Freeview launches new swing version of former TV campaign via It’s The Thought That Counts
A year after the debut of its acclaimed “The Best Things In Life Are Free” TV campaign, Freeview last night launched a new phase of the campaign with a ‘swing’ performance of the highly popular 1920s song.
The new campaign execution was produced by Ron Mather and Christine Barnes, the two person consultancy It’s The Thought That Counts, who also created and developed the original campaign concept.
The Pearly Shells, one of Melbourne’s most sought after and loved Swing/Jazz and R&B bands, was chosen to feature in the new production, which also features appearances by more than 20 of Australia’s favourite TV personalities from across the Freeview networks.
The 60-second TV commercial went to air on all Freeview channels yesterday evening, with the band’s song performance once again interspersed with clips from a number of Freeview’s new and best-loved programmes.
Says Liz Ross, Freeview general manager: “Freeview has received fantastic feedback on our Best Things In Life Are Free campaign since we launched in September last year, so it was logical for us to refresh the creative treatment without letting go of a song that’s proven such a hit with viewers.
“Everyone enjoyed the song’s performance by the Melbourne Ska Orchestra, and we think viewers will love the new version. As in the original campaign, the creative treatment is lively and upbeat. It’s a celebration of the fact that the best TV in Australia is free to watch on Freeview.”
Says Mather: “We’ve really loved helping Freeview build a strong brand personality and it’s rare in today’s environment to have the opportunity to develop a campaign because so many marketing campaigns these days are just one-off ads.
“The cut through of the Freeview campaign has been really strong – it’s a true celebration of what Free To Air television is all about – great entertainment, absolutely free. We had as much fun with the new execution as we had with the first one – and it shows.”
The Pearly Shells have played together for 12 years, and are about to launch their seventh album under their own label.
Says Steve Purcell, band leader: “To be invited to be part of the Freeview campaign was very exciting for us, and we’ve loved adding a fresh touch to such a successful campaign.
“It’s been a great experience for the band, and singer Yvette Johansson delivers a great performance, as do the backing singers.”
The TVC ends with the tag line “Freeview. The Best TV. Absolutely Free.”
The campaign will run over the next 12 months on all Freeview networks, launching with a 60-second version.
Production partners included music mixed by The Sound Lounge, filming through Jon Webb Photography and post production through Method Studios once again using the editing skills of Seth Lockwood.
23 Comments
If only It’s The Thought That Counts thoughts for real clients were as cut-through and concise as their thoughts for speculative projects on The Pitch segment of The Gruen Transfer.
Just love these adds. Thought the first one was terrific but the second even surpasses that with the Pearly Shells singer. What an amazing voice. A real class act. Could watch them over & over
Had to find out that girls name….she is fantastic…Yvette Johansson
What is that weird instrument Shane Jacobson is playing on this ad????
Black singer much better, bring him back
What is the strange instrument at 0:12 that looks like a giant tape measure with a trumpet valve
Looks like an overstuffed sausage in too small clothes. Why the dinosaur jump hairstyle? Sad!
I love the Add, I wish it went for longer, Yvette has a beautiful voice and she sings it perfectly, I could listen to her over and over again.
I just love the lead singers voice what a voice i will be chasing there records her tone is amazing .who found this great band,,,cong on a job well done
Did anyone find out what that instrument is that Shane Jacobson plays……my daughter constantly tells me she wants to play this instrument and I have no idea!
I love this ad the original singer was good but this lady is just as good one of my favourite commercials
Yvette made my day. Just had to find out who had the lovely voice and swinging style … where is my Billie Holliday stuff…?
Love this ad. I want to see more of the singer and the band.
Leanne
I would love to purchase the CD with Yvette Johansson, can any one help? Thank you, Freeview.
we love this ad tune up the volume when its on
Fantastic ad, lead singer, what a voice, backing great. Hope the band does well.
loved the add, loved Yvette’s voice and the Ska orchestra hated the girl who said nasty unecessary things about her. i always stop and watch when it comes on
” yvettes voice & the band are great . i think everyone stops to listen & watch this add , everytime its on . top stuff 🙂 🙂 🙂
Terrific ad. The best I have seen …and heard!… in a long time. Great singer, Great music. I could listen to it all day! Well Done Freeview!
Hi I loved the latest version with Evette Johansson and I would like to see and hear more of her
Love this add, and that woman who sings it is fantastic I dance every time it come on… my kids just laugh at me…
Every time I hear this ad come on I have to stop and watch. Great ad great band and Yvette is fabulous, congratulations.
Yes,I absolutely agree that Evette is fabulous & has a great voice;but please can someone put me out of my misery & tell me the name of the (American?) actor filmed briefly looking from front-on to a sideways position (quite early on in the ad)? I’ve even taken his photo to cart round with me to ask people if they recognise him!!!It’s driving me bonkers! Thanks.