This commercial for the launch of Smirnoff Black in Milan is so well-produced, it's hard to believe this work was completed on spec. Director Kobayashi created this test commercial with the matrioska, an instantly-recognizable symbol of Russia, in mind.
Kobayashi composited the manga matrioskas over real footage of Milan and topped things off with a clip from M.I.A.'s "Paper Planes." The credit list for this commercial is simple: It's all Kobayashi, armed with his Canon HV20 and a computer.
Manga Matrioska Invaders
Smirnoff Black Milan Ad
Trend Themes
1. Cross-cultural Branding - Using recognizable symbols from different cultures to appeal to a wider audience.
2. Mixed-media Advertising - Incorporating multiple forms of media, such as manga and real-life footage, to create a unique viewing experience.
3. Spec Commercial Production - Producing high-quality ads on a speculative basis to showcase creativity and attract brand partnerships.
Industry Implications
1. Alcohol - Alcohol brands can explore cross-cultural branding to appeal to global audiences.
2. Advertising - The use of mixed-media and experimental production methods could disrupt traditional advertising practices.
3. Video Production - Production companies could leverage spec commercial production to showcase creativity and attract new clients.