Execs and Accounts for May 15, 2002

Granada Enterprises will use EyeWonder’s instant streaming technology to allow television advertisers to distribute video ads across the Internet, as well as on wireless devices in the United Kingdom.

The division of London-based Granada plc — which sells approximately $1.4 billion of TV spots each year and produces many TV shows and films — will use EyeWonder’s playerless Eyeris technology to distribute TV video ads online.

“The advertising community has long talked about ‘surrounding’ their customers with messages so that product information is available when and where the users want to see it,” says Colin Elms, publishing account controller, Granada Enterprises. “EyeWonder technology allows people to experience the same advertising messages on the Internet as they see on broadcast or cable TV with the additional benefit of being interactive.”

Interactive marketing agency Sharpe Partners has launched a mini-site to promote Fujifilm USA’s new Q1 Camera. The site includes an product tour and four “Style Movies” that showcase the Q1 in several environments. A key component of the Q1 site will be a sweepstakes, which Sharpe Partners will use to capture names and key data via optional survey questions. The Q1 site is the primary vehicle for Fujifilm USA to introduce the brand.

“When we first saw the Fujifilm Q1 we knew young trendsetters would love it and that it needed to be where they live: online,” says Kathy Sharpe, founder of Sharpe Partners.

Bacon’s Information, a media information firm serving the public relations industry, has appointed Jack Serpa as Eastern region vice president, with oversight of all sales, business development and relationship management for that geographic zone. Prior to joining Bacon’s, Serpa was executive vice president of sales and strategic planning at Internet Wire, and he has held senior sales and business development positions at Business Wire and Mediamark Research.

“Jack’s in-depth experience in the PR industry will be a real asset to our clients and prospects,” said Michael Buxbaum, Bacon’s vice president of business development.

Detroit-based digital marketing agency Motor City Interactive has launched a Web site for AAA Life Insurance Company, the life insurance affiliate of the American Automobile Association (AAA). The new site, which is the life insurance company’s first online presence, lets AAA Life sell its products, educate consumers about life insurance and provide preliminary rate estimates online through 43 individual AAA club Web sites nationwide. A link to AAA Life’s information is usually found in the “life insurance” section of approved clubs’ Web sites. When clicked, it builds a page of AAA Life content that is consistent with that individual club’s site.

“Each different AAA club has a site that reflects its local brand identity. We understand the value of that, and developed an elaborate database scheme to retain it,” said Jeff Stanislow, Motor City Interactive president and CEO.

Additionally, AAA has chosen Motor City Interactive to provide online marketing and advertising services, including online media buying, search engine optimization and e-mail marketing services.

For more breaking news on account action and executive moves, visit ChannelSeven.com.