New York subway riders, Dr. Zizmor speaks!
Anyone who rides the New York City subway is acutely aware of Dr. Jonathan Zizmor. Dr. Z is a dermatologist and ardent believer in catchy subway advertising. The typical ad features Isabel R.'s grotesque complexion made slightly less grotesque via chemical peel, along with Dr. Z giving a serene gaze. He's possibly the most famous man on the New York subway. But it appears Dr. Z makes TV commercials, too. The spot above, sure to be a top contender at Cannes, features a catchy tune, psychedelic rainbows, Isabel R.'s before-and-after shot, and the man himself speaking to the camera. As someone who has looked at a silent Dr. Z for 10 years, it's somewhat unsettling to finally hear his voice. (And not to be rude, but what's up with his skin?!) Further research reveals that this is actually a return to TV spots for Dr. Z, who made some classic ads, like the one below, back in the '70s. Via Business Insider. —Posted by Brian Morrissey |
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Check this amazing Seat Altea XL (Spain) spot. It really rocks! :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JIGvCdrS-SQ
Posted by: Jordi | Oct 8, 2009 2:12:00 PM
Rock Band-style motion graphics are rare in physician commercials! Let's get Chuck Anderson ( http://www.nopattern.com/nopattern/ ) to do one!
Posted by: Torley | Oct 9, 2009 9:08:03 PM
Dr. Zizmor's advertising is perhaps the strongest argument for frequency that I have ever encountered(perhaps indoctrination is more applicable here, though).
I don't know anyone who rides the subway in New York that isn't aware of this man's presence. "Thank You Dr. Zizmor" is now a completely commonplace phrase for me to encounter.
One thing I find pretty impressive: he's managed to keep the same (slightly creepy) phone number for around 30 years. Well done, doc.
Posted by: Jonathan | Oct 12, 2009 10:22:25 AM
His TV ads have been around for years, I grew up seeing them. I'm not sure these are from the 70's though, I'm thinking they started in the 80's.
The new rainbow TV ads are disturbing, mostly because Dr. Z has been poorly animated. It kind of makes you wonder what has happened to him that he no longer wants to appear on screen in person. I had a friend about six years go to him for tattoo removal and said that he no longer had any hair, though that would be a strange reason to animate yourself.
Even though we probably look at the older ads as being somewhat cheesy, they are pretty good ads in terms of being straightforward, decently written and pleasant. They are certainly better than the animated one.
If Dr.Z (we used to say the Z stood for ZIT when we were kids) made any mistake, it was trying to get flashy - and listening to the wrong Ad Wizards...
Actually, (little known fact) Dr.Z was born in 1897 and his dermatological techniques are so advanced that he only looks to be about 52 years old. Only one thing you can say about that..."Thank you Dr. Z!"
Posted by: Jeff | Oct 12, 2009 8:12:32 PM
whi not go to videohive, and spend 20 bucks to get a decent stock after effects template?
this one's fails so hard, I wonder if the unicorn quits because of a clash withe director.
Posted by: Kris | Oct 17, 2009 5:08:57 PM
