# Manga Matrioska Invaders Smirnoff Black Milan Ad By Marissa Brassfield | Published 2008-11-10 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/manga-matrioska-invaders-smirnoff-black References: [notcot.org](http://www.notcot.org/post/15897/) & [koba-yashi](http://www.koba-yashi.co.uk/) 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](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aviation-gin-commercial) with the matrioska, an instantly-recognizable symbol of Russia, in mind. Kobayashi composited the [manga matrioskas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3d-advertisement) 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](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/never-break-your-flow) HV20 and a computer. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.6/10 - Popularity: 43% | Activity: 86% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Drinking](https://www.trendhunter.com/drinking) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Cross-cultural Branding:** Using recognizable symbols from different cultures to appeal to a wider audience. - **Mixed-media Advertising:** Incorporating multiple forms of media, such as manga and real-life footage, to create a unique viewing experience. - **Spec Commercial Production:** Producing high-quality ads on a speculative basis to showcase creativity and attract brand partnerships. ### Where This Applies - **Alcohol:** Alcohol brands can explore cross-cultural branding to appeal to global audiences. - **Advertising:** The use of mixed-media and experimental production methods could disrupt traditional advertising practices. - **Video Production:** Production companies could leverage spec commercial production to showcase creativity and attract new clients. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Inclusive Branded Film Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/come-on-in.md) - [Artistic Multi-Beverage Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cocacola-family.md) - [Unconventionally Categorized Drinks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smirnoff-ice-drops.md) - [Dance-Centric Vodka Martini Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vive-le-martini.md) - [Mixed-Reality Cola Billboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3d-coca-cola-billboard.md) - [Graphic Fashion Animation Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/superflat-animation.md) - [Japanese-Inspired Seltzer Launches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/unusual-your-usual-campaign.md) - [AI-Created Campaign Images](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/martini.md) - [AI-Fuelled QSR Animated Commercials](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcdonalds-japan-1.md)