Hyundai Replaces Jeff Bridges' Voice During Oscars
By Emily Fredrix, Marketing Writer
NEW YORK (AP) --Having Jeff Bridges do a voiceover during the Oscars?
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences does not abide.
Hyundai has pulled the actor’s voice from its ads airing during Sunday night’s broadcast because of a rule limiting the use of nominees in Oscars ads.
Bridges, nominated for the best actor award for his role in “Crazy Heart,” has voiced ads for the Korean automaker since 2007.
Hyundai, the only auto company advertising during the Oscars for a second straight year, will air seven ads during the show and one beforehand. Most will feature the company’s Sonata and Genesis sedans.
The stars replacing Bridges Sunday on the ABC broadcast will be Catherine Keener, Kim Basinger, David Duchovny, Richard Dreyfuss, Michael Madsen, Mandy Patinkin and Martin Sheen.
Hyundai spent two weeks testing new voiceovers after deciding it was too hard to separate its ads during the show to satisfy Academy rules.
Joel Ewanick, marketing vice president for Hyundai’s American arm, said the new voices will bring variety.
But Ewanick added in a statement: “We’ll be happy to return to our normal casting after the show.”
Oscars night is the year’s biggest for movies – and the second-biggest for advertisers after the Super Bowl.
A 30-second ad during the awards show typically sells for about $1.7 million, according to Kantar Media. By comparison, a 30-second slot during the Super Bowl costs about $3 million.
Hyundai’s sales have risen the past year as it positioned its cars as economical during the recession and offered buyers insurance in case they lose their jobs after buying a new Hyundai.
The Many Hires Jeremiah Wassom As Group Creative Director
Independent agency The Many has added Jeremiah Wassom as group creative director.
Wassom most recently worked a decade at Deutsch LA where, as SVP/creative director, he led the Taco Bell account and won new business for the agency. His agency past also includes AKQA and TBWAChiatDay. His creative work has touched the QSR, video games, automotive, fashion, and culture brand sectors. He also served eight years with the United States Marine Corps.
“Throughout his career, Jeremiah has helmed work that has not only made me personally jealous but has consistently pushed brands to show up in memorable and innovative ways,” said Josh Paialii, head of creative at The Many. “One look at his body of work and you will see his passion for storytelling and craft has raised the bar for entire categories, driving participation with many brands’ most loyal fans. Beyond being a world-class creative director and maker, Wassom is a proven team player and strategic thought leader. He’ll be a great addition to the leadership team at The Many working across all accounts. His role will be immediately felt as he guides and supports each of the creative leads in the department.”
A 20-year creative with agency, brand, and freelance experience, Wassom has forged a creative approach which focuses on crafting engaging connections rather than simply make ads. He sees the need for advertising to mean more, not simply do more.
The Many believes that true business growth is made possible by harnessing the power of participation and partners with brands to forge deeper connections with consumers, cultivate trust and loyalty, and maximize marketing spend and execution. The agency is built around a flexible model that offers a suite of capabilities, including... Read More