Danny Brown - Latest Comments in Real People, Real Adverts

Re: Real People, Real Adverts

Tim Jahn — Mon, 11 May 2009 12:35:53 -0000

Jeff, I think you have a very important point here. There's levels of engagement when it comes to this stuff. I'd say Visa was on a lower level of engagement, where they tried to integrate a real story by a real person.

I think a further level of engagement would be along the lines of what you're saying. Make the ad even MORE about Bill and less about Visa. Who is Bill? Why does he do what he does?

And to your point about conforming to their process, I agree with you. With this sort of story and person, I think they could have pushed the envelope a bit by leaving the traditional television advertising medium and trying some sort of online interactive experience.

Re: Real People, Real Adverts

Jeff Jones — Mon, 11 May 2009 08:03:54 -0000

Your point–treat customers like people– is spot-on. But here's what I noticed about this commercial: it wasn't real enough.

I wanted to really see how this guy did these amazing things. I wanted to hear him speak or see him practice. I couldn't help but think that through the magic of editing and special effects that this was not 100% real. It looks choreographed. And it probably was.

It looks like the ad agency (or the client) didn't trust how special Bill Shannon is and decided to write a script and storyboard the spot to make it feel like all the other spots we see everyday. And to conform to a process they're comfortable with.

Don't get me wrong. I love the spot and the message. It's just that they missed a chance to be authentic and let us meet this amazing talent.

Re: Real People, Real Adverts

Tim Jahn — Sun, 10 May 2009 14:36:28 -0000

If you treat your customers like people, you're going to succeed. This is where most companies miss the boat. They fail to connect with their customers or potential customers as real people with real stories. Instead, they're caught up in measurements, numbers, and margins.

Your customers don't give a crap about last quarter's profits. They care that you relate to people who can dance like nobody's business.