This poignant animated love story is actually an ad for Viagra

Film by VMLY&R aims to shift the conversation around erectile problems

Published On
Jul 14, 2020

Editor's Pick

An animated love story illustrating how the stresses and strains of modern life can impact sexual relationships is actually an ad for Viagra Connect.

The campaign, created by VMLY&R London for Pfizer U.K. division Upjohn, aims to shift the perception of erectile dysfunction from a stigmatized issue associated with a perceived lack of masculinity to a health issue that can be exacerbated by stress, work, poor eating habits and more.

Directed by Zombie and produced by BlinkInk, the film is set to an emotive cover of The Proclaimers' "I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)." It sensitively depicts a couple whose sex life suffers due to work worries and the interference of technology on modern life (such as using devices in the bedroom). Ultimately, Viagra Connect helps them to reconnect and rebuild their relationship.

“This really is a renowned brand—one that is synonymous with the category and is steeped in cultural history," said Rob Elliott, Marketing Director at Upjohn, in a statement. "It’s immensely exciting to be at the start of a new journey with Viagra Connect. Above all it’s rewarding that in doing so we can help millions of couples deal with the challenges thrown up by life today.”

“Much beyond a little blue pill, this campaign is a complex message about modern masculinity and intimacy in relationships," added Tamryn Kerr, creative director at VMLY&R.

The campaign will run on TV, digital, social and more, with media via Wavemaker, accompanied by shopper activities via Geometry, PR support from BCW and healthcare professional support via Ogilvy. 

Credits

Date
Jul 14, 2020
Client :
Viagra
Agency :
VMLY&R
Commercial Lead :
Stephen Harrison
Marketing Director :
Rob Elliott
Marketing Manager :
Teresa Lau
Marketing Manager :
Paula Taylor
Trade Marketing Manager :
Toygan Yamanel
Medical Lead :
Justin Nnawuchi
Digital Marketing Lead :
Paul Withers
Digital Marketing Manager :
Hayley Perez
Pharmacy Business Director :
Alison Dixon
Chief Creative Officer :
Laurent Simon
Creative Director :
Tamryn Kerr
Chairman :
Mark Roalfe
Chief Strategy Officer :
Sophie Lewis
Strategy Director :
Josh Taylor-Dadds
Strategist :
Ollie Chakraverty
Senior Producer :
Charlotte Davis
Global Brand Director :
Nick Burstin
Senior Account Director :
Siobhán Woodrow
Senior Account Manager :
Karolina Dovgialo
Design Director :
Chris Willis
Production :
Blinkink
Executive Producer :
Bart Yates
Producer :
John Woolley
Animation and Visual Effects by :
Zombie Studio
Director :
Paulo Garcia
Account Services :
Stefanie Dias
Creative Direction :
Daniel Salles
Creative Direction :
Marcelo Garcia
Producer :
André Carvalho
CGI Supervisor :
Rafael Segnini
Technical Director :
Wallan Oliveira
Technical Supervisor :
Isaac Buzzola
Storyboard and Animatic by :
Saulo Brito
Storyboard and Animatic by :
Gabriel São Marcos
Animation Supervisor :
Patrick Botton
Lead Modeller :
Mauricio Sampaio
Lead Look Development :
Claudio Junior
Composition Supervisor :
Leanndro Amorim
Composition Supervisor :
Guilherme Sarinho
Color Grading :
Psycho n' Look
Sound :
Factory
Sound Design Mix and Music Arrangement :
Anthony Moore
Audio Producer :
Lucy Spong

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