Today’s technology has allowed us to reach new heights of creativity and create things that 20 years ago, we’ve couldn’t even of dreamed up. Back in the day (and by back in the day – 15 years ago, minimum!), everyone would gather around the water cooler to discuss the commercials that stood out and would be making waves across the world. 

But television viewership isn’t what it once was. The internet has taken over and we’re no longer chained to network TV schedules. The ads that we used to both enjoy and endure are no longer a problem, and companies have to get creative to stand out.

Here are the video advertising campaigns that we think deserve the buzz:

Nike Air Max ’17

The first iteration of the Nike Air Max was released in 1987, and if you’re a lover of sneakers you’ll know that constant reinvention is important. 30 years later the Air Max is as relevant as ever, and this year’s Cannes 2017 Gold Winner shows us exactly why.

Using digital effects, the video packs in 30 seconds of pure creativity. Each effect represents a scenario or feeling that every runner has ever encountered. It helps the viewer, familiar or not with the experience, to really feel the light and bouncy give of the shoe.

This ad also gets points for the time it must have taken to create each individual clip. A worthy Cannes Lions winner in our book!

Bot and Dolly

Bot and Dolly worked with the always innovative and beautiful GMUNK to create this stunning projection mapping demo piece, which illustrates the 5 principles of stage magic. Can you believe it’s all shot with just a camera and light effects? Absolutely no VFX!

What was originally supposed to be as a technology demo, transformed into a design and performance piece that is incredible to watch the 1st or the 15th time.

It currently has over 5 million views on YouTube, and the comments section is well worth the look to read people’s reactions.

Honda

The trailer for the Honda Civic Type R might look like your run-of-the-mill car commercial at first glance, but when you take a closer look you may notice that this is, in fact, an interactive video and possibly one of the best of its kind.

The message of the video is to demonstrate both sides of the vehicle, the practical family car and the high-performance car. By pressing ‘R’ (for Type R!) you are transported from a school run to a night time car chase. 

By creating the interactive element over making two different ads, it encouraged the audience to engage with the trailer for over 3 minutes and double traffic to the Honda Civic website.

Make sure you head over to the Wieden + Kennedy website to get the full effect of this video.

Deloitte

Another day, another interactive video! Could this be the future of all ads?

This time Deloitte has created a gamified interactive recruitment experience.

From the point-of-view of someone going about their day at the Auckland Deloitte offices, the viewer gets to choose their responses to the people around them, and watch how your day plays out (a bit like those Choose Your Own Adventure books from when you were a kid)!

The aim of the video is to allow job hunters to understand Deloitte culture while also educating viewers on Deloitte’s various services.

See how you fare during your day at Deloitte.

One Moment – OK GO

Okay, so this one is cheating a bit.

But if you’re familiar with OK GO, you know how groundbreaking their videos are.

Sit back and take in just how much planning and execution this must of taken. Could you imagine what would of happened if it had gone wrong?