Waterfront has gone ‘Big’ again, connecting Sex and the City’s Chris Noth with an oOh! Media Promotions. oOh! aims to infiltrate advertising agencies with the message that ‘big is better’, using the man who personifies it.

While advertising staff received video messages from Chris Noth throughout the promotion about the power of oOh’s big billboards, they had the chance to Win Big in NY, equating to a dinner with the big man himself.

Entrants were asked to post a photo of them doing something ‘big’ while holding an ‘oOh!’ sign.

CEO, Brendan Cook said that, “getting Chris Noth on board to help us raise awareness of big billboards is massive.”

The black and white silent film “The Artist” won 5 Oscars including Best Picture, Best Director (Michel Hazanavicius), Best Original Score and Best Actor. Martin Scorsese’s “Hugo” also won 5 Oscars including, cinematography, art direction, sound mixing, sound editing and visual effects.

Jean Dujardin picked up Best Actor for his star turn in The Artist beating out fellow nominees: Demian Bichir (“A Better Life”), George Clooney (“The Descendants”), Gary Oldman (“Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy”) and Brad Pitt (“Money Ball”).

Best Actress in a Leading Role was awarded to Meryl Streep for her commanding performance as Margaret Thatcher in the The Iron Lady. Just missing out were Glenn Close (“Albert Nobbs”); Voila Davis (“The Help”), Rooney Mara (“The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”) and Michelle Williams (“My Week with Marilyn”).

Australian Kirk Baxter and New Zealand’s Bret McKenzie were among the winners at this year’s Academy Awards. Kirk Baxter won his Oscar for best film editing, for his work on the action thriller “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo‘ with Bret McKenzie, (from Flight of the Conchords) picking up the Oscar for Best Original Song for ‘Man or Muppet?’ from ‘The Muppets‘.

Christopher Plummer has entered the record books as the oldest-ever Oscar winner after collecting a gong for best supporting actor in ‘Beginners‘ and Octavia Spencer added the Oscar to her trophy cabinet with the BAFTA; Golden Globe; and SAG Award she has already received for Best Supporting Actress for “The Help” this year.

Paramount’s “Rango” voiced by Johnny Depp took the top animated film prize.

Music may be considered a global language, but today all ears were tuned into Los Angeles – home of the 54th Annual Grammy Awards.

The celebrations got off to a solemn start after the shock announcement of Whitney Houston’s death over the weekend. However, true to form the show did go on to recognise the outstanding achievements of the music industry’s finest.

Of course it wouldn’t be a Grammy Awards ceremony without the glitz and glamour of the red carpet, performances by iconic artists and several upsets in the award categories. But the biggest winner of the night had to be Adele who not only won six Grammys from six nominations, she also made a breathtaking performance comeback after undergoing surgery on her vocal chords late last year.

Below is a list of the winners in selected major categories:

Album Of The Year: Adele ‘21′
Record Of The Year: Adele ‘Rolling In The Deep’
Song Of The Year: Adele ‘Rolling In The Deep’
Best New Artist: Bon Iver
Best Pop Solo Performance: Adele ‘Someone Like You’
Best Pop Duo/Group Performance: Tony Bennett and Amy Winehouse ‘Body And Soul’
Best Pop Vocal Album: Adele ‘21′
Best Dance Recording: Skrillex ‘Scary Monsters And Nice Sprites’
Best Dance/Electronica Album: Skrillex ‘Scary Monsters And Nice Sprites’
Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album: Tony Bennett ‘Duets II’
Best Rock Performance: Foo Fighters ‘White Limo’
Best Rock Song: Foo Fighters ‘Walk’
Best Rock Album: Foo Fighters ‘Wasting Light’
Best Alternative Music Album: Bon Iver ‘Bon Iver’
Best R&B Song: Cee Lo Green and Melanie Fiona ‘Fool For You’
Best Rap Song: Kanye West, Rihanna, Kid Cudi and Fergie ‘All Of The Lights’
Best Rap Album: Kayne West ‘My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy’
Best Country Song: Taylor Swift ‘Mean’

Waterfront can be your connection to the music industry’s biggest stars. Get in touch and we’ll work with you to source the right celebrity for your brand. Not to mention, for an awesome consumer promotion we can arrange a “Money Can’t Buy” package with VIP access to next year’s ceremony – 02 8968 2800.

David Borean joins Waterfront from his recent role as Sydney General Manager for DMG radio stations Nova 969 and 95.3FM. Prior to DMG he was a partner in the industry leading Talkforce, working with hundreds of Australian businesses on improved performance, presentation and marketing strategy.

“DB” has turned down other appealing offers from major companies to join the fast growing Waterfront which is on the cutting edge of Entertainment Marketing in Australia.

David Borean commented; “The opportunity to join Waterfront and play a major role in its future growth was too good to refuse. The business has highly credible and innovative entertainment solutions for brands and the media, and leads the market with unique ‘money can’t buy’ experiences, engaging brand experiences such as ‘Day on the Green’ and ‘Rock the Schools’ and plays a unique role in connecting brands to the biggest entertainers and celebrities here and around the world. I look forward to playing a major role in the growth and success of the company”.

Mr. Borean is a recognised and award winning industry leader who brings a powerful track record of business skills, client understanding and real world experience to the Waterfront team.

