In this hurried and harried world, dinnertime is sacrosanct for a family of four—allowing mom, dad and their two kids the chance to relax and talk about the day.
However, in this :30 for the Denver Zoo, that family meal is interrupted by a telemarketer—except he’s not calling on the phone. Instead, the camera reveals that he’s seated at the dining room table.
"Are you the man of the house?" asks the pitchman, who’s wearing a phone headset.
"Yeah," responds the patriarch.
"Great!" the telemarketer enthuses. "Then it is my pleasure to offer you the 8.9 percent Topax Card—plus, a handsome pleather travel bag when you apply today."
The telemarketer makes himself right at home, oblivious to the fact that he’s an unwelcome intrusion. His shoes are off and his feet are propped up on the dining table. He continues to talk about the travel bag bonus, noting that he bought one for his girlfriend, his grandfather and himself. "I know it sounds feminine, but you can work it," he says. "It’s like a man purse."
A large super then fills the screen, against the backdrop of the obnoxious telemarketer: "Nothing Interrupts Family Time At The Zoo."
The spot then cuts to the same family of four enjoying themselves at the Denver Zoo, observing an exhibit of exotic birds. An end tag reveals the Denver Zoo logo, accompanied by the words "Open every day," and a Web site address (www.denverzoo.org).
"Telemarketer" was directed by Marcus McCollum of Fusion, Santa Monica, for McClain Finlon Advertising, Denver. Peter Abraham executive produced for Fusion, with Sue Ellen Clair serving as head of production and Jamie Towns as producer. The DP was Doug Hostetter.
The agency creative team consisted of creative directors Jeff Martin and Gregg Bergan, art director Dan Buchmeier, copywriter Eric Liebhauser and producer Carol Williams.
The spot was edited by John Riccardo and Bob Maples of Crosspoint, Lakewood, Colo. Scott Gardner of Crosspoint served as colorist. Audio mixer/sound designer was Michael Pfeiffer of Rocky Mountain Recorders, Denver.
