It’s Jokes All Round For Gag Brochures: A Creative Fake-Brochure Company
For some people, accumulating advertising material in the form of mailers and product brochures can at times be irritating. But Melbourne-based creative startup Gag Brochures has a different take on it; selling product brochures to people for money.
Aimed at becoming a laughing point around the office or at the next gathering among friends or family, the catch of course is that the products featured within are completely fictitious
With this in mind it may not be such a bad idea to exercise higher-than-normal vigilance this coming April Fools’ Day.
“To avoid any confusion, the clue’s in the name,” said founder Ollie Thorne, a former advertising copywriter and creative who reached his light bulb idea of selling fictitious brochures after being forwarded an article that outlined genuine products that appeared both sloppy and redundant.
“When I started thinking up some other potential products that had my friends laughing I knew there could be something here,” he continued. “The hardest part was finding products that would play off social etiquette in a funny way but also be slightly believable. That way people would at first be confused – then be able to laugh about it afterwards”.
Mixing online with offline behaviour, buyers visit GagBrochures.com to choose the brochure design they want. It’s then sent along with a realistic-looking, fake-branded envelope to the buyer – ready to be gifted in person to an unsuspecting victim. Once received, the recipient begins to follow the redemption instructions online – but are then quickly alerted that it’s a joke.
The themes of the brochures are mixed. From a bathrobe-inspired tuxedo that can be worn at weddings and formal occasions – to a device that can shield a person’s lunch from potential employees or lunchtime gawkers.
With novelty gift-giving being particularly popular in the lead up to Christmas, Thorne is poised to add more products in the coming months, confident that the continuation of branded infomercials and catchy product marketing will only make his products look only more believable.
Latest News
Dear Internet – One Year On From COVID
By Nisha Ridout, Senior Field Marketing Manager, Quantcast. Dear Internet, One year on from COVID 19 and we want to say a huge thank you.
Andrew O’Keefe Has Two Charges Of Assault Added To Domestic Violence Case
This is one of those rather unpleasant stories B&T doesn't enjoy running. We'd far prefer to be bringing you cute dogs.
GroupM Unveils Next-Gen Performance & Programmatic Marketing Offering
This GroupM tech news will have you thinking you're in a scene from Star Trek minus the skivvies and the elongated ears.
7.30 Report Reveals More Allegations Of Racism From Former Neighbours Actors
More racism allegations on the Neighbours set, as Alf quickly adds a spicy lentil dahl & papadums to the diner's menu.
Facebook To Release Clubhouse Competitor
Facebook set to release a Clubhouse competitor. That's an audio-based social media app & nothing at all to do with golf.
Coles Insurance Encourages Aussies To Get Back To “What Really Counts” Via TBWA\Melbourne
Coles continuing to flog its insurance. And if it's as good as its BBQ chooks then you're in for a juicy stuffing.
Five Ways Marketers Can Help Young Aussies Move Forward
Here's ways marketers can help young Aussies without once mentioning the insidious smashed avo on gluten-free chia rye.
North Appointed To Launch Digital Platform for BlueScope’s Steel Profile Magazine
B&T enjoys BlueScope’s Steel Profile magazine for the innovative design, the Sudoku puzzle and the spongecake recipes.
marie claire’s Nicky Briger: “Why Magazine Covers Will Never Be The Same Again”
marie claire says "magazine covers will never be the same", as Fishing World editor weighs up the salmon over the trout.
Mad Max: Fury Road Prequel, Furiosa, To Be Filmed In NSW
Plans for the next Mad Max revealed with news Chris Hemsworth is in and Tina Turner is out.
Monday TV Wrap: Lego Masters Trumps Masterchef In Night Of Premieres
Does your mum still make a roast dinner whenever you visit? It's much like Australian television - samey but delicious.
Ad Man Makes (Slightly Spooky) Video Honouring His Love Of The Recently Disbanded Daft Punk
Have you been waiting for the opportune moment to robot dance around the office? Get set to immediately Rockit here.
Seven West Media Announces Australia-First KERV Partnership To Revolutionise Shopping
It's the latest revolution in shopping that will again have you questioning the size of your Mastercard statement.
Initiative Launches Deep Dive Into Australia’s Legal Cannabis Market
The number of Domino's pizza boxes in Initiative's wheelie bin a testament to the research into this cannabis study.
13.6 Million UK Viewers Watch Prince Philip’s Funeral
Prince Philip's funeral enjoys impressive TV numbers despite an absence of sideline comments from Brad 'Freddy' Fittler.
Julia Morris Says ‘I Love Money’ In New National Campaign For Homestar Finance Via Now We Collide
Comedienne Julia Morris once again proves that title's a bit of a stretch in slightly painful home loan ad.
Why High-Performing Marketers Experimented With New Strategies During The Pandemic
Here's what high-performing marketers did during the pandemic. Although the low-performing ones would've been funnier.
Small Wineries In Australia Can Now Access Voice AI To Connect And Sell Directly To Consumers
Wineries can now access voice AI. And after a few bottles, you can voice them back with some Celine or an Adele number.
Three Science-Backed Strategies To Make Your People Happier & More Productive
Here are three tips to a happier workplace that don't include booze, leaving early & repeats of Hey Hey It's Saturday.
IAS Report: Australian Digital Advertisers Experience Higher Brand Risks Across All Buying
B&T's calling this report "a turning point for makers of the saga". Even if it's actually a review for Godzilla Vs Kong.
Quintis Appoints Illuminate As Global PR Partner
Quintis is apparently a maker of sandalwood products and not a really bad misspelling of Australia's national airline.
Even More Pics From The 30 Under 30 Awards!
It's even more photos from Thursday's 30 Under 30! Re-live all the action, the bad dancing and the stodgy paella here.
triple j Hack Launches Crowdsourced Investigation Into How Social Media Affects Body Image
Is it just us but are the disadvantages of social media starting to heavily outweigh the advantages?
Will Failed TV Rights Negotiations Lead To A Multi-Billion-Dollar Breakaway Football Competition In Europe?
Most fights are either about money or a bottle of rum is involved. We'll leave you to decide where this falls.
Kinderling Kids Streams Ahead With Direct-To-Consumer Offering
Kinderling Kids Radio (Kinderling) has announced the completion of its move from DAB+, where it launched six years ago, to a direct-to-consumer streaming model, accessible online or through the Kinderling Kids iOS and Android app. The Parent Brand, the parent company of Kinderling Kids and Babyology, made the decision to shift as streaming and on-demand […]
James Whitbread Joins Flashtalking As New Sales Director for JAPAC
Flashtalking, the leading global independent platform for ad management, data-driven creative, and unified insights, has announced the appointment of James Whitbread as its JAPAC Sales Director.
Little Bird PR Selected As PR Partner For Thermomix 20th Anniversary
SPECIALIST AUSTRALIAN PR AGENCY LITTLE BIRD PR SELECTED AS PR PARTNER FOR THERMOMIX 20TH ANNIVERSARY
NSW Government Launches Multicultural Gambling Awareness Campaign
NSW government launches multicultural gambling awareness campaign. But not enough to actually want to ban it.
RUN Take On The Flu
Globally award-winning, indie agency RUN, have launched the New Zealand National Influenza Immunization Campaign, running over the next 8 weeks across TV, digital, social, print and press.
Domino’s Reckons It Deserves A Chef Hat For New ‘Super Premium Pizzas’
Do your ideas sound great at the brainstorming stage only to fall flat at the execution? You'll empathise with this.