“The entertainment marketing investment model is rapidly evolving, and at Waterfront we work with those brands looking to change the rules, differentiate themselves and create a powerful business impact like the recent Rihanna, Day on the Green and Katy Perry tours with major partners Optus, LG, Nissan and Logitech”, Waterfront Director, Sean Pickwell said.“Waterfront is uniquely placed to help brands navigate the entertainment space and drive their marketing strategy forward and David joining us reflects this commitment.”

David Borean starts at Waterfront on Jan 23, 2012

Waterfront Entertainment

The Brut team and Waterfront saw a clear match between the sports superstar and the Brut Endurance target market of hard working, active and sporty males.

Shane stars in two 30 second TV commercials for Brut: one about preparing for battle as a batsman and the other about providing the performance and endurance edge when bowling.

Check out Shane Watson’s ads for Brut here:

Nissan joins long term partner LG as co-naming sponsor of more than 30 events at wineries around Australia and New Zealand for the summer of 2011/12. Roundhouse Entertainment’s popular concert series combines the best Australian and International artists with beautiful vineyards, good food and great wine. This year’s line up includes: Hall & Oates, Icehouse, Sade, Steely Dan, Cold Chisel, and more.

Waterfront and media agency Carat, worked with Nissan to build a multi dimensional marketing platform at the events that have attendance over 270,000. The co-partnership with LG includes major brand positioning; consumer, trade and sales promotion; and a range of above and below the line activities aimed directly at their target market.

“Nissan is delighted to announce its association with ‘A Day On The Green’ as a co-sponsor of the 2011/2012 concert series. The concert series provides Nissan with a chance to broaden their sponsorship and event involvement into the quality music arena. Nissan Australia is a brand that is focused on humanising automotive and promoting Australian lifestyle and togetherness. We are delighted to associate ourselves with these events that value a relaxed and positive approach to life” said Nancy Spadea, Sponsorship and Events Manager, Nissan Australia.

Mick Newton from Roundhouse Entertainment said “We’ve had huge success with our long term partner LG for ‘A Day On The Green’. This summer we are expecting an even better season with both Nissan and LG onboard and the fantastic line up of artists”.

From January to April this year Yoplait Go-Gurt Yogurt School Blizzard competition was the talk of primary schools across Australia. 2011 was the third consecutive year of the competition and a total of 2409 schools entered with Melrose Primary School emerging as this year’s winner.

Channel 7’s Morning Show also made it to the event and performed live crosses throughout the show. They interviewed Justice Crew and a nutritionist who discussed the benefits of Yoplait’s Go-Gurt and keeping active.

Waterfront Entertainment worked together with Yoplait Go-Gurt, Pacific Magazines and Burson-Marsteller to bring the campaign to life.

Take a look at Yoplait Go-Gurts coverage on The Morning Show:

ZU Shoes

Waterfront knew that Erin McNaught would be a perfect fit for ZU with her natural beauty, confidence, stylish edge and love for heels.

Not only did the partnership allow a fantastic print and viral campaign to be created, the appropriately named ‘Naughty’ collection was born. The collection was inspired and designed by Erin McNaught with her individual style and zest for shoes. The partnership was brought to life at the launch event and in stores. The campaign has been buzzing on Australian fashion and culture blogs and ZU has received nothing but great feedback. It truly was a successful experience for everyone!

“We are thrilled to have a face of the brand who shares the same passion we have for shoes. Erin McNaught is a perfect fit for our brand. The ‘Naughty’ range is running off the shelves.” said Geoff Measey, Marketing Manager ZU Shoes.

Have a look at the behind the scenes footage from the campaign shoot:

Logitech Rock the Schools

This year’s line up includes Adelaide rockers Delamare, Melbourne outfit Red Ink and Sydney’s Feeding Edgar.  The up and coming musicians are following the footsteps of previous bands that have played Rock the Schools, including the successful Operator Please, Oh Mercy and Amy Meredith.

Norton by Symantec and SPC Fruit have recently joined a fantastic group of sponsors who collectively make this successful and unique tour possible.

Norton, who hold the position of ‘powered by’ on the 2011 tour, know that the internet is an fundamental tool for music and artist promotion. It’s therefore vital that all students wishing to forge a successful career in music take a proactive approach to their ‘digital tattoo’ to enhance their own virtual reputation for the future.  Norton aims to help raise awareness with students about their digital tattoo and its imprint, discussing how online actions can have offline consequences, potentially impacting a student’s future career development.

Logitech joined the tour for the first time in 2011 as naming rights sponsor, while international smash hit Wii game, Just Dance 2, has also come on board as a sponsor for its first year.  Returning for a second year as the tour’s official education partner, the Australian Institute of Music (AIM) is providing students with rare hands-on experience in the industry workshops that give students an insight on how to run Front of House Sound for a live show. Students also learn about industry recording software Protools and their Music Business Workshops explore the many different career paths available in the commercial music industry.

Also returning as a major sponsor of the Logitech Rock the Schools powered by Norton tour for a second year is the Australian Government’s National Drugs Campaign.  In 2011 the campaign has aligned with the theme of ‘music’ to engage young people in ways that are meaningful to them and encourage them to face facts on the risks of ecstasy use.

This year also sees long-term media partners Habbo.com, Channel [V] and Girlfriend magazine returning as media partners.

For more information about Rock the Schools visit the website www.rocktheschools.com.au or contact Frances Corkhill, Project Director, School Tours Australia 02 8968 2866