Theo Walcott, Glenn Johnson, Scott Parker and Robin Van Persie make up the all-star cast in a new Mars advert, which was aired, for the first time last Sunday, 15th April, during the FA Cup semi-final between Tottenham and Chelsea.
The advert is set around a tense England penalty shootout with the Premier League’s top marksman, RVP, getting ready to take a penalty and England’s keeper being carried off the pitch with a knee injury. Theo Walcott, Glenn Johnson and Scott Parker look on, dejected, knowing they need a minor miracle to keep the Arsenal hit man at bay.
Seeing England are in serious trouble, one of the stewards takes a bite of his Mars bar before stripping away his high visibility jacket and takes his place between the sticks. Inspired to play his part for England he plucks RVP’s penalty out of the top right corner.
The gutsy keeper sees another spot kit sail over the bar before going on to save another penalty with a Rene Higuita-inspired scorpion kick, saving the day and winning the game for England. The crowd erupts and Walcott, Johnson and Parker run over to celebrate with the new found hero.
This summer Mars, Official Supporter of the England team, is encouraging the nation to play their part for England as the country gears up for Euro 2012. Mars is giving customers the opportunity to win one of 100,000 Official Special Edition Shirts emblazoned with the Three Lions through on pack promotions. The shirts are made by official England kit suppliers Umbro and have been endorsed by the England players.
The advert, created by AMV, will be on air between 15th April and 12th May and between 27th May and 23rd June. The campaign will also include press and outdoor advertising with PR and digital support.
Further exclusive behind the scenes footage from the advert is available via marsbar.co.uk and Mars Bar’s Facebook page; including Walcott, Johnson and Parker celebrating in a giant bath together after the game (an exclusive scene that didn’t make the final cut), interviews and outtakes.
Project: Work Rest Play Your Part for England
Client name & job title: Mars bar
Brief (in one line): Encourage the nation to do their bit in supporting the England team during Euro 2012
Creative Agency: AMV BBDO
Copywriter: Richard Baynham
Art Director: Ian Galbadoni
Agency Planner: Jeff Lush
Media Agency: OMD
Media Planner: Guy Walding
Production Company: Another Production Company
Director: Steve Reeves
Post-production Company: Glassworks
Audio Post-production: AMV Lab
Exposure (e.g. Youtube, TV, press): TV, online