Space Odysseys and Astronauts
NASA’s Apollo program has been called the greatest technological achievement in human history. An estimated one fifth of the world’s population watched the live transmission of Apollo 11’s moon mission as Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin landed their lunar Module on 24 July 1969, and Armstrong became the first man to set foot on the moon.
Moon landings, new outer space exploration ventures and orbiting space stations continue to be of great public interest globally. For Art Directors and Copywriters it is a great theme to explore for ideas that are potentially visually spectacular.
The opportunities that exist for parodies, astronaut romantisation and entertaining outer space, brand- associated connections are many.
1. Carlsberg Beer, Moon Landing
Advertising Agency: Fold7, London
Daniel Kleinman directed this visually spectacular and amusing parody of the world’s first beer to arrive on the moon.
2. Axe Apollo, The Fireman
Advertising Agency: BBH (Bartle Bogle Hegarty), London
The Axe Apollo Space Academy was set up to provide 22 qualifying contestants the opportunity to partake in a training program that would prepare them for a trip to space.
The ‘Fireman’ commercial was directed by Tim Godsall and was part of a comprehensive and fully integrated advertising campaign that won a Cannes Promo & Activation Gold Lion.
3. Chicken Licken, Afronaut
Advertising Agency: Joe Public, Johannesburg
Pete Pohorsky directed this well crafted and enacted commercial parody of a delivery order to outer space.
4. McDonald’s Triple Cheeseburger, Gravicheese
Advertising Agency: TBWA, Paris
The launch of the movie ‘Gravity’ saw high levels of public space fever globally. This excellently directed commercial by Ben Gregor, is an amusing, ‘Gravity’ inspired parody that makes for rewarding viewing.
5. Citroen C4 Picasso, Discover The World Inside
Advertising Agency: H, Paris
This visually compelling and very clever idea of the literal and figurative meanings of ‘the world’ being used in the commercial to dramatise the brand promise was very skillfully directed by Ne-O.
6. Hyundai Genesis, A Message To Space
Advertising Agency: Innocean Worldwide, Seoul
John S Park directed this spectacular and ambitious commercial with commendable logistic planning and craftsmanship. The film reached over 70 million views on YouTube and won many accolades that included Cannes Lions, Clio Awards and the ‘One Show Automobile Advertising of the Year Award’.