Bathroom humor isn’t normally associated with a call to action. But in this case, the comedic touch is deft and in the process makes a case for enrolling in the recently enacted national do-not-call registry, whereby consumers can escape unwanted telemarketers.
The spec spot opens on a guy, his back to us, doing his business in a public restroom urinal. Suddenly, he is joined by a voice that is seemingly coming through the pipes of the urinal to deliver an obnoxious sales pitch—the kind you get over the phone at home, usually at the most inopportune time.
"Hello, Mr. Lawson. This is Ralph from TCS, and I have great news about your long distance rates," says the voice, which goes on to half-heartedly apologize for the bathroom interruption. "I can certainly understand how you feel," the telemarketer says. "This is an awkward place to talk."
Still, that doesn’t stop the voice from continuing his efforts to seal the deal: "By using TCS, you can save a lot of money."
The target of this pitch is clearly disturbed. "Where are you?" he asks in confusion. The camera provides a view of the urinal as the pitchman keeps going. "Why don’t we do this?" he says. "We’ll set you up today so that this way…"
Then another voice intervenes—that of an off-camera announcer.
"Now they’re desperate," says the voiceover. "Sick of telemarketers? Join the national do-not-call list." The spot segues to a computer screen that shows the user logging onto the www.donotcall.gov Web site.
"It’s your time, not theirs," concludes the voiceover. Yet while the spot ends, the telemarketer’s spiel doesn’t—we still hear him trying to close the sale as his target exits the restroom.
This offbeat spec piece was taken from footage in Taco Bender, a short film conceived and directed by Richard Sears, who helms commercials through bicoastal Coppos. Taco Bender has gained recognition on the film festival circuit, recently earning distinction in the best comedy short category at the Worldfest Houston Festival.
Thus, credits for Taco Bender and "Privacy" are the same. Sears served as director and creative director/writer/art director. His support team at Coppos included owner/executive producer Michael Appel, managing director Joanne Ferraro, executive producer Alexandra Chamberlain and producer Lisa Shaw. DP was David Cleassen.
Editor was Chan Hatcher of bicoastal Cosmo Street. Yvette Cobarrubias executive produced for Cosmo Street. Mike Hatcher of SOL designfx, Venice, Calif., served as visual effects/design artist and online editor. Colorist was Steve Rodriguez of Company 3, Santa Monica. Audio mixer was Tim West of POP Sound, Santa Monica.
Jack Plotnick was the principal actor in this spot. The SAG/AFTRA Commercials Contract Standing Committee has granted a waiver to allow commercials to be available for viewing on SHOOTonline.com. The spots cannot be copied, downloaded or e-mailed.
