In today's Agency Pulse, gain insight into how:

• AI, CGI, and mixed reality ads can each serve unique marketing goals, from speed and efficiency to premium visuals and mass engagement.

• Filmmakers can market their work like a startup, leveraging proven go-to-market strategies for audience-building and visibility.

• Advertising creatives must embrace time-tested principles to maintain their edge amid AI's growing dominance.

For the uninitiated: Agency Pulse is a free, biweekly newsletter designed for the innovative agency leaders of today and tomorrow. Each article featured below is penned by a member of Forbes Agency Council, a community of successful agency owners and executives on a mission to inspire.

Let’s dive in!

AI, CGI, Or Mixed Reality? Picking The Perfect Fit For Your Brand Campaign

With AI visuals, full CGI, and mixed reality ads on the rise, many brands are unsure which to choose. Each offers unique advantages, from efficiency and high-end visuals to shareable engagement.

Here's a breakdown to help you navigate the options:

🤖 Full CGI: Visual Excellence & Flexibility

• Delivers precise, premium product visuals that balance realism with imagination.

• Cost-effective long-term: reusable assets for multi-channel campaigns.

• Best for reinforcing brand polish and product perception, not chasing virality.

🌍 Mixed Reality: Engagement & Shareability

• Combines CGI with real-world settings for attention-grabbing visuals.

• Excels in awareness-driven campaigns and large-scale launches.

• Requires strong creative concepts to avoid superficial “flash.”

⚡ AI Ads: Speed & Cost Efficiency

• Produces visuals faster than traditional methods, ideal for time-sensitive campaigns.

• Budget-friendly, especially for experimentation and high-volume social content.

• Works best with skilled creators to ensure consistency and creative direction.

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Market Your Film Like a Pro: Lessons from Startup Success

Marketing a film shouldn’t be an afterthought—it’s a critical process that mirrors startup go-to-market strategies. By applying startup tactics, you can maximize visibility and audience impact for your indie film.

Here's the playbook:

🐾 Crawl Phase: Know Your Audience

• Test your film’s concept and tone with early adopters to refine "audience-story fit."

• Focus on niche groups (e.g., genre fans) likely to champion your work.

• Use early screenings to identify which moments resonate, seeking recurring feedback patterns.

🚶 Walk Phase: Build Momentum Early

• Share teaser stills and behind-the-scenes tidbits to intrigue future fans.

• Join relevant podcasts and share insights tied to your film’s themes for early positioning.

• Positive coverage (e.g., reviews, festival placements) multiplies credibility.

🏃 Run Phase: Launch Strategically

• Your trailer is a product demo; use exclusive first looks with aligned outlets.

• Synchronize press, social media, and distribution to ensure steady buzz.

• Highlight shareable moments, like behind-the-scenes clips, to drive virality.

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Creatives, Take Note: Learn From the AI Playbook to Stay Ahead

AI thrives by mastering the past, and today's advertising creatives should do the same. Despite fears that AI or platforms like Meta can fully take control of ad performance, the truth is that creativity—rooted in timeless principles—remains indispensable.

Here's how to ensure humans outperform machines:

📖 Master the Fundamentals of Great Advertising

• Reveal a truth: Ground your creativity in authenticity.

• Stay brand-focused: Connect ideas to what the brand delivers.

• Production serves the idea: Avoid needless flash; let the concept shine.

• Say it simply, but with a twist: Introduce a memorable element that surprises and delights.

🏆 Why Creativity Matters More Than Ever

• Nielsen research showed that 47% of ad sales impact came from creative, a much higher contribution than targeting.

• Brands de-emphasizing creativity lose their resonance and saliency, jeopardizing their connection with audiences.

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Wrapping Up

If these articles sparked your interest, we have a network that you will love: Forbes Agency Council.

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Put yourself at the forefront of the agency landscape with access to publishing opportunities on Forbes.com, a personalized, SEO-friendly Executive Profile, and the chance to network with other respected leaders in the field.

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