A darkened room sets the stage for a romantic interlude. But it’s in the morning-after light that reality sets in, much to the chagrin of a lass who sees her evening’s companion more clearly, albeit a little too late. Consider it one of life’s lessons.
This comic spec :30—directed by Steven Oritt, who’s repped for spots by Venice, Calif.-based Drive Media—opens on an impassioned couple fumbling their way into a dimly lit apartment. The lone source of illumination is an under-powered table lamp. The action gets hotter and heavier as the man and woman throw themselves into each other’s arms. Their shadowy figures fall onto the bed, not leaving much to the imagination.
But post-coital bliss is not to be. The spot cuts to daylight and music crescendoes, as the woman finally gets an eyes-wide-open look-see at her would-be Romeo and his lair. Clearly this guy is a disheveled mess, and to call his apartment the same would be a charitable description. A poster of a half-naked female adorns one wall, and a trio of bras hangs over the fireplace. Across the room, a collection of offbeat artifacts ranges from a torpedo casing to a very tall cactus.
A long shot of the studio apartment—clothes strewn on the floor and over furniture, that single, ineffectual lamp in the background—emphasizes the misplaced passion of the night before. This is the home of a slob.
Next we see the slob himself, sprawled out across a couch and looking more like a chunk than a hunk. Draped in some bedding that suggests a makeshift toga, he lifts his head to wink at his incredulous date. He is the ideal poster boy for losers anonymous.
The proverbial "what-have-I-done" light bulb has gone on for our heroine. Her expression simultaneously reflects feelings of hopelessness and foolishness. Indeed, she has seen the light.
The spot goes to black, and then a super of the Lamps Plus logo appears, accompanied by the slogan, "Lighting is everything." Lamps Plus is a chain of stores offering lamps, assorted lighting appliances and accessories.
Oritt also executive-produced the self-financed job, calling in some favors to work on a shoestring budget. The ad was one of several spec pieces helmed by Oritt to demonstrate his prowess as a filmmaker. "One Night Stand" was shot on location at a house in West Los Angeles, by DP Aaron Landman.
The concept came from copywriter Timi Leake and art director Jennifer Young. While the two have day jobs at TBWA/Chiat/Day, Los Angeles, they did this project independently of the agency.
"One Night Stand" was edited by Marc D’Andre of Superior Assembly Editing Company, Santa Monica. D’Andre also served as the spot’s audio mixer. The colorist was Jimmy Tom of Company 3, Santa Monica.
