PoronXRD.com for video proof including the unbelievable bowling ball demonstration.

BEMIS

Bemis Health Care just announced Z2 as its Agency of Record. The manufacturer has built a reputation for high standards of excellence over the years, so we’re honored that they’ve chosen us to be their agency.

Since 1971, Bemis Health Care has addressed the needs of the health care industry by providing high-quality, disposable plastic products. The company focuses on providing products that collect and dispose of infectious waste in a broad range of markets.

It’s exciting for us to work with a company whose products promote safety and environmental responsibility.

Z2 is not affiliated with any other divisions of the Bemis Manufacturing Company.

C. Thomas Howell

Z2 is pleased to announce we are working with C. Thomas Howell to develop a new brand and new website for this accomplished actor. Tommy currently appears on the hit shows Criminal Minds and Southland - and we’re sure you’ve seen him in The Outsiders, Red Dawn, ER, 24, Soul Man and dozens of other big and little screen roles. We’re excited to work with one of Hollywood’s all-around good guys.

Welcome Jessica

We’re happy to welcome Jessica Menke to the Z2 team as one of our Graphic Designers. Jessica adds to our exceptional team as a detail oriented artist. She is a University of Wisconsin-Whitewater alum with a BFA Emphasis in Graphic Design along with great experience to back up her creativity and hard work. Jessica also has a love for photography and drawing. And if you ever have a craving for a Snickers bar, just ask Jessica if she has any stashed away. Yes, she eats a Snickers bar every single day.

Welcome Eric

Although Eric isn’t completely new to us, he is sitting at a completely different desk. Once again we welcome Eric Lewin to Z2 as our new Copywriter. After previously spending time with us as PR/Marketing Assistant Eric defected to Boelter + Lincoln for a short time. Apparently he missed us terribly and has found his way back into our new office. Eric is a University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee alum with a degree in Journalism and starts everyday with a Coke. We hope you like your new desk, Eric!

Welcome Matt

Matthew Mente recently joined Z2 as a PR account executive to help support our clients and get them great local and national media attention. Matt brings more than six years of Marketing and PR experience and has worked on a variety of local and national campaigns. His first project at Z2 is to decorate the bare white walls of his office. So far, he has managed to hang a lone portrait of a pear and a sad little “Charlie Brown” Christmas tree. Please feel free to offer him additional decorating suggestions.

VerveCast

Need your Z2 fix? Socialize with us on our social media site: VerveCast. Its our Z2 Marketing blog + social site. We keep you up to date with what is going on in the office through Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, Flickr, blip.tv, Last.fm and of course the typical blog from time to time. Follow us.

VerveCast

Deb’s Corner

Mei Lin just turned five years old and is every bit of the sweet little mischievous personality captured in this photo. I took this picture (yes, Deb took it, not Cory) in the studio a few months ago.

Cory's Corner

I think this is becoming one of my favorite series I've ever done. I wanted to capture what a person's eyes say about them — the amazing story that is behind every individual. All of the portraits are shot with a macro lens within 5 inches. There will be 50 eye portraits for the first series, and there will be a showing this spring (location TBA).

Here are 3 of the 50. Learn more and stay up on this series and all of my photography on my Photography Facebook page: CLICK HERE