Sprite 'Sparks' Creativity in Teens Through First Ever Global Marketing Campaign
'The Spark' Enables Teens Worldwide to Create Mini-Movies Using Digital Video Content and Remix Music from Hip-Hop Star Drake
New Campaign to be Showcased at NBA All-Star 2010; Drake to Perform Ad Soundtrack and Commercial to Air during Game Telecast
ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Sprite is giving teens a platform to express their creativity through music and film in the brand's first-ever global integrated marketing campaign, The Spark. Innovative TV commercials, an online interactive music mixer featuring content from GRAMMY(R) nominee Drake and a digital film mixer will inspire and enable teens to spark fresh thinking and display their originality.
Worldwide, additional artists will be showcased through The Spark campaign, including film, commercial and music video director Rik Cordero and four-time World Music Award winner, Jay Chou, in China.
"Our research shows that fresh ideas and experiences are important social currency for teens," said Joe Tripodi, Chief Marketing and Commercial Officer, The Coca-Cola Company. "Whether its music, film or sport, through The Spark campaign Sprite is providing an original, interactive way for teens around the world to showcase and share their creativity with others."
The Spark takes its name from Sprite's newly updated Spark logo, which captures the lemon-lime sparkling beverage's unique ability to refresh and invigorate. The campaign will launch in markets around the world in 2010 and across 4 continents including Europe, North America, Africa and Asia. North America will lead the global launch with a campaign that embodies the essence of The Spark.
"In the U.S. we're combining the global debut of the new Drake ad 'Unleashed,' the action of the Sprite Slam Dunk during NBA All Star 2010 and the originality of Sprite Step-Off to offer people multiple ways to experience The Spark of creativity that only Sprite can provide," said Katie Bayne, Chief Marketing Officer, Coca-Cola North America.
The Spark campaign is a fully integrated marketing effort that includes TV, out-of-home, digital and mobile applications.
Drake "Unleashed"
The first TV commercial for The Spark, titled "Unleashed," features celebrated hip hop artist Drake struggling to find inspiration in the studio while recording his hit song "Forever." Drake drinks a Sprite, helping unleash his lyrical prowess. The commercial - produced in 30- and 60-seconds versions - is airing in cinema and made its TV debut during the pregame telecast of Super Bowl XLIV. A behind-the-scenes video, available online, will give music fans a peek into the making of the commercial and showcase the innovative technology used to create the Drake look-a-like animatronics model for the ad's unusual special effects.
"The animatronics model is cool because it's an exploded version of me that shows all the components of who I am and the things that inspire my music. After I drink a Sprite, the model reassembles, leaving me completely focused to deliver the perfect take," said Drake. "The Sprite ad 'Unleashed' gives a behind-the-scenes view of my process of recording a song in-studio."
The Spark will reach people through two stages - one focused on music and a second on film.
The Sprite Spark Music Project
The Sprite Spark Music Project, due to launch in the US in March, is an online mixing tool that will enable people to make their own tunes using stems from Drake's music and remixing them with music from emerging artists around the world. Fans can share their creations with friends, rate other fan remixes, and even save their favorites as mobile ring tones.
The Sprite Spark Film Project
The second stage of the campaign, the Sprite Spark Film Project is due to launch in April and provides people with the tools and content to edit their own 45-second animated films. The user calls the shots, deciding on the setting, the characters, the plot, and the ending. The result is a mini-movie in an animation style that's engaging, modern and cinematic.
North America
The Spark has already gained momentum in the U.S. through the brand's marketing partnership with the NBA and programs such as the Sprite Step Off. Since 1994, Sprite has been connecting with youth through its relationship with the NBA and its presence at NBA All-Star, which is being held this year in Dallas, February 11-14. The Sprite Slam Dunk, part of NBA All-Star Saturday Night, features the league's top players competing in an exhibition of incredible dunks. This year's competition is being promoted through a series of new Sprite The Spark ads called "Spoken Word," which use rhymes by lyrical poets to highlight the players' creativity and authenticity on the court.
In addition, NBA All-Star will showcase the finale to the first-ever Sprite Slam Dunk Showdown, an amateur dunk contest held on February 12 in Dallas. An All-Star panel of judges will help determine the finalists in the event, including NBA All-Star and 2009 NBA Most Valuable Player presented by Kia Motors, LeBron James, NBA Legend player Darryl Dawkins and Drake -- who will perform live during the Sprite Slam Dunk Showdown.
The Sprite Step Off is the largest college fraternity and sorority stepping competition in history, with a total prize pool of $1.5 million in college scholarships and a new MTV2 docu-series that follows the six step teams as they compete in the national step competition. New out-of-home featuring LeBron James debuted earlier this month, and later this year the Sprite Film Mixer, with Rik Cordero, and Music Mixer will be launched to further support The Spark campaign.
"The many elements of the new Sprite The Spark campaign are designed to empower teens to play, experience and interact with our brand and feel their creativity come to life," said Bayne.
About The Coca-Cola Company
The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is the world's largest beverage company, refreshing consumers with more than 500 sparkling and still brands. Together with Coca-Cola, recognized as the world's most valuable brand, the Company's portfolio includes 14 billion dollar brands, including Diet Coke, Fanta, Sprite, Coca-Cola Zero, vitaminwater, Powerade, Minute Maid, Simply and Georgia Coffee. Globally, we are the No. 1 provider of sparkling beverages, juices and juice drinks and ready-to-drink teas and coffees. Through the world's largest beverage distribution system, consumers in more than 200 countries enjoy the Company's beverages at a rate of 1.6 billion servings a day. With an enduring commitment to building sustainable communities, our Company is focused on initiatives that protect the environment, conserve resources and enhance the economic development of the communities where we operate. For more information about our Company, please visit our website at www.thecoca-colacompany.com.
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Source: The Coca-Cola Company
Released February 11, 2010