Tourism Australia today launched “Transformation”, a new advertising campaign being rolled out in 22 countries around the world. Baz Luhrmann, known for his movies Moulin Rouge and William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, was responsible for the television and cinema commercials set in New York, Shanghai and Western Australia.
Original music for the New York commercial, Billabong, was composed by Sydney composer and song writer Elliott Wheeler, from sound and music boutique Nylon Studios.
The music for the New York spot was composed and recorded within a 48 hour timeframe in early September. Film directors Baz Luhrmann and Bruce Hunt called Nylon Studios on a Friday night a month before the launch, asking for a demo to be completed by the following Monday. Elliott composed two pieces on the Saturday before recording them with a string ensemble from Sydney Symphony Orchestra on the Sunday morning.
Once the creative team had chosen one of the tracks further work included the addition of multiple layers of piano tracks to create a a signature sound for the main piano melody, and careful sound engineering and mix by Wayne Connolly. Encouraged by warm response to the soundtrack, Wheeler has written an extended version with lyrics recorded by Abby Dobson from Sydney band Leonardo’s Bride.
“We wanted to use strings, but not on such a scale that we’d be dictating to the audience what they were meant to feel, so in the end we went with a much smaller chamber ensemble. We put a lot of energy into finding a balance between the intimacy expressed in the dialogue, and the grandness seen in the cinematography.”
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Gah. I hope he doesn't return. The Wendy's ads were horrible- in all media. Print was especially terrible. I'm glad he's gone. I just hope McCann comes up with some decent ads in this next round of creative.
Oh, thank heaven. This guy was annoying at best. Never made me feel any emotional connection for the brand. None whatsoever.
But what if he returns, like a Jack in the box? *augh!* (makes 'home alone' face)
For those unintiated with the Wendy's unofficial spokesperson, here's some shortcuts: Mr. Wendy - Ump , Mr. Wendy - Office , Mr. Wendy -Choose , - Mr. Wendy - Mic, Mr. Wendy - Spy, Wendy's Kids' Meal - Choose, Movie Theater, Mr. Wendy - Night.. There's more.. IF you wanna find it you masocist!. ;)
oh god that's horrid. Was that "unofficial" gag supposed to be funny??
Okay, maybe I have too high a tolerance for fast-food commercials, caused by years of eating cheeseburgers and watching spots with Jack in the Box's CEO Jack (the latest including a thanksgiving themed chicken sandwich pitch and introduction of a ficticious "Grown Man Meal"), but I just thought of "Mr. Wendy" as a rather uninspiring character done by an actor who could do better if given the chance (which is why I gave him a link).
But the real punchline would be if the Mr. Wendy actor, released from his current contract, showed up in another burger joint's ads (I'm thinking Burger King, Carls/Hardees or Jack in the Box). Now THAT could be funny!
Come, come. Mr. Wendy wasn't that bad.
Wait a second. . . yes he was.
Which begs the question, who would win in a fight: Mr. Wendy or the equally late, equally unlamented Herb from Burger King?