Having already teased its LeBron James spot on Facebook, State Farm unveiled its new spot with King James during the top-rated NBA All-Star Game on TNT — the latest installment in its jingle-riffing series of ads. 

James is also promoting State Farm's Score with a Song, a jingle-tied sweepstakes with the NBA that will send hoops fans to Las Vegas in a contest running through March 31st.Continue reading...

It's come to be derided as a "Hallmark holiday," a day manufactured not to put lovebirds together, but to separate a boob from his money (or in the case of couples with joint accounts, their money). Ah, romance is dead, or so cynics would say.

But brands are increasingly using creative approaches to make the day more than the stereotypical pink hearts and roses. Yes, Teleflora's Vanetine's Day-themed Super Bowl commercial may be hard to beat, but below, we share some love for brands that creatively tackled Valentine's Day this year.Continue reading...

Coming off the Super Bowl (which some might consider the Ad Bowl), it's hard to believe yet another major sporting event is maxed out with advertisers. But execs at the National Basketball Association must be smiling as the NBA All-Star Game gets ready to tip off on Sunday in Los Angeles, just two weeks after the Super Bowl.

TNT, which will broadcast the game, has experienced a 30% increase in "NBA on TNT" ad sales, and a 16% ratings increase in viewers through 34 NBA telecasts, according to Jon Diament, EVP, Ad Sales and Marketing for Turner Sports. "This is probably the strongest sports marketplace in history," he tells Brandweek.

Advertisers have been lining up for the All-Star Game, although not all of them are interested in buying TV time; instead, some will focus on social media.Continue reading...

Last week we saw Weezer remake the theme song for State Farm. This week kicks off with Billy Corgan's musical makeover for The Chicago Code, which debuts tonight on FOX. The former Smashing Pumpkins lead singer, a Chicago native, was brought on board to update the opening intro's theme song for the police procedural, which is shot in the indie windy city.

Continuing on its quest to keep its jingle top of mind, State Farm released a Valentine's Day spot today — and a less fuzzy reminder, after the jump, about the perils of unattended candles.Continue reading...

State Farm's "Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there" jingle has inspired fan versions in the past, but nothing like the update the brand commissioned from alt indie faves Weezer. Click through above to check it out on YouTube, and read on for the background.Continue reading...

State Farm wants LeBron fans to like its Facebook page to check out its new campaign — fortuitously timed to the epic game he played last night. But can winning games for the Miami Heat override the damage his image suffered last year after he left the Cleveland Cavaliers?

Bleacher Report recently questioned his brand value as a celebrity endorser, writing that King James creates a "marketing dilemma" for sponsors such as McDonald's, Nike, and State Farm, along with his team:

"consumers do not like his new public persona, and polls rank him as one of the most disliked athletes in America. Whether or not that's based on facts or public perception, that's bad for business when you are trying to sell insurance or soda."

That said, America loves a comeback. Interbrand's Patrick Kerns writes, "Winning streaks and stat lines have started dominating the headlines, instead of the “Decision” debacle. LeBron’s on-court performance—and his team’s—has improved, and this is beginning to drive the brand once again. The question now is, will performance be enough?"

What do you think: Has LeBron James redeemed himself in the eyes of fans and brands since his controversial move to Miami?

• Hot on the heels of its turkey inferno Thanksgiving safety video, State Farm warms up Christmas with a slightly more mellow holiday blaze (above).

• Photos emerge of Ford's 2012 Mustang Cobra Jet. Vrooom!

• The barefoot running movement may be a threat to Nike. Or not.

• R.I.P. Karen Sortito. A branding pioneer who spearheaded one of the most successful product placements ever: BMW Z3 in James Bond Goldeneye.Continue reading...