Village People finger puppets star in Hula Hoops TV campaign

LONDON - People get distracted from everyday life as they make Village People Hula Hoops finger puppets to the soundtrack of 'YMCA' in the Publicis-created TV ad for the snack brand, which is part of a integrated campaign.

The campaign for the United Biscuits brand showcases the unique and playful shape of Hula Hoops and is the launch pad for United Biscuits' Golden Hoop Film Awards integrated campaign, which aims to encourage consumers to take inspiration from the TV ads and produce their own finger puppet films using Hula Hoops.

Participants could win a holiday for a family of four to Hollywood.

The integrated campaign includes TV advertising, on-pack, online, PR and in-store promotional activity.

The TV ads feature a train passenger and decorator who become engrossed in creating finger puppets using their Hula Hoops.

The finger puppet characters include a DJ and two characters from the Village People's track, 'YMCA'. The spot ends with the strapline "in a hole world of their own".

However, the careers of both would-be puppet entertainers are cut short as they are caught out by the people around them -- and do what all good Hula Hoop finger puppeteers do and quickly snaffle their puppet snacks.

The two 30-second films, directed by Mark Denton, will air in the UK from Monday July 6th.

Helen Warren-Piper, marketing director of Bagged Snacks at UBUK, said: "This new TV advertising campaign, along with the on-pack promotion and Hula Hoops website will drive further consumer engagement with the brand providing retailers with increased sales opportunities.

"Some brands are the keepers of undeniable truths. Hula Hoops is one of those brands -- anyone who tells you they can eat a bag without first putting them on their fingers and giving them a wiggle, is a big fat fibber.

"The resulting films from Publicis and public alike are testament to this truth."

The ads were written by Gary Turner and art directed by Jamie Marshall. Joint executive creative director were Tom Ewart & Adam Kean.

Media planning and buying was through MediaEdge:cia and the campaign will be on air throughout July and August.

The on pack promotion for the Golden Hoop Film Awards for 50m packs of Hula Hoops was designed by Wax Communications.

The website was created by United Biscuits' digital agency InboxDMG. The website also includes film-making tips and information on the Hula Hoops range.

Members of the public can upload their own finger puppet video clips and vote at .

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