If you’re into the ad world, you might wanna stop by Brofessional Review every now and then. They tackle everything that has to do with advertising campaigns in Lebanon. Whether its print, TV, billboards, etc. they’re on it, giving their 2 cents, whether bashing or applauding, as well as keeping an eye out for the easy-way-out agencies take sometimes by copying an already successful campaign in a different country they think we won’t ever see (umm, YouTube?)
One particular finding that really disappointed me was the Buzz commercial, which made the phrase “3adeeee, ca va, mesh enno…” famous (don’t worry, not the mashewe one!). It turns out it’s practically the same as a Mello Yello ad, a US beer. Now, the creative behind the concept explained her position, and it’s up to you guys to decide if what she’s claiming is true (it does happen sometimes, ideas can evolve in parallel and look very much alike, especially in science at least!)
Here are the two videos:
Special thanks to the guys at Brofessional Review and @figo29 for bringing this to our attention!
After looking into the matter further, I realize that I read it on BlogBaladi first! (THANKS NAJIB <3)
TOTAL RIP OFF
Thank you very much for the mention Gino. We do agree, ideas can really grow in parallel in this age, yet a thorough research should’ve been done. Keep in touch!
Couldn’t agree more
Advertising is in the business of growing a client’s business. This is the harsh reality. They are not Monets nor Kandenskis. This said, a concept that worked well in a foreign market is very much acceptable to be reproduced in another market. It is customary in the communication business and an allowed practice globally. IBM, Exxon, VW, Toyota did it, while they were working with agencies such as JWT, Dentsu, Leo and other big names. No shame in it and not a rip-off for sure. And it is not as easy as it sounds. When an agency adopts a concept that worked for a brand, it is putting its credibility on the line as the adopted concept might not work in the local market. Check http://www.joelapompe.net/ for more similar ads
I cant understand how you’re still debating it, and listening to different point of views etc. The two ads definitely didn’t grow in parallel as you said, the first was done ten years ago, for a drink, think about it (easy: Youtube.com > search > Drink ad > Wow good one, let’s steel it)! + I can understand a similarity in the story but what about the sound effects? the red x shape? Coincidence?
Oh no one’s debating. It’s obvious to me, I just felt adding her reply would show how blatant the imitation was. As for the parallels in science, it does happen, and they sometimes accuse each other of imitation, when in fact it isn’t (like the DNA double helix research for example) =P
I see her point about the popularity of the ad, but that she was shocked to see the Mello Yello ads? I don’t really believe it
Obvious copycat! no chance she could have same idea and same treatment…
typical lebanese attitude,,copying from everywhere,,we lebanese are so hypocrites and fake creativity,,thank you gino,,and worst is that the ad (buzz) and ski disant the hero(tino K) brags act it and is on almost all lebanese channels as a star,,,putty this country we live in illusions
For those who are somewhat unaware about the ad industry, there has been a huge example that took place Sunday night, in the USA. It is the super bowl 2013 which is the most viewed event on American TV . The links below are for ads that cost approximately $4 million dollars for every 30 seconds, not including production. And they are almost copycats of other ads. Check them out:
Taco Bell
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Ff3Q5Qp9FJ0
Skechers
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=7rLkfC2CuZ4#!
Dodge Ram
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=QuzhwkaNC40