Don't waste time insulting Peyton Manning
McCann Erickson and MRM cast Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning in this new TV and Web push for World MasterCard. Manning visits hotels in rival cities where the Colts play this season. In each, he trades on his "nice guy" persona, interpreting the hostility of staffers in positive ways. In Boston, a hotel operator warns Manning that he's "going down," and the QB replies that indeed he is—to the fourth floor for a massage. The Colts edged the Patriots 18-15 on Sunday, so that rubdown worked wonders. He should just snap "No tip!" to these bellicose bellhops. There's a microsite where consumers with nothing better to do can send friends and family a customized "video pep talk" from Manning. He covers his mouth when the recipient's name is dubbed into the message. Frankly, it's tough to make out what he's saying much of the time. This guy always sounds likes he's got a face full of doughnuts! —Posted by David Gianatasio |
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Published on November 3, 2008 | Permalink
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MasterCard also honors hockey's big losers
As I've noted, I dislike it when ads use tough-guy sports metaphors. MacLaren McCann's Bobby Orr spot for MasterCard was a rare exception, because I can identify with Orr. I know how he feels sitting alone in that locker room. Hey, they never even picked me for the team, pal. And this was singles tennis. As for his many scars, I too have felt pain: some wedgies never heal. Which brings me to another ad in the same series, "Pep Talk," which I also enjoyed. You know why? Because those beefy skate-heads are losers. They're trailing at halftime, or whatever they call it in hockey, and will likely go down to humiliating defeat. They'll get cut, lose their mansions, yachts and trophy wives. I'll still be here! I may be the nerdy assistant manager lugging their filthy gear to the laundry, but there's a twinkle in my eye and a spring in my step. Sure, I trip and end up nose-first in a pile of sweaty jockstraps, but it's worth it. I still have a job. —Posted by David Gianatasio |
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Published on October 21, 2008 | Permalink
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MasterCard traces a hockey legend's scars
I usually hate commercials that use tough-guy sports metaphors. But this MasterCard spot by MacLaren McCann in Toronto "cuts" through the clutter in the most literal sense of the word because of its focus on the pain, sacrifice and humanity behind every true sports icon. A hockey legend's many surgical scars from his playing days trace a humbling "timeline" across his skin. At the end, the player simply sits in the locker room alone, a poignant image of a man who earned his accolades by paying the painful price many times and always skating back onto the ice for more. It's Bobby Orr, but he's never ID'd, implying that his hard-earned achievements outlive the fleeting fame. Besides, in Canada, they'll know who he is. —Posted by David Gianatasio |
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Published on October 17, 2008 | Permalink
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