1. Beck’s CapCam "Amazing all-around view"
Score: 9.2
360 video is in the limelight and German brewery brand Beck’s is using their product to tap into this trend. Beck’s is taking its packaging to new heights, transforming their pilsner bottle into a Beck's CapCam, enabling consumers to shoot 360 videos over a cold beer.
A brand dedicated to bringing people together, this nifty and innovative development is all about capturing experiences through video. By removing the CapCam from the bottle top and placing on a mobile device, audiences can capture 360 video through an extended lense on their phone.
Consumers can only win the camera by entering into a prize draw on Facebook and the camera is cleverly synced up to the Facebook app, enabling participants to upload their content with ease.
Their social strategy meets the needs of a millennial audience and gives the product a feel of exclusivity, with the help of BBDO Germany. A prime example of a brand riding on the success of a current trend.
2. Heineken "The cliché"
Score: 9
Gender stereotyping is a hot topic and in Heineken’s latest advert "The cliché", the brand aims to tackle this with a light-hearted twist.
Teaming up with Publicis again, the video follows a spot from March entitled ‘The Dilemma’ and adopts a similarly mischievous theme.
The video follows three couples as the men try to trick their girlfriends with an alluring invitation to a spa break so they can attend a Heineken party screening of the UEFA Champions League Final match. It’s quite clear that this is a hoax.
The fast-paced nature of the advert entices you to keep watching until the final punchline is delivered: the men learn that their girlfriends are not on a spa break and have been flown to the final in Milan instead.
The film drives home the message that some women actually enjoy football as much as their male counterparts – a fact that is all too often overlooked. It’s often tricky to address stereotypes of any kind, but this approach from Heineken is spot on, addressing the issue with humour and reminds viewers that sport is meant to be enjoyed by everyone.
3. Dunkin’ Donuts "The world’s fastest dunkin’ run wingsuit"
Score: 8.9
If you find yourself squinting and holding your breath, you’re probably watching Dunkin’ Donuts latest video campaign and the world’s fastest flying woman jumping off a cliff.
Performing the World’s Fastest Dunkin’ Run, and in stark contrast to Gronk and Big Papi's Dunkin' Paradise Music Video released by the brand in the same month, the Dunkin’ Run takes a daring approach to captivate their audience.
Set to a steady drum beat, the soundtrack and picturesque views are sure to spike the audience's’ adrenaline, as Ellen Brenna, the world’s fastest flying woman orders her donut on the Dunkin’ app before swiftly hurtling off a cliff to collect her tasty treat. This brand knows their audience are always on the go and take this to a whole other level for their DD Perks members by creating a stunt that has never before been achieved live on camera.
In just sixty seconds, Dunkin’ Donuts attach their product to an adventurous lifestyle and demonstrate just how quick and easy it is for customers to pre-order and pick up their food at the same time.
4. Nike Football "The switch"
Score: 8.8
In a spin-off to Disney's ‘Freaky Friday’, Nike has created a short film starring Portuguese football extraordinaire, Cristiano Ronaldo.
The film, entitled ‘The Switch’ shows a collision between the player and a 16-year-old boy called Lee, triggering an inner body swap. Supported by background song ‘Turn Up’ by indie rock band The Heavy, this brilliant film takes the audience through key moments in both the footballer and schoolboy's history, such as sports training, going to school and even when Ronaldo is presented with an award – although it’s Lee that receives the honour.
As part of a major push to #SparkBrilliance, the clip also features fellow football players, Harry Kane and Anthony Martial. For Nike, this is just one of many short productions that are equally as entertaining for a variety of viewers; even those that are less familiar with the beautiful game.
And with 42 million views on YouTube, this is an opportunity for Ronaldo to flaunt his comedic acting skills – something we aren’t always privy to when he’s on the pitch.
5. The National Autistic Society "Virtual reality experience"
Score: 8.6
The UK's leading charity for people affected by autism, The National Autistic Society (NAS), use virtual reality to give viewers a unique insight into what it’s like living with the condition.
Part of their ‘Too Much Information’ campaign, released in March, which includes one-on-one interviews providing a first person perspective, the campaign aims to explore the reality of autism and demystify public opinion.
Multiple people try on a VR headset for a first hand experience of what it feels like to live with the condition. Stressful, even chaotic at times, this charity gives both viewers and participants a unique experience with the aim of raising both awareness and empathy from the public.
This charity understands the power of first hand experience and uses modern technology to their advantage. A powerful combination of sound and imagery, the TMI Virtual Reality Experience not only emphasises how stimulation overload can make the world a terrifying place, but encourages viewers to be non-judgmental.