Speculative ads are becoming an increasingly popular means for artists and creative directors to enhance their personal portfolio and showcase their creative skills. It is a proactive way for lesser known (and sometimes well-established) artists to generate buzz and build up some hype about themselves. Naturally, when doing a speculative ad, it is best to choose a famous high-profile brand to grab people's attention. A while ago we brought you a controversial unsolicited Toyota Prius ad campaign by David Krulik that went viral and succeeded in creating buzz for both Toyota and the art director himself.
This brilliant “Music is Life†Zune spot is also a speculative ad made by Stewart Hendler that shows a young boy walking down the street while listening to his Zune music player. When he encounters a dead bird lying on the sidewalk, he kneels next to the bird places his Zune earphones against the bird's heart. The music brings the little birdie back to life and we see that “Music Is Life†and “Zune is Music.â€
The ad was shot in just one day using a RED ONE digital camera with a seven person crew. The incredible accompanying soundtrack was created by Human WorldWide. I really like the ad and I think Microsoft should definitely adopt it as an official ad.
Hendler is not a beginner by any means, the talented director has a client list that includes Adidas, BMW, Budweiser & Motorola. He also has a new movie, whisper, out in Fall 2008 in the US.
Check out the similarly speculative Toyota “Well, at least he drives a Prius†campaign:
Reviving Dead Animals With Music
"Music Is Life" Zune Ad
Trend Themes
1. Speculative Ads - Creating provocative ads for high-profile brands can generate buzz and build a personal brand.
2. Music as a Healing Tool - Using music to revive and heal living creatures or environments presents an opportunity for further research in the field of sound therapy.
3. Disruptive Creativity - Nonconformist and rule-breaking work such as the Music is Life Zune ad presents a disruptive innovation opportunity for the advertising industry.
Industry Implications
1. Advertising - Speculative ads can help artists and creative directors in the advertising industry showcase their talent and build a personal brand.
2. Music and Sound Therapy - The use of music and sound therapy in the medical industry has the potential to be a disruptive innovation in patient care and healing.
3. Film and Entertainment - Directors like Stewart Hendler, who create innovative content for brands, can bring new energy and ideas to the film and entertainment industry.