PushBox Voted: "Embrace Life"- Best Use of TV Commercial

The first time I viewed this, one of the best televisions spots I've come across, I was mesmerized.  And that's with the sound turned off completely. There's no need for it.

Just watch.



An original approach to road safety advertising from the Sussex Safer Roads Partnership http://www.sussexsaferroads.gov.uk/


Well done.

Writer/Director: Daniel Cox

Producer: Sarah Alexander

Executive Producer: Neil Hopkins

Cast

Father: Austin Spangler
Mother: Lara Corrochano
Daughter: Clare Denning

Music

Composer: Siddhartha Barnhoorn

Assistant Director/ Production

1st Assistant Director: Lucy Wigmore
Assistant Producer: Vicky Del Campo
Runner: Tom Harburt

Camera:

Director of Photography: Luke Scott
Phantom Technician: Jason Berman
Focus Puller: John Mitchell
Gaffer: John Cantwell
Spark: Gary Nagle
Camera assistant: Steve Mayhew

Art Department:

Production Designer: Aoife Wilson
Art Director: James Custance
Storyboards: Peter Johnston

Hair and Make-up

Make-up Designer: Victoria Riches
Hair Stylist: Haylie Jay

Set Build:

Construction Manager: Callum Andrews
Transport Captain: Bernard Cox

Post-Production

Editor: Daniel Cox
Colorist: Pat Wintersgill
Graphics Designer: Laylah Driscoll - Insert Graphics

Marketing and Promotion lead: Neil Hopkins

Communications Team: Mims Davies and Steve Whitehead

Idea Generator: Laylah Driscoll

No Trouble, No Worry. Talking Dogs Need Not Apply - Traveler's Commercial

Lots of advertisers have tried to entertain us by humanizing animals, but most of them just don't get it.  Talking dogs are marginally funny and only for the first few seconds.  And having them hold signs in their mouths isn't a better option.  Take a look at this Pup Peroni spot for proof. 

Maybe it's that companies have to try harder when their product is an intangible.  I'm betting that's why most of the commercials I find fun to watch come from eTrade babies or pink-haired Erin and her esurance. 

It seems Fallon Minneapolis ad creators Scott O’Leary and Ryan Peck reached just a little further into their creative pockets to pull out engaging material, and with their Traveler's "Prized Possession" ad, they've won me over.  Yes, it's another ad featuring an animal with human characteristics, but it's one that's done right.  There are no special effects to speak of.  I instantly empathize with this dog's need to protect his prize without a word barked, or sign written.  Because the action, at once typically human and canine, is underscored by the simple lyrics and raw emotion in the voice of Ray LaMontagne, this message needs nothing more.

By the end, I find I'm just a scruffy little dog trying to protect my bone.  And I want a red umbrella.



Ray LaMontagne's full song, Trouble, from the album by the same name.

2010 Superbowl 44 Commercials - Get 'em While They're Still Hot.

If you just couldn't get enough of the Superbowl XLIV Commercials, or want to bookmark a source for every ad aired, I'm happy to point you to the Hulu collection.  For post-air commentary, ya'll come back now, ya hear?



Enjoy.

Note:  And for those who can't view Hulu, visit Adweek.  They've neatly organized them by quarter. 

Forrester asks: Who is the MVP of the Marketing Bowl: Social Media or Super Bowl Ads?

Is there a fundamental advertising shift afoot?  While Pepsi is snubbing the Superbowl,  other advertisers will use their precious television seconds to point you to their social media efforts.

 A post from Forrester Research :

And this is where the interesting shift in the recognition of Social Media marketing is evident:  Last year, brands used Social Media marketing mostly to develop content for and promote their Super Bowl ads, but this year Super Bowl ads are being dedicated to the support of larger Social Media marketing strategies.  The servant has become the master.Admin, Who is the MVP of the Marketing Bowl: Social Media or Super Bowl Ads?, Feb 2010

Quite an interesting article.