Homework: 1/21/09

A couple things before I get into the example:
1. Make sure you include a link to the commercial you found on YouTube. You can find a stable link to the video in the grey box directly next to the video next to the URL label. Copy and paste that link directly into the blog post.
2. Try to be as detailed as possible.
3. Book mark this blog in someway so that you can return to it later for future examples.

Homework Example

Snicker's Commercial - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nhEQ066WDAA

Most obviously, this commercial attempts to get the viewers to find it funny. That is not to say that the commercial fails if you don't roll on the floor laughing; but rather the commercial uses an absurd situation to make the viewer think (or say), "That was funny." By doing this, Snickers can make sure that you are thinking about their product. More often than not, people will want to talk about the odd commercial, and will go to a friend saying, "Did you see that funny Snicker's commercial?" If successful, the word "Snickers" will be brought up in conversation several times, jamming the brand name into the collective consciousness. Then, while staring at the endless racks of candy products in the grocery store, the name Snickers is going to likely come to mind, possibly causing the consumer to then purchase the product.

Another way, beside the bizarre situation, in which Snickers manages to force it's way into the average consumer's consciousness is through the catchy, and again, funny song. Because the song is easily memorable, it will have the tendency to stay (get caught even) in the mind of the viewer. Like most pop songs, the intention here is to "get caught" in the unconsciousness of the viewer so that he or she finds him- or herself singing, humming or whistling the song without really intending to (think of "Umbrella" by Rhianna; it's called a hook for a reason). Then, as this person goes through the day, and the song pops in from time to time, he or she is again thinking of Snickers, and will be more likely to remember that name when thinking of candy he or she would purchase.

Finally, the juxtaposition of the every day situation of the man at work mixed with the surreal experience of someone singing a song to him during his snack touches on the average viewer's life experience. This man, the one enjoying the candy bar, is at work, taking a break, and this is a situation most everyone is familiar with. This will give the viewer a feeling of connectedness, an association with the product. Snicker's is trying to say, "This is the candy bar for the working man, and it can make your day brighter."