Dr. Evil is “Back For Good,” which is the title of this General Motor’s Super Bowl spot starring actor/comedian Mike Myers. Directed by Tim Kirkby via Bootleg Films, London for McCann Detroit, the commercial has Dr. Evil taking over General Motors. But in order to rule the world, he first has to save the world, reducing the global carbon footprint via GM’s line of electric vehicles.
Accompanying Myers as Dr. Evil are his Austin Powers co-stars including Rob Lowe (as “Young Number Two”) and Seth Green (“Scott Evil”).
Visual effects house on the Big Game commercial was AFX Creative. Nicole Fina, exec producer at AFX, noted. “This campaign started off with select VFX needs and grew to include VFX in every single shot,” she says. “We created the floor, the ceiling, a fleet of CG cars, CG stairs, animating robots, tricked-out walls, multi-leveled floors, backgrounds and so much more.”
Credits
Client General Motors Agency McCann Detroit Chuck Meehan, Brad Emmett, co-chief creative officers; Rob Legato, Tony Kaurse, group creative directors; Michael Musallam, Nick Marine, associate creative directors; Hafeez Saheed, executive integrated producer; Diana Ceausu, global head of strategy & research; Tim Rocklage, sr. art director Anna Jacobs, copywriter. Production Bootleg Films, London Tim Kirkby, director; Giles Nuttgens, DP; Greg Jordan, exec producer; Ira Brooks, line producer. U.S. Production Support Rocket Film Sara Eolin, managing director; Marla Whittaker, EP/head of production. Editorial Cosmo Street Tom Scherma, editor; Yvette Cobarrubius, exec producer; Marie Mangahas, head of production; Yole Barrera, producer. VFX AFX Creative, Santa Monica, Calif. Chris Noellert, creative director/2D supervisor; Tom Connors, VFX supervisor/3D lead; Felix Thedeby, composite supervisor; Alex Michael, sr. producer; Giulia Rocca, production coordinator; Esther Minitser, head of production; Nicole Fina, exec producer; Mark Leiss, managing director; Derek Hansen, colorist; Zachary Hetlage, assistant colorist; Jessica Amburgey, color producer. (Toolbox: Flame, Nuke, 3DSMax, Maya, Substance Painter, redshift) Music “Opening Title” from Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery; music by George S. Clinton, courtesy of New Line Productions, Inc. Music/Sound Design JSM Music Joel Simon, CEO/CCO; Jeff Fiorello, VP/exec producer; Norm Felker, sr. producer; Andrew Manning, Sharon Cha, producers; Seamus Kilmartin, Cecil Campanero, composers; Nathan Kil, sound designer. Stock Music BMG Production Music Audio Eleven Sound Jeff Payne, mixer/sound designer; Andrew Smith, assistant mixer; Melissa Elston, exec producer.
Peter Thwaites of The Corner Shop directed this film for healthcare company Abbott that shows what it’s really like to live with diabetes--including the constant judgment, shame and guilt.
The film is the cornerstone of Abbott’s new global initiative called “Above The Bias” out of agency VML Chicago, which is driving awareness about the health impact common misconceptions and bias about diabetes can have on people living with the condition.
Thwaites said, “What initially drew me to this project was the chance to create a visual metaphor for the weight of other people’s opinions--something we all carry, whether we realize it or not. The suit we built to physically weigh down our actor became more than just a prop; it shaped his performance, making the emotional burden feel tangible. Tonally, I wanted to ensure the message felt earned without becoming overly sentimental, allowing the actor to start from a grounded place and gradually reveal the impact of that weight.”
Healthcare company Abbott--known for its medical technology, nutritional products and pharmaceuticals--surveyed more than 2,600 people living with diabetes across eight countries, including the U.S., to help inform the campaign and bring to life the realities of living with the condition. Research found that nearly 70% believe there is stigma associated with their condition; almost 25% have avoided sharing their diagnosis with family or friends out of embarrassment or concern; and 40% have skipped or missed a doctor’s appointment due to shame or stigma.