Spitting in a public place would hardly seem fortuitous—unless you’re playing the California Lottery.
Two strangers—a man and a woman—are in a mini-market, each getting a morning cup of java. As the woman intently studies her California Lotto play slip, the man sets down his coffee next to hers on the countertop. Reaching for her own cup, the woman inadvertently picks up his, and takes a hearty swig. No sooner does he point out her mistake, than she spits out a fine spray of coffee. Either there was too much or too little cream, and/or sugar—or maybe she prefers decaf.
But the woman’s embarrassment turns to self-satisfaction as she notices that droplets of the expectorated coffee have neatly landed on five numbers—and a mega-number selection—on her Lotto form. This happens after a voiceover has instructed, "To play Super Lotto Plus, just pick five numbers and one mega-number." Now it tells us, "It’s just that easy."
Thinking that the droplets have pinpointed her lucky numbers, the woman smugly walks off, undoubtedly to the front counter to pay for the winning ticket, which she thinks fate has put in her hand (following that quick detour from her mouth). She leaves the man dumbfounded, facing the prospect of having to pour himself another morning brew, this time free of her saliva.
"Coffee," a :l5 out of Grey Worldwide, Los Angeles, was directed by Craig Gillespie of bicoastal Morton Jankel Zander (MJZ). David Zander executive produced for MJZ. The spot was shot by DP John Schwartzman.
The Grey creative team members were copywriter Andy Bobrow, art director Melissa Webber and producer Liza Price.
"Coffee" was cut by Bill Marmor of Trailhead Editorial, Santa Monica. His support staffers were Trailhead producer Josianne Cote and assistant editor Ben Hopkins.
Visual effects artist Stan Kellam of The Finish Line, Santa Monica, enhanced the liquid droplets with light and texture to add realism. The audio engineer was Sonia Castro of 48 Windows, Santa Monica.
