More than 6,000 famous advertising people from around the world gathered in Cannes at end of last month for 44th International Advertising Festival.
Many of those looking through 4,000-plus commercials were searching for multinational advertisers ideal: simple idea that crosses borders and appeals to people on same level in different markets. Unfortunately most of awards were for ads created specifically for local markets.
New Ford Puma campaign was created too late for this year’s festival, but expects to see it shine at 45th. Designed to launch Ford's new sporty coupe across Europe, it contains that instantly recognisable idea that those multinational agencies' clients seek.
Essentially, late, great Steve McQueen drives Ford Puma through streets of San Francisco in manner in which he drove 1960s Ford Mustang in his classic movie Bullitt. Footage from film, supplied by Warner Brothers, is combined through use of extraordinary computer technology with footage of Ford Puma. Car follows one of routes Mustang took in film.
As McQueen 'drives' around city, car receives admiring glances from passers-by ranging from traffic cop to attractive woman out walking. Finally he pulls into his garage where he parks Puma alongside original Mustang.