Diddy Joins Fiat Fold to the Tune of Pharrell’s ‘Happy’

Doner created a new global campaign called “Mirage” for FIAT, in promotion of their new Fiat 500L, the first four door vehicle from the automaker (which we guess is now officially Fiat Chrysler Automobiles). “Mirage” enlists the help of Diddy and Pharrell‘s hit “Happy,” which you may recall as the song from the world’s first 24-hour music video, and the soundtrack to Despicable Me 2.

“Mirage” is (as you might have guessed) set in the desert. Two lost travelers searching for rescue see Diddy drive by in a Fiat, but dismiss the sighting as a mirage. When they then stumble on Diddy‘s REVOLT soiree, they again dismiss the vision as a mirage, with one of the travelers pointing to the new Fiat 500L and saying, “The Fiat over there has four doors. Fiat only makes small cars, it’s not real.” The line draws attention to the misconception that Fiat only builds small cars as a way of introducing the new Fiat 500L, further cemented by the tagline, “Unbelievably Big” (which is sure to elicit snickers and/or “That’s what she said” jokes from certain corners of the ad community). In the spot, Diddy once again proves himself a much more talented comedic actor than rapper (for further evidence, see Made or Get Him to the Greek), delivering the spot’s punchline (which I won’t reveal here) with great timing.

Doner’s global campaign will roll out this Thursday, with the TV spot running both nationally and internationally, and will also include online components. Stick around for credits after the jump. continued…

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Fiat’s New Spot Shouts, ‘The Italians Are Coming!’

In Doner’s new spot for the 2014 Fiat 500L, colonial Americans are invaded by a group of red Fiat-driving Italians. To prepare, the American women strip off their bonnets and hoop skirts, revealing cleavage and cocktail dresses. A pub sign is replaced by “Club,” and teacups are shattered to make room for steaming espresso.

Sure, if the Italians invaded instead of the British, we might be less straight-laced when it comes to sex. Our government might engage in fistfights instead of filibusters. But the glamorization of Italy seems to me a boring cliche, an unfounded American fantasy that feeds itself. Because of American media, I expected to see beautiful women and smell-wafting pizza in Rome, but the actual trash-filled streets and knock-off style was less than alluring. The whole thing felt like a self-imposed tourist trap.

Like men in speedos on panoramic beaches, Fiat’s ad is slightly amusing, but I wish it had moved past our traditional perceptions of Italian “fun.” After all, it’s not hard to crack a joke at the expense of Berlusconi and his Bunga Bungas.

Credits after the jump

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