Heineken hits back after debate over authenticity of new ‘Odyssey’ campaign via W+K Amsterdam
Heineken has launched a new phase in its latest campaign ‘The Odyssey’ via Wieden+Kennedy Amsterdam, in response to sceptics’ comments after debate was sparked online about whether the men in the spot were truly skilled.
The campaign showcases that all men have unique skills, by showing twenty real men demonstrating their own legendary talent.
Says Sandrine Huijgen, global communications director Heineken: “When we saw the comments about The Odyssey TVC, we wanted to show that there are no boundaries between real and fake, proving that real men have unique skills, and everyone is legendary at something.”
By unveiling the casting video of this commercial, Heineken wanted to show the behind the scenes of advertising – no tricks, no fakes, it’s all real. Everyone is legendary at something.
In the new video, Heineken’s official PR representative Dymfke van Der Gaal addresses the sceptics. Heineken has also launched an interactive version of the TVC which also allows viewers to explore the casting sessions of each man in full.
Says Thierry Albert and Faustin Claverie, Wieden+Kennedy Amsterdam creative directors:
“For the last few years Heineken’s Open Your World campaign has introduced the world to some fairly legendary characters. Men who know their way around. Resourceful, multi-talented and seemingly capable of navigating any situation with aplomb. Spontaneous flute solos, knife-throwing skills and border crossings are all in a day’s work for the Heineken Legend.
“In the Odyssey we wanted to acknowledge that the men of the world who have been depicted in the previous work, while amazing, were perhaps too amazing. Maybe it’s a stretch to imagine that any one man can be so remarkable. But every man is pretty damn good at something.”
Global Brand Director – Gianluca di Tondo
Global Communications Director – Sandrine Huijgen
Global Digital Director – Paul Smailes
Global Communications Manager – Josefien Olij
Global Digital Manager – Dario Gargiulo
Agency – Wieden + Kennedy Amsterdam
Executive Creative Directors – Mark Bernath & Eric Quennoy
Creative Directors – Thierry Albert & Faustin Claverie
Art Director – Henrik Edelbring
Copywriter – Toby Moore
Head of Broadcast Production – Erik Verheijen
Broadcast Producer – Elissa Singstock
Strategic Planner – Nick Docherty
Communications Planner – Richard Oldfield
Group Account Director – Jordi Pont
Account Director – Clare Pickens
Account Manager – Jorge Fesser
Account Executive – Elianne Vermeulen
Head of Studio – Sharon Kwiatkowski
Studio Artist – Anthony Fabre
Project Manager – Jackie Barbour/ Stacey Prudden
Business Affairs – Emilie Douque
Production Company – MJZ Films
Director – Tom Kuntz
Director of Photography – Tim Maurice Jones
Producer – Suza Horvat
Executive Producer – Debbie Turner
Editing Company – Whitehouse Post London
Editor – Russell Icke
Producer – Lisa Kenrick
Assistant Editor – James Forbse Robertson
Audio Post – Grand Central Sound Studios
Sound Designer/Mixer – Raja Sehgal
Music
Artist / Title – 16 Toneladas – by Noriel Vilela
Music Company
Publishers: Warner Chappel Music, Inc. / Chester Music Ltd
Master Owner: EMI Music Netherlands B.V.
Music Supervisors
Mad planet – Sam Morris
Amp Amsterdam
Post Production – The Mill
Flame – Jay Bandlish
3D – Dave Fleet
Producer – Rachel Stones
Telecine – Company 3 – Stefan Sonnenfeld
Print Production
Photographer – Erik Ian