118 118 goes viral with some help from the 80s

LONDON - The 118 118 boys have been given a 1980s makeover in a viral created by WCRS to support the telephone directory service's recent TV ad campaign. The ad sees the boys dancing to a remix of the song 'Maniac' from the 1980 movie Flashdance.

This is the first viral outing for the moustachioed duo since the 'Honda Choir' spoof of 2006 and has been created to amplify the recent TV campaign and tap into a new generation of 118 118 users.

William Ostrom, director of communications for 118 118, said: "We wanted to display the 118 118 boys from tash to tush. This new viral moves us on from the 70s to the 80s, introducing the 118 boys sinuous physical charisma for a whole new generation - you should see the X-rated out-takes!"

The viral is launching on a specially created website developed by WCRS's sister online digital agency, Meme, who have created a number of previous virals for .

Luke Williamson, creative director at WCRS, said: "The idea came whilst shooting the brand ads, and after a long day's shoot - and a lot of laughing - we came out with a great result. It's the 118 boys looking like they've never looked before!"

The directory services company is planning to move the TV characters into mobile form by filming a series of made-for-mobile clips.

With the help of content partners, 118 118 wants to transform the brand into a multi-channel information web and WAP portal to include sports, entertainment and celebrity news.

The company also plans to move into user-generated content whereby users will be to able to upload clips to a revamped 118 118 portal.