Senior rebels have fun with the new VW Beetle
Volkswagen Group Import China has launched a striking new TV and print campaign developed by DDB Guoan Group (part of DDB China Group) for the launch of its flagship model, The Beetle. The campaign, with the strap line ‘Fun. Don’t leave it too late,’ tells the story of a more powerful, dynamic and masculine Beetle, which will appeal to a young-at-heart audience of both men and women, looking for a vehicle that’s iconic, innovative and fun to drive.
The charming TV ad is directed by world acclaimed advertising director, Steve Ayson, whose directing credits include award-winning TV ads such as “Lion” (DDB Amsterdam) for Centraal Beheer, and “Change Room” (DDB Sydney) for Volkswagen.
The ad features old people having lots of fun trying to recapture the spirit of youth as they try out skateboarding, spraying graffiti, raving, and a series of other activities – all clearly beyond their physical abilities. The ad is designed to strike a chord with the young (and the young at heart) by showing how The Beetle reflects their desire to have fun today, and not leave it too late.
The unconventional approach to the story sets out to present Volkswagen’s globally established tonality, with all its wit and humanity, to a Chinese audience in a way that will reinforce and amplify their warm feelings for The Beetle.
The TV ad runs alongside a print campaign featuring a global campaign style, developed by photographer, Nick Meek, that he has specifically adapted for a Chinese audience – using brighter colors, reflecting powerful ideas of individuality, masculinity and sportiness.
Melissa Bell, Marketing Director for Volkswagen Group Import China, said; “Our campaign aims to appeal to the spirit of youth; we wanted to show a sense of self-expression and celebrate The Beetle’s unconventional nature, whilst also demonstrating that The Beetle is sporty, powerful and fun to drive. “
Richard Tan, CEO & President of DDB Group North China, said; “We believe the campaign’s unconventional approach helps differentiate The Beetle, reflecting its fun, dynamics and power in a way that will resonate and bond with Chinese consumers. The hopes and journeys of Chinese people are wittily visualized and brought to life with a warm-hearted twist, and a spirit of youthful fun that transcends age.”
Credits – Global Executive Creative Director: Jeremy Craigen (TVC). Executive Creative Director: Stephen Mui (TVC & Print), Greg Bray (TVC). Art Director/Copywriters: David Mackersey (TVC), Jonathan John (TVC). Creative Team: Andy Hepburn, Stephen Liu, Norman Chen, Mustafa Tan, Ray Liu, Yu Zhao, Roy Yuan (Print). Head of TV: Christine Kastens (TVC). Head of Art: Lisa Kirchner (Print). Agency Management: Miriam van Dijk, Horace Laai, Ella Liu. Marketing Director: Melissa Bell. Advertising Managers: Li Zhi, Cherry Wen. Director: Steve Ayson (TVC). DOP: Antonio Paladino (TVC). Photographer: Nick Meet (Print). Production Company: The Sweet Shop (TVC), Siobhan Squire (Print), Producers: Claire Davidson, Maricel Ticar Santos (TVC), Jennifer Turner (Print). Executive Producer: Claire Davidson (TVC). Co – Production Company: BLACK + CAMERON/SHANGHAI (TVC), CONTRA Service Productions (Print). Producers: Laura Geagea (TVC), Hans Dornseif, Muriel Dornseif (Print). Executive Producer: Tao Wright (TVC). Editor & Company: Peter Sciberras (Offline; Method Studios), Barry Greaves, Nicholas Bennett (TVC), (Online Compositors; SFG – TECHNICOLOR). Post Production & City: SFG – TECHNICOLOR/Shanghai (TVC). Music and Music Publisher (Composer or Original soundtrack): Nelson Can and track ‘Apple Pie’ (instrumental) (TVC).
4 Comments
Thats quite a credit list. Funny.
How many creatives were involved in this? Or just some jumping on the bandwagon me thinks.
Ive seen it on other blogs with different credit list. Guess it depends on who uploads the spot to the blogs, heard it was done by London agency though.
Thoroughly enjoyed that.