Talking animals on television are older than Mr. Ed. Even before TV, animals were talking all throughout mythology, prophesizing and prognosticating to whomever would listen. Some argue that using talking animals in commercials is an overdone gimmick. But it is a proven means of garnering people’s attention, and few can argue with that.
A recent Ameritrade spot that introduces a talking bull and bear separates itself from lesser talking-animal ads in a number of ways. For starters, the concept is not egregious: Animals are not talking just to sell products and/or services. In "Bull and Bear," the first of three initial spots starring the beastly duo, the talking bull represents more aggressive Wall Street traders, while the bear assumes the personality of the more reserved brokers. Shoot Online subscribers may read this week’s Top Spot of the Week in full by accessing the Current Issue in the Members Area.
CLIENT
Ameritrade Holding Company.
PRODUCTION CO.
Aardman Animations,
Bristol, England.
Chris Lyons, live action director; Steve Downer, DP; Bobby Proctor, director of animation; Steve Pegram, producer; Brian Mcgrath, head animator; Marcel Simons, technical director; Steven Elford, CGI artist; Vic Spurgeon, production assistant.
AGENCY
Ogilvy & Mather Chicago.
Joe Sciarrotta, executive creative director; Mitch Gordon and Paul Norris group creative directors; Josh Kemeny, copywriter; Stuart Cohn, art director; Monna O’Brien, producer.
POST/VISUAL EFFECTS
Rushes, London.
Adrian Seery, colorist.
Golden Square, London.
Groucho, Fire operator.
Digital Kitchen, Chicago.
Paul Matthaeus, executive creative director; Don McNeill, executive producer; Chris Markos, lead designer/Flame artist; Mark Bashore, producer.
Avenue, Chicago.
Tom Dernulc, online editor.
AUDIO POST
Soundbyte, London.
James Mather, engineer.
750mph, London.
Gary Walker, Engineer.
Avenue.
Cory Coken, engineer; Anne Siwek, producer.
MUSIC
Admusic, Los Angeles.
Ryan Elder, composer; Paul Schultz, producer