Take this job and shove it." It’s an order given only by those who are in one of two enviable positions: being so wealthy that they don’t need to work; or the next best thing—having a new, better job already lined up.
The latter holds true in this :30 for The San Diego Union-Tribune’s special classified ads edition. The lucky guy who’s featured in the spot never exactly suggests that his employer "shove it." But in the privacy of his cubicle, the worker delights in rehearsing just how he will inform the boss of his pending departure. At first, the approach is straightforward. Looking directly into the camera in close-up, he solemnly states, "Sir, I tender my resignation." Then comes the first of many rapid cuts—this one to the man as ventriloquist, holding a miniature cape-wearing super hero in each hand. One informs the other in falsetto, "I’m not going to be working here any more."
Words aren’t even necessary in the next scenario: The man gleefully flaps his arms, as if flying away from his workspace. Then it’s back to ventriloquism—this time with our office hero lying flat on his back, wielding a giraffe hand puppet which squeals with joy.
Now on his feet, the man relates: "My new boss says I can’t work here anymore," as a compulsive grin disrupts his somber delivery. Next we see him shuffling on his knees across the rug: "My life’s movin’ on!" he gloats. Then, kicking back in an office chair, he demonstrates that his cubicle "is just a little too small for me."
Again he plays the master puppeteer. A tiny, hula-skirted doll instructs an alien figurine, "Yes, he does, he does resign!" Then our young man is seen sobbing as he comforts his off-camera boss, "Don’t cry, sir."
A voiceover intervenes, accompanying the shot of a newspaper’s oversized classified section: "Give notice. Get the ‘Mega Jobs’ section in The San Diego Union Tribune. Seven thousand job opportunities."
We return to our hero who’s facing the camera, the pair of super-figurines framing his face. "Me and the boys," he concludes, "have got somethin’ to tell ya."
The team at San Diego agency matthews/mark consisted of creative director Michael Mark, associate creative director Mark Albertazzi, copywriter Guy Hufferd and art director Karl Backus. The spot was directed and executive-produced by Gary Bulkin via B&B Communications in Encinitas, Calif. Jeff Venditti was DP.
Brian Bradley edited the commercial via B&B. Paul Bronkar of Santa Monica-based 525 Studios served as colorist. Audio mixer was Scott Higby of Studio C, San Diego.
