Tuesday, May 13, 2008

A New Spin on an Old Idea

Every heard of “flogos?” A flogo is a floating logo, made of soap, water, helium and compressed gas. Snowmasters, Inc., maker of Flogos, is a Lexington, Alabama (http://www.flogos.net/) based special effects firm who counts Disney, the Atlanta Braves, and Auburn University as clients. Flogos are made from a machine that looks much like the Play-Do clay press we had as kids – the cloud is generated in the machine and forced through a stencil of the desired logo, then it’s cut as it passes through the stencil. The cloud then floats up and, if there’s a wind, out over the countryside. Flogos have been known to travel 30 miles and reach a maximum altitude of 20,000 feet.

Flogos are environmentally friendly and, so far, airplane friendly. The FAA has said the floating logos fall under the same rules that govern balloons.

What’s cool about this from a marketer’s point of view is that it takes an old concept –flying an old biplane with a banner over a stadium – and completely updates it. This is a concept that should have some staying power because of its uniqueness. Until, of course, someone has an accident while watching one of these and then hires a personal injury lawyer. But for now, let’s enjoy a new product from a creative company.

Has anyone seen a Flogo?

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