What's all the fuss about?
Issue 11 | July 2009
Agency
Ogilvy Amsterdam
Creative Team
Executive Creative Director: Carl le Blond, Copywriter: Carl le Blond, Art Director: Marc van Wageningen
Production Team
Producer: Jack Liberties
Other Credits
Account Manager: Judith Ann Regout, Producer: Jack Liberties, Client: John Jackson
Date
2008 to 2009
Background
Switch is MTV Networks International’s Global Climate Change Campaign. They are always looking for ways to get people involved in the global warming issue and drive them to the MTV Switch website, without necessarily using expensive media.
Idea
To make people aware of the rising sea level because of global warming, the agency created a message board which appeared to be held by a submerged man with just his hands above water.
These were two prosthetic arms attached to a small remote-controlled submarine which was sent cruising up and down the canals of the city.
Results
The idea got talked about in 50 relevant blogs and magazines. Because of the massive positive feedback, MTV is looking to extend the promotion to other Dutch cities, and to air it on TV.
Our Thoughts
When you see the video of this, you also see how the eyes of the good citizens of Amsterdam pop out on stalks when they first catch sight of the waterborne board. Hilarious, yes, but making a serious point.