The creative prospects for devising an entertaining spot to promote a glass art exhibit at a museum would hardly seem promising. But Charlotte, N.C.-based ad agency Wray Ward Laseter was up to the task in this offbeat piece, which opens on a security guard methodically making his late-night rounds, flashlight at the ready, keeping the premises safe and secure.
We hear some noise in the background, but what it is or where it’s coming from are difficult to pinpoint. As the guard goes through his paces, the sounds become more discernible: a repeated popping noise—like popcorn kernels exploding—accompanied by hysterical laughing, or perhaps sobbing.
The camera reveals the source of the mysterious audio. Surrounded by empty packing crates, a warehouse worker with a screw loose is tormenting a large sheet of plastic bubble wrap.
He takes delight in popping each bubble. "Oh, no, not me," he pleads in the high-pitched voice of a plastic bubble about to fall victim to thumb and forefinger. "Oh, yeah, you," he counters, offering no mercy—"Goodbye. Goodbye. Goodbye. Goodbye."
But this assailant’s own bubble is about to burst, as the security guard appears. Surprised by the guard, the worker stops his assault on the poor, defenseless bubble wrap.
A voiceover with an accompanying graphic, including photos of three glass objects informs us not to miss the Chihuly glass exhibit, now on display for a limited time at the Mint Museum of Craft+Design, in Charlotte.
When we return to the man and his bubble wrap, he looks sheepish and embarrassed at being found out. Still, he can’t resist one last pop, nor an accompanying "goodbye" in the presence of the guard.
The Wray Ward Laseter team consisted of creative director Jennifer Appleby, associate creative director/copywriter Tom Cocke, art director Todd Kinley and producer Sheila Dulin.
"Bubble Boy" was directed by Lexie Longstreet via Paradox Films, Charlotte, N.C. Stuart Owens executive-produced for Paradox, with Paul Spaniel serving as producer. The spot was shot on location in Charlotte, by DP Mick McNeely.
Todd Boggess of Paradox edited "Bubble Boy." Joe Murray and Clark Bierbaum of Post Central Charlotte served as Smoke artist and colorist, respectively.
Composer was Michael McGinnis, while Anthony Sedele served as sound designer/audio mixer. Both McGinness and Sedele are with Concentrix Music and Sound Design, Charlotte.
