Men are launched like rockets into large bongo-type drums, from which they bounce off into a surreal environment of musical instruments and unfamiliar terrain strangely reminiscent of the sea or even outer space. The number of men propelled into the drums increases exponentially, with many of the guys rappeling down cable into the heart of this cacophony of sound and otherworldly visuals.
As some of the men impact against the drums, some of their beings appear to burst into tiny frothy bubbles. This choreographed, high-energy madness does have a method, however, as the camera reveals that the Busby Berkeley extravaganza we’re witnessing is taking place in a glass that’s full of Guinness ale. The spot ends with the tagline, “It’s Alive Inside.”
Steve Cope of Red Bee, London, directed “Music Machine” for Irish International BBDO, Dublin.
The agency team consisted of creative director Mal Stevenson, copywriter Mark Nutley, art director Pat Hamil and producer Noel Byrne.
Edel Erickson and Laura Gold produced for Red Bee Media. Adrian Wild was the DP.
Editor was Tim Hardy of Cut+Run, London.
Postproduction and visual effects were done at The Mill, London.
Review: Director Jon M. Chu’s “Wicked”
It's the ultimate celebrity redemption tour, two decades in the making. In the annals of pop culture, few characters have undergone an image makeover quite like the Wicked Witch of the West.
Oh, she may have been vengeful and scary in "The Wizard of Oz." But something changed — like, REALLY changed — on the way from the yellow brick road to the Great White Way. Since 2003, crowds have packed nightly into "Wicked" at Broadway's Gershwin Theatre to cheer as the green-skinned, misunderstood Elphaba rises up on her broomstick to belt "Defying Gravity," that enduring girl-power anthem.
How many people have seen "Wicked"? Rudimentary math suggests more than 15 million on Broadway alone. And now we have "Wicked" the movie, director Jon M. Chu's lavish, faithful, impeccably crafted (and nearly three-hour) ode to this origin story of Elphaba and her (eventual) bestie — Glinda, the very good and very blonde. Welcome to Hollywood, ladies.
Before we get to what this movie does well (Those big numbers! Those costumes!), just a couple thornier issues to ponder. Will this "Wicked," powered by a soulful Cynthia Erivo (owner of one of the best singing voices on the planet) and a sprightly, comedic, hair-tossing Ariana Grande, turn even musical theater haters into lovers?
Tricky question. Some people just don't buy into the musical thing, and they should be allowed to live freely amongst us. But if people breaking into song delights rather than flummoxes you, if elaborate dance numbers in village squares and fantastical nightclubs and emerald-hued cities make perfect sense to you, and especially if you already love "Wicked," well then, you will likely love this film. If it feels like they made the best "Wicked" movie money could buy — well, it's... Read More