Narrative Ads Part III: UNO Fog bar

This week's ad is a series of ads for UNO fog bar, a hair styling product. The ad has no story, but the series is connected to one big idea.

As I mentioned in my previous posts, it's very common for Asian actors to appear in advertisements or commercials. They don't just endorse big name brands unlike in North America where Hollywood celebrities rarely appear in ads. I would never understand why an actor would not want to appear in an ad especially when these companies pay a lot. And personally, I would buy something that my favourite actor would endorse (depends on the need of course) because that person is selling it. It's not right, I know, but... it's an ad. 

This ad from Japan is one of my favourite Japanese ads. This CM (aka advertisements or commercial in Japan) is for Shiseido UNO fog bar. It features Japanese actors Eita, Oguri Shun, Miura Haruma, and Tsumabuki Satoshi. 

uploaded by X0xKAONx0X

uploaded by pippi3lam

Similar to the two previous posts, this ad appeals to the target market because of the actors. The target market is not limited in Japan, but in other parts of Asia or the world. Another market this ad targets are the fans of the actors. These fans have seen the actors in Japanese dramas (or doramas in Japanese) so they are already familiar with them.

Also, the ads have "one big idea" and plays a catchy music that grabs the attention of the viewers. 

The second video where the four are standing in a set and change coats is my favourite because it's simple and creative. It probably took them hours to perfect each scene, and they probably saved a little with the use of the set and clothes. Or just put the budget in the actors' fees because these four are very popular in their country. 

That said, at the end of the day, it's all about whether these ads were effective or not. And seeing that the ad appeals to the audience with the use of the actors, it works. 

Narrative Ads Part II: Toyota Camry

Lee Min ho is one of the most popular actors in South Korea. His popularity rose after he starred in Boys Over Flowers. Boys Over Flowers is the third Korean adaptation of the popular manga, Hana Yori Dango, by Kamio Yoko. 

Because Boys Over Flowers already had a steady following before the Korean adaptation, it was not difficult for this show to get a new following. Especially when the Korean F4 looked very similar to the manga characters. After the show, Lee Min ho became a household name in Korea.

Toyota released this four-part web series in 2011 for Toyota Camry 2012 The One & Only campaign. Word of warning: Turn off your brain because none of the episodes make sense that you'll only use your eyes and ears. Or you can skip the car sequences and shots because they're just everywhere (which is understandable, because this is a Toyota ad).

Now you understand why I hate it? Seems like the ad only focused on the visuals (cinematography and Lee Min ho) and main actor that the team didn't consider the plot and (horrible) script. I followed this web series two years ago and I remember that they released one episode per week. It kept the audience on their toes and they anticipated when the next episode will be released to know what happens to Lee Min ho's character (because at the end of the day, it's because of Lee Min ho why this web series has views).

Despite the confusing plot and nonsense, cheesy script, this ad appeals to the target market. Why? Because of Lee Min ho. It's very common in Asia for well-known actors to appear in ads. Actors in washer and dryer ads, hair styling products, fastfood restaurants, coffee shops, bakeries, and instant noodles. It doesn't matter what the product is, as long as the actor is in the ad. 

And while I was doing my research for this blog post, I discovered that Toyota released a second season (!). I didn't expect that. Although, maybe I shouldn't be surprised because it was up to Lee Min ho's contract with Toyota. I know it's not Min ho's fault because it's his job, but ... I just can't. The script. The acting of the second leads and extras. 

So here's the first episode of The One & Only Toyota Camry Season 2 if you hatg ro :

And of course I'll watch the rest of the season. I'll still cringe because of the cheesiness and terrible script and acting, and then that's it. 

So what do you think about actors featured in ads that one would never see in Western ads? 

Next week, I'll write about my favourite hair styling product ad endorsed by the most popular actors in Japan.

Narrative Ads Part I: Nestle Philippines

Because I watch YouTube videos everyday, I come across related videos where some are interesting while some are boring. I rarely watch television these days so good thing there's YouTube. If it wasn't for YouTube, I wouldn't discover ads from Asia that run for five minutes or more on tv. 

This month, I will feature advertisements from Asian countries that has a narrative. They may also be a series of ads with a theme or story.

This week's ad is from the Philippines.

Two weeks ago I was looking at YouTube videos of my favourite Filipino artist (i.e., Up Dharma Down). One of the related links on the sidebar was a Nestle Philippines ad. I became curious so I watched the 12-minute video. It was worth it. Some were longer than 10 minutes, while some were shorter. Some where cliche, while some were funny. Some were heartwarming, while some were fluffy.