# Deadly Prankster Commercials The Metro Trains April Fools Day Campaign is Adorably Cautionary By Meghan Young | Published 2014-04-02 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/metro-trains-april-fools-day References: [adeevee](http://www.adeevee.com/2014/04/metro-trains-april-fools-ways-to-die-film-online/) & [mccann.au](http://mccann.com.au/) The Metro Trains April Fools Day ad campaign shows yet another adorable series of events that can lead to an untimely death or, at the very least, some form of injury. One part cute, one part morbid and entirely cautionary, it is a prompt reminder that while this day can be all fun and games, it is never fun to take it too far. Not to mention being unsafe near [fast trains](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rail-safety). Conceived and executed by McCann, an [ad agency based in Melbourne, Australia](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dreamies-treats), the Metro Trains April Fools Day ad campaign revolves around a kid [pulling a prank](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sun-trick-treat-pouches) on his parent. He sets up an elaborate trap that ends up throwing the parent into a roaring fire. Cue the laugh track. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.3/10 - Popularity: 96% | Activity: 85% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Health](https://www.trendhunter.com/health) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Cautionary Advertising:** Companies can create ads that mix humor and education to warn against potential danger. - **Dark Humor Marketing:** Humorous ads that have a dark or potentially morbid twist can grab viewer's attention and make a lasting impression. - **Social Responsibility Marketing:** Ads focused on safety and protecting people from harm can increase a company's social responsibility and promote its brand positively. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Advertising:** Ad agencies and companies can create impactful advertising that balances humor and a serious message. - **Transportation:** Transportation companies can use ads that warn against unsafe behavior and educate the public on proper safety procedures. - **Parenting:** Ads that feature family or parenting scenarios can resonate strongly with parents and serve as a reminder of the importance of safety. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Vibrant Retro Transport Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/public-transport-safety.md) - [Humorous Mens Fragrance Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/axe-campaign.md) - [Car Safety-Promoting PSAs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/never-happens-campaign.md) - [Influencer-Inspired Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tomcat.md) - [Unexpectedly-Amusing Treats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/liquid-death-misfortune-cookies.md) - [Witty Advertising Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/self-referential-marketing.md) - [Humorous Indian-Flavored Ice Creams](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/indianflavored-ice-creams.md) - [Humorous Fun-Forward Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/six-flags.md) - [Humorous Educational Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ai-investment-fraud.md)