Remarkable Marketers: Meet NOVA Entertainment’s Tony Thomas
There are some pretty remarkable people in our industry, each offering their own unique perspective to adland.
While we spend so much time learning about our peers’ career highlights, B&T, in partnership with Carat Australia, thought it high time to dig a little deeper, and find out what makes the shining stars of our industry tick and, at times, tock.
So, we’ve recently published – and are continuing to publish – a series of personal profiles.
Get ready to laugh, cry and be taken on an emotional rollercoaster as we hear more about the industry’s most remarkable marketers.
NOVA Entertainment’s chief marketing and digital officer, Tony Thomas: The truckin’ caterpillar
I wanted to be a truck driver right up until I was 16, and I’m talking big, semi-trailers. I grew up on a farm and liked big machines. Trucks were something I could see myself driving around in the future. However, if I wasn’t a marketer, I’d be a guitarist in a rock band… if I wasn’t musically illiterate.
My all-time favourite hero was Kurt Cobain. I’m a huge Nirvana fan, and he carried the hopes and dreams of everyone who was down and out during his time, and gave them confidence that they could make something of themselves. Obviously, it didn’t end very well for Kurt, but I really bought into everything he was about and I even tried to look like him when I was in my early 20s.
I’m also a big fan of Milli Vanilli. Even though they were completely fraudulent, something about them really grabbed me. I kind of liked how they were able to pull the rug over everyone’s eyes.
The worst holiday I’ve ever been on was to Daydream Island. I wasn’t a fan of the super-sized papier mâché sea animals as you walk in, I got food poisoning, the weather was terrible, and to top it off, a fire alarm went off at 3am one morning. It was terrible.
When I was working at Diageo, I launched a product called Smirnoff Baltic, which was your pre-dated Smirnoff Ice – the first male-targeted vodka ready to drink. It was a complete and utter failure. My learning from that was to trust my gut rather than the research.
One piece of technology that I simply don’t get is my stove. I can never make it work and it’s never delivered a product that anyone finds edible. In saying that though, anything I cook myself is usually pretty regrettable to eat.
My party trick is ‘The Caterpillar’ dance move. I actually pulled it out at my wedding, but now if I try it, there’s usually major knee, elbow and chin injuries that follow.
Please login with linkedin to comment
Carat carat australia Nova Entertainment remarkable marketers Tony ThomasLatest News
The Naked Kiwi P@rnstars Are Back! NZ Government Launches ‘The Eggplant’ As Latest Online Safety PSA
The Kiwis continue to rule the world in lovable PMs, the ruck and maul, inflight safety videos and hilarious PSAs.
Wieden+Kennedy And Publicis Groupe Appointed To Global Visa Account
Visa remains the pre-eminent credit card for cubicle-going lovers of the Columbian marching powder everywhere.
$2.7 Billion Offer To Buy Foxtel Rejected
Gift horses don't come along everyday, but it appears Foxtel management has chosen to look at it in the mouth.
Consumers, SMBs More Concerned About Climate Change Now Than Before Covid
Study shows climate change now above Delta's new hairstyle and Sam Armytage's sex life on Aussies' list of concerns.
“A-List Ads!” Natalie Portman & Mark Wahlberg Hit Sydney To Shoot Global Ad Campaigns
B&T loved Natalie Portman in 2011's Black Swan. Unfortunately, we can't really recall loving Mark Wahlberg in anything.
New Disruptor Agency, Inclusive Creatives, Launches Out Of Tassie
B&T's Tassie readers often complain that they're ignored. And let's be honest, the concerns aren't wholly without merit.
Updated: Howatson Scotches Rumours Of Howatson+White’s First Client Win
B&T's branded this "exclusive" which is journalist parlance for "someone told us pissed in the pub at 11pm last night".
Microsoft Gaming Blasts Off With Riotous Flying Dog In Christmas Ad
Here's a wonderful new Microsoft spot dog lovers will adore. Less good news for dog haters amongst B&T's readership.
B&T’s Woman Of The Year, VERSA’s Kath Blackham, Shares Her Hopes For 2021
Surely, everyone's hope for 2021 is that the Pfizer boffins have got their shit together?
Lady Gaga & Oreo Team Up To Launch Limited-Edition Cookies
One could not stuff enough bread in one's ears upon hearing the B&T editor's karaoke version of 'Poker Face'.
