THE HUNT FOR THE HIDDEN GUINNESS AD ...
AMV BBDO (our parent company) has just launched new work for Guinness: "the search for the golden domino".
In an unlikely twist on the norm, they are encouraging people to hunt down the ad themselves - makes a change from a 90-second spot in a Champion's League game?!
So far, all that we know (from this post on YouTube) is that there is a fella by the name of Juan Ramon who is giving clues scattered around the web. Then there is this PDF letter in which instructions are offered - with some hidden words in the background (TRAIN, TENTH, 29th, 2.00 pm, 4.30 pm, 6.00 pm, 7.30 pm, Linden, Hoyland, Howard Taylor and Brown - thanks to Duncans TV for those).
SO, a trip to the Guinness website and a watch of the video there gives the first of the codes - 119500 - which opens up the first couple of seconds of the ad on the site.
Curiously, there is a search box on the Guinness site, so we're assuming that the right searches on Google will start to give an idea of where the rest of the codes are hidden. Much fun and games, no doubt will follow. Likewise, the items in the site repay clicking - the radio being the only thing that is working so far. Hmmm ...
The only question that is bothering us is that of whether anyone will be bothered to track the clues down and solve the mystery simply to find an ad. There is no news of what might be on offer to those who crack it and, without some incentive, you have to wonder ...
Still, we'll keep an eye on the buzz around the web and let folks know of any developments that pop up.
UPDATE: THE PUZZLE IS SOLVED. FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO SEE IT, HERE IS THE AD.
You said "Still, we'll keep an eye on the buzz around the web and let folks know of any developments that pop up." Well, I will give you some buzz that many people in the US have spent days on this already and found clues after much hard work only to find out on the website that it is for the UK only, according to the terms and conditions posted. First I think this should have been divulged before posting the video on YouTube, a US company. And second, this is definitely a development that I think people should be aware of.
Posted by: Palm | 28 October 2007 at 06:29 AM
Lots more going on at the Unforum discussion boards. Follow the progress of the hunt there ... http://forums.unfiction.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=21710&start=135
Posted by: James Gordon-MacIntosh | 28 October 2007 at 02:34 PM
Another swift update ... written on the wall in the first clip are the words "busque el molino de fenix" (hunt for the mill of the phoenix).
A swift search on Google will take you to http://www.molinodefenix.com/home.html (via Google ad words). Lord knows what happens from there.
Posted by: James Gordon-MacIntosh | 28 October 2007 at 02:50 PM
And there's more ... for those who want to know: the second clue is found in a game on the mill site. A click on the scales opens up a new game.
As for clue 3 - a read of the box in the trailer and the wall will give Don Pedro trailer. A search on Google gives the clip on YouTube and the clip the number ...
Posted by: James Gordon-MacIntosh | 28 October 2007 at 05:34 PM
Clue 4 ... check the tyre in Juan Ramos's room, work out the words and search (all as one word ...).
An email will get a response: "A clean car is a sign of a happy life, bro...".
A look at the site will show a dusting cloth. Some scrubbing of the grubby car reveals ... you got it, the next clue ...
Posted by: James Gordon-MacIntosh | 28 October 2007 at 05:39 PM
Er ... forget my comment in the original post, this is actually quite addictive in its own right.
Clue five ... check the bookshelf in Juan Ramon's room. That will guide you to a website. Email them and a clue will be forthcoming.
Once back at the shop (you will know what I mean), click the language barrier. Wait for the timer to go and then look for the book that looks most like a Guinness ...
Posted by: James Gordon-MacIntosh | 28 October 2007 at 05:48 PM
Becoming obsessed... next clue is tucked away in the clip with the falling paint pots. The signature over the mural is ... diegopaz_1975.
That will take readers to a Flickr profile (search the name on the site). In one of the pics is hidden the next code number.
All good.
Posted by: James Gordon-MacIntosh | 28 October 2007 at 09:49 PM
Next ... in the clip that is opened up are the words domino dorado. That should take readers to: http://www.dominodorado.com/.
Opening one of the matchboxes reveals the classic "remove a squre to leave four" puzzle. For those not so good at these things, solution is here: http://www.learning-tree.org.uk/stickpuzzles/remove_a_square.htm
Posted by: James Gordon-MacIntosh | 28 October 2007 at 09:54 PM
The next clip leaves you with ... Carniceria Guzmam in the film. Googling leads you to http://carniceriaguzmam.com/. An email to the address there says:
Thanks for your email to Pedro Guzmam. He has been expecting you and will be very glad that you have found him!
Pedro has gone for a very important meeting with Juan Ramon (the mayor).
He will be back in the next few days with some important information for you!
Hmmm ... so mebbe there is a bit of a wait while the whole game picks up some viral effect (there seem only to be a LOT of Argentine and US players so far.
We shall see what we shall see ...
Posted by: James Gordon-MacIntosh | 28 October 2007 at 09:57 PM
Pedro Guzman ... http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=241608358
http://www.facebook.com/s.php?q=pedro+guzman&init=q (scroll down)
Posted by: James Gordon-MacIntosh | 28 October 2007 at 10:02 PM
Clue 5 - I have been directed to the site and found the over-priced single book. Have sent an email to the seller for info, but haven't received a reply. Is there a delay before the clue arrives?
Posted by: David P | 06 November 2007 at 09:02 AM
Domino 8 - ARGH!
Has anyone got a clue for me on this one!!! Going MAAAAAAAAD
Posted by: MadHead | 06 November 2007 at 07:26 PM
me stuck on 8 - doin my ed in
Posted by: mario4068 | 07 November 2007 at 12:20 AM
I feel they haven't released the code for 8 yet to slow the game down
Posted by: t-charm | 07 November 2007 at 06:36 PM
my painting is now signed in the room diegopaz-1975 it wasnt before, wot did i do???????
Posted by: mario4068 | 07 November 2007 at 07:55 PM
http://www.carniceriaguzmam.com/perfecto/
for clue 8 cuts of meat, if someone could help
Posted by: jackie | 07 November 2007 at 08:20 PM
AYE, WE'RE OFF AAGIN! Check the numbers in the picture ...
Posted by: James Gordon-MacIntosh | 07 November 2007 at 08:54 PM
For the solutions ...
http://forums.unfiction.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=21710&start=1395
Posted by: James Gordon-MacIntosh | 07 November 2007 at 10:18 PM
this is solid
Posted by: pasty | 30 November 2007 at 02:31 PM
still no luck with clue 8 argh
Posted by: ian | 05 December 2007 at 04:35 PM