Tuesday, June 27, 2017

Commercial Review: Reward to Those Who Seek No Rewards

Reward to Those Who Seek No Rewards

Agency: Slava, Moscow
Client: Ferrero Russia

What is the most effective way to advertise a chocolate company?  Like with most candies, the solution seems to be with emotion.  Emotional advertising finds its strengths in the fact that it bleeds bittersweet happiness that just incites consumers to buy more to feel that same emotion.  Emotional advertising makes us want to contribute.

And then there’s Russia.

That’s not to say that they didn’t succeed.  In their advertisement for Ferrero Russia, agency Slava crafted a story around a lighthouse keeper that works every night, even on New Years Eve.  As a thank you for his dedicated service, one that he does without thanks, a group of sailors are shown contributing to buy him a New Year’s gift of Ferrero chocolates, prompting consumers to do the same for their loved ones.


Cinematically, the spot is gorgeous, and there is a certain charm in the straightforward attitude of all the sailors that makes the advertisement unmistakably Russian.  Despite its success, however, it’s not exactly original.  Most of the elements of the commercial rely on techniques tried and true, telling a story that has been told thousands of times not only by ad agencies, but also by films.  “Good things come to those who wait” and all that.  Overall, the commercial is appealing, but there isn’t anything compelling about it that lends itself to be watched again.  A possible solution would be to provide more insight into the characters, but overall, if they want to be creative, they might need to find a different story.  Nevertheless, it was a good commercial, and I’m certain that it succeeded in promoting holiday purchases.

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