Two Aussies named runner-up in TripAdvisors TV Ad Contest; new competition now open for entries
TripAdvisor, the world’s largest travel site*, has today announced the winners of the TripAdvisor TV Ad Contest, its first-ever user-generated ad contest. The Australian finalists are Adelaide student Carolyn Duchene, for her submission of a Claymation-style ad, and Sydney-based camera assistant Scott Wood.
TripAdvisor launched the month-long contest on August 1 and received hundreds of entries from the TripAdvisor community in the U.S., France and Australia where the TripAdvisor “Don’t Just Visit” ads initially aired. The success of engaging the community to create quality submissions and share their take on the current campaign has spurred TripAdvisor to launch the second iteration of the contest in these three countries.
Says Barbara Messing, CMO, TripAdvisor: “We have been thrilled with the success of TripAdvisor’s first-ever TV Ad Contest. Our community took the challenge and delivered fun and creative ways to show that TripAdvisor is the difference-maker for having a great trip. We were so impressed with our first contest that we’re now kicking off a new TV Ad Contest, encouraging members of the TripAdvisor community in the U.S., France and Australia to put their creative hats on, get out their cameras and enter the contest.”
The winners of the original contest are Denver-based filmmaker and TripAdvisor user Jason Graisa and his creative partner Curt Donohue for their “Fargo” submission. They will share the grand prize of US$25,000 and their ad will air on U.S national cable television for two weeks beginning on October 20. TripAdvisor also recognised and surprised five runner-up winners (including two Australians) making the decision to award a prize of US$10,000 and also run their ads on TV in their local countries.
Says Duchene: “I’ve only been making films for the last year, and after receiving great praise using my clay and stop motion techniques in the past, I thought I’d apply it to my entry. It is such an honour to be recognised by TripAdvisor this way and I can’t wait to see my TV commercial on air! I’m planning a big holiday towards travelling to film festivals around the world with the money I’ve won.”
Likewise, Sydney-based Scott Wood was excited that his first foray into films has led to such acclaim.
Says Wood: “I’ve loved the TV and film industry for as long as I can remember. I’ve been a camera assistant for many years but this is my first attempt with creative control, and seeing a project from start to finish. Seeing our TripAdvisor TV commercial on air; it’s priceless and will be such a positive step for our careers.”
TripAdvisor TV Ad Contest Runner-Up Winners:
- Melody Beam (Calif., USA) – Entry: “Little Girl”
- Oscar Lopez (Fla., USA) – Entry: “Pet Friendly”
- Carolyn Duchene (South Australia, Australia) – Entry: “Don’t Just Visit Sydney, Claymation”
- Scott Wood (New South Wales, Australia) – Entry: “Sydney”
- Christopher Osmont (Marly Le Roi, France) – Entry: “Paris et sa Viennoiserie”
The TripAdvisor “Don’t Just Visit” ads, which launched in May and were the basis for the first TripAdvisor TV Ad Contest, showcased the benefits of using TripAdvisor for travel planning and what can go wrong when the site is not used. As a user-generated travel site, it is a natural extension for TripAdvisor to engage its community – allowing travellers to share their own experiences through personal versions of the ads.
The second user-generated TV Ad Contest launching today has a broadened set of criteria to give entrants more freedom when creating an ad. Everyone from video amateurs to filmmakers are encouraged to submit a short video between October 16 and November 13 showcasing the benefits of using TripAdvisor and the challenges travellers face when they do not, but entrants will no longer be required to follow the same template as TripAdvisor “Don’t Just Visit” ads.
As before, the contest winner will earn a grand prize of US$25,000 and a chance to see their ad air on television. TripAdvisor will also award five runner-up prizes with the winning videos shared on TripAdvisor social media channels.
To learn more about the new contest or to submit an entry, click here.