Analysis of the "Be the Best" Army Advertising Campaign

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Gareth Shuttleworth         Media Studies        Created on 2/22/2002 9:54 AM

Introduction

In early October 1997, a report was shown that the level of racism in the British army was extremely high.  This put people off signing up and because of this figures began to drop.

A new advertising campaign was set up by the army to encourage more people to join up of both white and ethnic minorities.

Saatchi & Saatchi are an advertising company whom are well known for their flair and talent at inventing new ways of advertising, often containing a pun (a play on words).  They were asked to take this project on board.  The challenging title  “Be the Best” was put together to hopefully promote new recruits.  From then on many posters were designed each with an individual cleverly devised theme but always using the slogan.  This was to attract different individuals than unlike appealing to the stereotype bulk of army recruits as before.

Section 1.

Poster 1.

Slogan “ Wanted 17 year olds into body building”

This Pun is mainly aimed at 17 year school leavers, its catchy play on words attracts younger people into firstly looking at the poster.  The title is good and contrasts well with its caption.

Presentation layout

The posters layout is well thought out using all the advertising space, it enhances the slogan/title by using white bold text on a dark background which immediately catches the eye of the public and therefore doing the precise job that it is supposed to.

The picture is of a solider helping people who are suffering from extreme poverty, the people are holding empty bowls begging for your/soldiers help.

Join now!

The poster puts across its strong message to suggest that joining the army it not always about war and destruction but it can also be about helping less fortunate people in other countries.

Overall effectiveness

This poster will appeal to the majority of the thoughtful young school leavers who may have an interest in the army.  It grabs peoples attention well but mainly due to its vivid illustration of the starving children.

Poster 2.

Slogan “17 year olds needed to work in fast food chain”

The pun again is very catchy and encourages people to study ...

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