(www.nathanlove.com)“>Nathan Love ((www.nathanlove.com)), the creative studio specializing in 3D animation, known for developing iconic characters, memorable stories and original content, recently created <a href="http://(www.nathanlove.com)/#/work/1/video/1/”>The Kernel Family, a soon-to-be-iconic bunch of movie-loving popcorn kernels whose excitement frequently gets them into some eye-popping trouble.
Working closely with ad agency Goodby, Silverstein & Partners (www.goodbysilverstein.com) for Pop Secret, the popular brand of popping corn produced and distributed by Diamond Foods, <a href="(www.nathanlove.com)“>Nathan Love recently completed the first of a trio of promising commercials, each based around a popular feature film.
“Pop Secret is a relatively new addition to the Diamond Foods brand portfolio, but as a brand it could be as fun and quirky as Diamond’s Emerald Nuts brand,” explains <a href="(www.nathanlove.com)“>Nathan Love Owner and Creative Director Joe Burrascano. “They wanted to put their distinctive mark on this well-known brand and make it even more recognizable. We were very excited to work on this project with the team at Goodby Silverstein, where people really know how to make a great commercial, and are eager to dive into the process. What resulted was an entirely new property for Pop Secret – an own-able world with original characters and potential to expand the brand across all media outlets, including web, interactive, merchandising and beyond.”
Joe continued,”Agencies are looking for production companies that understand the bigger picture, and have the ability to develop distinctive and long term properties that live across all platforms. <a href="(www.nathanlove.com)“>Nathan Love rose to the challenge, building on past campaign experience and bringing an undeniable amount of passion for the craft. We enjoyed every minute of it.”
From the first spot, there is simply no arguing with the results. The piece opens with an old-style house assembled out of the distinctive blue and yellow Pop Secret packaging. Moving inside, we meet four round popcorn kernels sitting on doily-adorned furniture and watching television. This is the Kernel family visiting Grandma’s house.
When the father Kernel expresses surprise at the fact that Grandma’s favorite movie is The Dark Knight (2008), the pearl-wearing mother Kernel explains that Grandma “loves the Batman voice.” An intense-looking Grandma proceeds to do a perfect impression of Batman, only to be challenged by young Bobby Kernel. As they trade increasingly angry Batman lines, Grandma suddenly transforms into a fluffy white piece of popped corn. The effect is surprising and unexpected comedy.
“We were determined to create a unique and funny spot that would solidify the Pop Secret brand,” says Mike Harry, Executive Producer at <a href="(www.nathanlove.com)“>Nathan Love. “For the opening shot alone, we purchased 40 boxes of Pop Secret, cut and recombined them in a series of different home designs, just to determine the right look. Translating the Pop Secret brand to 3D required a lot of attention to detail. We were very exacting about the ‘taste-ability’ of the kernels both before and after they pop.
Currently at work on the next commercials in the campaign, featuring comedy classic Caddyshack (1980) and another with When Harry Met Sally (1989), the <a href="(www.nathanlove.com)“>Nathan Love team is positively popping with ideas for the Kernel family.
“Working with Goodby Silverstein, we’ve had the chance to design new characters, produce the sound design and original score (with Drew Skinner), and even offer input into the scripts and casting sessions,” says Harry. “They’ve shown tremendous faith in our abilities, and we’ve been inspired by their trust. As a result, this campaign is different from anything else out there. In a way, these spots are really 30 second sitcoms with this endearing and funny family at their center. We think kids are going to love the Kernels, but the humor is bound to appeal to more mature viewers as well.”
ABOUT NATHAN LOVE
Based in New York City, <a href="(www.nathanlove.com)“>Nathan Love is a creative company specializing in telling great stories through 3D character-driven entertainment.
<a href="(www.nathanlove.com)“>Nathan Love ((www.nathanlove.com)) has worked closely with New York’s Psyop (www.psyop.tv), perhaps most notably on Coca-Cola’s “Happiness Factory” spot, as well as on ambitious character-driven spots for Fanta and Guinness beer.
<a href="(www.nathanlove.com)“>Nathan Love thrives on bringing funny characters to life, developing their personality and style, and using them to drive enjoyable, interesting stories.
