Literary Inspiration Part 1

From Pen To Picture

The works of fiction writers have been inspirational references for compelling viewing in the film industry since the invention of the moving or motion picture in 1845.

Science fiction masterpieces to pulp-fiction and popular phantasy novels have been creative catalysts for continuous audio-visual storytelling and dramatic interpretations enjoyed by young and old.

Renowned Storyteller

Jules Verne, the famous French author, is often refered to as the “Father of Science Fiction”. His famous ‘20,000 Leagues Under The Sea’, published in 1870, tells the tale of Captain Nemo who roams the ocean in his submarine the ‘Nautilus’ to wage a war against supression and injustice.

On one of the voyages a giant squid attacks the Nautilus and the crew have to engage in desperate battles to fend off the monster.

In Norwegian folklore the legendary sea monster is known as the ‘KRAKEN’. It was brought to the imaginative attention of a global audience in 1954 with the movie version of Verne’s novel that won 2 Oscars.

The Kraken Black Spiced Rum

Advertising Agency: Dead As We Know It, Brooklyn, New York

Launching a new alcohol brand successfully in a crowded and highly competitive market category and advertising segment is a daunting challenge.

Advertising Agency ‘Dead As We Know It’ however, with a meticulously planned and painstakingly crafted campaign lauched in 2010, has achieved a much lauded success.

The agency has created a powerful and distictive brand Identity and character that clearly sets Kraken Black Spiced Rum apart from everything else with its compelling graphiics and legendary stories.

The Kraken Legend

The Kraken, the most fearsome of all sea monsters, lives up to 3,000 feet below the ocean surface. This dreaded behemoth has been known to attack ships, dragging god-fearing seamen to their deaths.

The largest shipment of Caribbean Black Spiced Rum was reportedly brought down by the Kraken. The rum was named thusly, as to being as dark, strong and mysterious as the ink of the beast.

I can’t help thinking that for Block & Tackle’s film director Adam Gault, Illustrator Steve Noble and Advertising Agency Creative Director/Designer Charmaine Choy, the assignment was a labour of love.

It just seems to shine through each unfolding chapter of the Kraken Black Spiced Rum story. The commercials are a delight to watch and I’m sure would have been met with an approving smile from Jules Verne.