One of the best (and most expensive!) ad wars has to be the British grocery chains trying to one-up each other in the festive ad stakes.
And we definitely have an early front-runner in Asda’s Christmas spot via Havas London.
The new work stars Will Ferrell’s classic Christmas character Buddy from the 2003 hit festive flick Elf. But rather than reprise the role, actual scenes from the 20-year-old film have been seamlessly woven into newly cut footage.
Farrell, Warner Bros and Elf director, Jon Favreau, all signed-off on the idea.
The visuals were created by Framestore’s VFX that used an intricate process of match grading which then paired the vintage film with the modern footage.
Called “Have Your Elf a Merry Christmas”, the spot sees Buddy apply for and get a job at Asda for the Christmas break. It then delivers all the typical Will Ferrell-ness you’d expect. Check out the festive fun below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnW1TWqAXYs&feature=youtu.be
Commenting on the work, Vicki Maguire, chief creative officer at Havas London, said: “No one embodies the feeling of Christmas more than Buddy the Elf.
“We can all identify with that wonderful, wide-eyed anticipation and childlike wonder at every bauble or flake of snow. He lives for Christmas – and right now, that sense of unapologetic joy is just what we need. So, who better to be hired as an Asda seasonal colleague – he’s even branded in Asda colours! It’s the perfect partnership for Asda to ensure everyone is able to have the Christmas they deserve this year.”
