This year, Hyundai’s humorous Super Bowl commercial shows how Hyundai Shopper Assurance can elevate the car buying experience without the fearful glances and groans of life’s other dreadful moments. The 60-second ad, “The Elevator,” will air during the first quarter of the game.
In the spot, Jason Bateman stars as an elevator operator in a building full of life’s best and worst experiences. When a happy couple explains they are going car shopping, the elevator descends stopping on floors named “Root Canal,” “Jury Duty,” “Middle Seat” (airplane purgatory), “The Talk” (a lesson on the birds and the bees), and Vegan Dinner Party (serving “beetloaf) where other passengers reluctantly step off. The elevator reaches “Car Shopping” and the doors open to a car lot with blaring music and inflatable “air dancers.” After realizing the couple used Shopper Assurance, Bateman cranks the elevator upwards and they are greeted by their brand-new Hyundai Palisade.
Jim Jenkins of O Positive directed “The Elevator” for agency INNOCEAN USA.
“For us, this commercial is a return to our comedic roots,” said Barney Goldberg, executive creative director, INNOCEAN USA. “We want it to be more than just laughs, though. We really aim for consumers to see themselves in our spot.”
CreditsClient Hyundai Motor America Agency INNOCEAN USA Barney Goldberg, VP, executive creative director; Jeff Bossin, VP, group creative director; Ryan Scott, creative director; Brook Boley, associate creative director, art; Carrie Talick, associate creative director, copy; Nicolette Spencer, VP, head of content production; Melissa Moore, sr. producer; Devondra Dominguez, content producer. Production O Positive Jim Jenkins, director; Marc Grill, exec producer; Devon Clark, head of production; Sameet Patadia, production supervisor; Trent Opaloch, DP. Casting Envision Studios Editorial Arcade Edit Geoff Hounsell, editor; Damian Stevens, managing partner; Crissy DeSimone, exec producer; Kirsten Thon-Webb, head of production; Adrienne Tararin, sr. producer; Josh Miller, assistant editor. Color Company 3 Dave Hussey, sr. colorist; Gabriel Wakeman, producer. VFX JAMM, Santa Monica, Calif. Brian Hajek, VFX supervisor/lead compositor; Jake Montgomery, Miles Essmiller, Mark Holden, Flame artists; Fred Hopp, CG artist; Asher Edwards, exec producer; Ashley Greyson, producer. (Toolbox: Houdini, Mantra, Flame) Mix/Record Studio Lime Studios Mark Meyuhas, sr. mix engineer; Peter Lapinski, assistant sound engineer; Susie Boyajan, exec producer. Sound Design LSD Michael Anastasi, Kai Paquin, sound designers; Susie Boyajan, exec producer. Music Massive Music Scott Cymbala, managing director; Ben Einziger, Tim Adams, creative directors; Kiki McDaniel, producer.
The Best Work You May Never See: Ad Council, U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs, GSD&M, Director Andre Muir Show Us “The Bravest Thing”
As Suicide Prevention Month begins, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Ad Council teamed with agency GSD&M to roll out PSAs for their national campaign: “Don’t Wait. Reach Out.” The initiative, which started in 2021, urges Veterans who are facing challenges to visit VA.gov/REACH, a comprehensive website that helps them access the many resources available.
The PSAs, including this one titled “The Bravest Thing,” were directed by Andre Muir of production house SMUGGLER. “The Bravest Thing” acknowledges that it can be hard for Veterans to reach out if they’re struggling--but in the eyes of their loved ones, seeking help is an act of bravery. By featuring Veterans alongside their friends and family, the film encourages Veterans to open up if they’re struggling and reminds everyone that they can play a role in supporting Veterans in their lives.
“When a Veteran is ready to reach out, VA is ready to provide services and support. One of the bravest things Veterans can do is ask for help,” said Dr. Matthew Miller, executive director, VA Office of Suicide Prevention. “These new messages are powerful and compassionate additions to the ‘Don’t Wait. Reach Out.’ campaign that features the voices of loved ones, underscoring the vital role that family and friends play in supporting Veterans. We all play a role in suicide prevention and this call to action engages community and connections, which are crucial in preventing Veteran suicide. Through this campaign, we can spread hope that Veterans, and all of us, can overcome crises and difficult life challenges.”
6,392 Veterans lost their lives to suicide in 2021, according to the latest data from the 2023 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report.... Read More