‘The f@#$ing holiday’s over’: Virgin Mobile calls in Santa for Christmas in July campaign
An unhappy Father Christmas is disturbed from his annual mid-year holiday to deliver special gifts to Virgin Mobile customers, in the telco’s latest ads.
It is the first integrated work for the brand from Whybin\TBWA Sydney which picked up the account at the start of the year, and sees a bronzed Santa relaxing by the pool when an elf comes up and tells him he’s been requested to work deliver the telco’s gifts.
Despite being annoyed he rises to the challenge yelling “Pack my sack, f#$@ing holiday’s over”, pushing an elf in the pool as he strides off.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3hvyjkom18&feature=youtu.be
“We thought what better way to kick off the Christmas in July festivities than with a red hot gift for our customers, delivered by the big man himself,” said Philippa Durant, director of brand & communications at Virgin Mobile Australia.
“The creative execution and humour delivered by Whybin/TBWA has brought to life the offer and captured the Virgin Mobile tone and brand essence perfectly.”
The campaign is rolling out to new customers by offering them a $100 visa giftcard for joining the service, while existing customers can upgrade and receive the gift.
People are also being encouraged to use the hashtag #alliwantforchristmasinjulyis to share their Christmas wish lists.
Wesley Hawes, ECD at Whybin\TBWA Sydney added: “Christmas in July is becoming such an Aussie tradition and I love that Virgin Mobile are owning it in a way only they can. With a Grumpy Santa that is less than enthusiastic about schlepping all the way to Australia to deliver free gifts. It’s a retail campaign, but done the Virgin Mobile way.”
Whybins won the account in January from Havas Worldwide.
It’s previous work for the telco came two months ago with the World’s First Auction Powered by Unused data.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mxcPji192Tw
I saw that ad on Facebook. The sound card on the computer is broken but I knew who it was for by the captions and logos during it. It certainly is an eye-catcher in that it uses an older, obese man not wearing a shirt rather than the young male models used in other ads. I don’t usually watch ads on Facebook, I scroll right past them but this ad had my eyes glued right to the end.
User ID not verified.