A hulking and intimidating yet misunderstood man is the metaphor at the heart of Nordpol Hamburg's short film promoting the wind energy division of German company Epuron. With production company Paranoid and creative/directing collective The Vikings at the helm, the two-minute web film offers poignant, clever storytelling without coming off as didactic, following our black-clad gentle giant whose various actions mimic those of actual wind. Somber piano music plays while the wind man spills his frustrations from people's unfriendly reactions to his handiwork, until eventually, he finds someone who understands. There's a place for his type of energy in this world after all. "Power of Wind" garnered a Cannes Gold Lion last year and was one of the main contenders for the Grand Prix, and this year again rises to the top of the heap to earn a 2008 Creativity Award.

Q&A with The Vikings

What were your objectives on this project?

The Vikings: Actually, there were two different clients with two different objectives. B.M.U., the German Ministry for the Environment, wanted to improve the general public's opinion of wind energy. Epuron was looking for investors. Though there were two different target groups, the same creative solution appealed to both.

What were the obstacles you faced throughout?

The Vikings: The biggest challenge was casting?finding an actor who was "believable" as the wind. We looked at tons of people. The actor we ended up choosing was literally the last guy who came to our final session. We all knew immediately that he was the one.

What are the challenges of doing a project for wind energy?

The Vikings: Because this commercial really delivers a social theme, the biggest challenge was communicating in a way that people would connect with?without feeling like they were being lectured or "preached" to.

In your opinion, what role does creativity play today when it comes to creating a brand?

The Vikings: As creatives and directors, we think that creativity plays a huge role in creating a brand, in determining how people feel about it. Brands that speak to consumers in an unusual way, that respect their intelligence, or appeal to their sense of humor are the ones we all remember most.

What does brand creativity need to do now in order to be effective?

The Vikings: The line between advertising and content is becoming blurrier and blurrier. "Wind" is a perfect example. When a client can get people to willingly watch his ad?and even pass it along to friends?then he's way ahead of the game.

What kind of results did you see from this particular spot?

The Vikings: Industry response has been positive. Amazingly so. But even more importantly, viewers really seem to be touched by "Wind." They remember the film?and its message.


Check out more of the 2008 Creativity Award winners.