SpotX Releases 2021 Global Trends Report For Video Advertising
It's the first of the 2021 global trends report that sadly doesn't predict the return of the roller derby or Thermos.
The Try-On Evolution: Levi’s Join Bitmoji On Snapchat
From Friday, December 4, Snapchatters and Bitmoji users will be able to pair with their own Bitmoji avatars with Levi’s casualwear apparel. The Levi’s x Bitmoji designs will also appear across a variety of experiences on Snapchat including Chat and games, on the Snap Map and in Lenses. All products will be available for purchase […]
Australian Community News Unveils New Look Exec Team; Tony Kendall Promoted, CEO Allen Williams Departs
A number of exec changes at ACM today amid reports boardroom Mentos to be replaced by Allen's Kool Mints.
How To Avoid The Infamous Webcam Double Chin And Other Tips From A Webinar Maestro
No one wants the dreaded webinar "double chin". Although it can be a boon if you normally have four chins.
Ampol Announces National Partnership With Surf Life Saving Australia
Here's a wonderul story of a petroleum company doing good. And to be honest, that's not a sentence you hear too often.
The Death Of Creativity: How PRs Must Breathe Life Back Into An Empty Buzzword
Work In PR? COVID left you a little flat? Here are some top tips to revive any agency sans the little piccolos of Moet.
Atomic 212° Wins BMW Group’s Media Planning & Buying
Atomic 212° snares BMW's media amid reports Barry O’Brien spotted wearing lederhosen and Tyrolean hat.
Deliveroo Turns On Beach Delivery For This Summer
Lockdown got you dreading your "beach bod" this summer? Watch those fat rolls quiver with this new Deliveroo initiative.
Digitas Australia Unveils Seven-Part Data Masterclass Series
Digitas unveils seven-part data masterclass series. Apparently you get a stubbie holder if you make it to the end.
Advertisers Vs Aussie TV Networks: Who Scores Best On Sustainability?
The great "advertiser-network sustainability" debate answered here. Yes, B&T added in the "great" to give it some pep.
Ex-Hogarth Executive & Fusion Co-Gounder Bucks Agency Model With New Product Design Firm, Diagram
John Chaplin (pictured), former Chief Product Officer of Hogarth Australia and Co-founder of award winning digital agency Fusion, has launched a new digital product design company, Diagram. Based in Sydney, Diagram are a collective of creators and makers who partner with individuals, agencies, startups, business and industry to design and build considered, elegant digital products. […]
Nike Ad On Bullying Sparks Racism Debate & Calls For Boycott
Nothing says "well, that ad certainly pinched a nerve" quite like global outrage and threats of a customer boycott.
Kmart Produces First-Ever TV Special, A Christmas Showcase On Nine, Via Mushroom Group
Pauline Hanson has called for a boycott of Chinese-made goods. You'd have to think that'd be the end of Kmart.
DDB Retains Iron Grip On Top Spot For New Business Wins
DDB's stellar 2020 continues apace. Well, apart from that family of possums in the attic & the septic playing up.
Spark Foundry Roars To Top Spot For New Media Wins For October
Spark crowned Australia's best performing media agency, as Beverly from accounts threatens to bake gluten-free brownies.
Salesforce Makes Moves In Automation And Digital Transformation As Part Of Dreamforce 2020
After announcing the mega acquisition of workplace chat company Slack yesterday, tech giant Salesforce has made a raft of announcements as part of this year’s annual Dreamforce event, which has been held virtually. Headlining the announcements was news of Salesforce Hyperforce, which comes as a reimagination of the company’s platform architecture built to securely and […]
Carat: Google, Samsung & eBay Top List Of Australia’s “Most Emotionally Intelligent Brands”
Carat unveils list of top emotionally intelligent brands. B&T assumes they also workout & watch their alcohol intake.
South Australia Health, Wavemaker & News Corp Act Fast To Launch COVID-Safe Black Friday Mask Giveaway
B&T has been vigilant with our face masks. If you'd smelt our office toilets you'd understand why.
Taylor Swift, Ryan Reynolds And Satan Destroy 2020 In Comedy Gem For Dating Site
Here's a top piece of feel-good ad making. Although, be warned in case Taylor Swift's music makes you strangely violent.
triple j’s Hottest 100 Kicks Off With Lifeline Partnership
The countdown to triple j’s Hottest 100 has begun. And that means the Australia Day naysayers have also begun, too.
