Hasta La Creative!

It’s hard to relate to, as below freezing temperatures continue here in the northeast US, but in New Zealand people are just returning from summer holiday. Saatchi & Saatchi New Zealand has launched a new campaign for L&P in an attempt to help Kiwis hold on to that summer feeling as they return to work and school.

Beginning this week, L&P is offering people in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch “the chance to swap their shoes for jandals, bring a bit of summer to their workplace, or even take an impromptu urban dip to cool off.” It’s an interesting outdoor campaign for a product that many associate with summer. And who wouldn’t want a free towel or flip-flops (jandals if you’re in New Zealand, apparently)?

As Saatchi & Saatchi creative director Guy Roberts explains, “We’ve all experienced that sinking feeling when the holidays are over and we’re forced to hang up our togs, get back into our work clothes and re-join the commuter crowds to work or Uni. You’re back at your desk and reduced to watching the best days of summer from your office or classroom window. For many kiwis, L&P and summer go hand in hand and we hope this campaign will help kiwis hold on to that great summer feeling just a little bit longer.”

The campaign will roll out over the next six weeks, with “a range of customised ad-shels, street posters and promotional partnerships.” As the brightest thing we have to look forward to in this region is a weekend with temperatures in the 40s, I’m sure I’m not the only one who feels a little envious hearing about this campaign. Stick around for credits after the jump. continued…

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Funny prank, or the ultimate gift?

For Saatchi and Saatchi’s latest campaign for DB Breweries, the agency pranked a friend named Russ by plumbing his house with beer.

Following their plumbing hack, every tap in the house flows with cold beer, fulfilling every alcoholic frat boy’s wet dream. (It is unclear if the toilet is also tapped with beer.) They then set up cameras around the house to capture the reactions of their friend and his significant other. Russ is initially flummoxed by the brown liquid flowing through the tap (usually when that happens it’s time to call a plumber); after smelling and then tasting the beer he delightedly pours himself a glass and decides, “That actually tastes really good.” His wife/girlfriend, on the other hand, seems significantly less amused, presumably with concerns of when water will once again flow through the taps. The spot concludes with Russ climbing under his house, to find the kegs tapped to his plumbing. At this point the prank crew jumps out of hiding, and, predictably, everyone enjoys a good brew.

Since launch last week, the spot has gone viral on YouTube, with the full-length version (watch at your lunchtime leisure above) already racking up over three-million views. There’s also a :90 version, with :60 and :15 TVCS to follow as well as social media support, billboards, etc., etc.

Should Saatchi wish to duplicate this experiment in the States, I would be more than happy to volunteer my apartment. Let’s make this happen guys.

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