The Best Marketers and Producers of 2009

Here are two interesting questions I asked after checking my track record against the 2009 IMS Top 50:

• Based on this chart, who were the best marketers of 2009?
• Based on this chart, who were the best producers of 2009?

And the winners are ...

BEST MARKETERS

1. Allstar. With four of the Top 50 (Snuggie, Topsy Turvy, Strap Perfect, Bumpits) and the No. 1 short-form of 2009 (Snuggie), it's no wonder Allstar was named DRMA Marketer of the Year. 
2. IdeaVillage. A reliable hits machine, this team can also lay claim to four of the Top 50 short-form hits of 2009 (Smooth Away, Prayer Cross, HD Vision WrapArounds, Loud 'N Clear).
3. TELEBrands. Speaking of reliable, no company has cranked out more hits, year after year, than this one. Nearly three decades in the business and still going strong with two out of the Top 50 in 2009.

Honorable Mentions

• Ontel. Thanks to strong second years for both Iron Gym and Slim Clip, this firm appears twice on the Top 50 chart.
• Vince Offer. He's only done two projects to date, but both (Slap Chop, ShamWow!) are in the Top 50.
• The Retail Kings. If this category were "best distributors," the list above would look a little different. IdeaVillage would be No. 1 (measured in number of hit campaigns on the charts) because of its involvement with Strap Perfect and Point 'N Paint. Ontel would be No. 3 because of its involvement with Slap Chop.

BEST PRODUCERS

1. Blue Moon Studios. Count 'em up and this powerhouse has no less than five hits on the IMS Top 50 for 2009 (Snuggie, Vibrating Touch, Topsy Turvy, Prayer Cross and Loud 'N Clear). Impressive.
2. Concepts TV. These talented ladies have two hits on the 2009 chart (Wonder Hanger, EZ Combs). And speaking of longevity, few production companies have made more appearances on the annual charts.
3. Hutton-Miller. The team I credit with putting the "magic" back in "magic demos" also has two hits on the 2009 chart (Strap Perfect, Slim Clip). Kudos.

Honorable Mentions

• Morgan James. Last year, we welcomed this well-known name in production back to the charts with HD Vision WrapArounds. Two successful line extensions followed (HD Vision Readers, HD Vision Ultras), marking the first time in my experience one brand produced three separate short-form hits.
• The Pitchmen. Despite the loss of the greatest of these, the 2009 charts still included charismatic pitchmen: Vince Offer (Slap Chop, ShamWow!) and Anthony Sullivan (Point 'N Paint).