Doritos (Based on a True Story)

Doritos’ “Crash the SuperBowl” is the “white elephant” of video contests.  In short, your 30-second submission could get played during the Super Bowl, AND could win you a million bucks.  It’s a big contest, with a potentially huge payoff, and as of this writing, there are 8 hours before the submission deadline ends, and over 1700 submissions thus far.  Here’s our entry:

Of all the submissions, I’d venture a guess that ours is one of the only ones whose storyline was based on actual events… Truth told, a similar turn of events as played out in the spot actually occurred while at my folks’ place for a weekend visit.  Up till then, we were stuck for an idea we deemed “Crunch-worthy” to submit for the contest.  After we all had a good laugh about the “uncomfortable moment,” we agreed that was the “ah-ha” moment for the commercial as well…

Production was turned around VERY quickly and inexpensively, and my parents even traveled from New York to Maine to help with filming and production.  From concept to completion, the spot was produced in less than 2 weeks time.  The biggest challenge was establishing characters and relationships, and telling a cohesive story in just 30 seconds.  I think my team came through in fine form, don’t you?

Six finalists will be chosen, each of whom wins $25K and a trip to the Super Bowl in Miami on February 7, 2010.  Of those 6, the top 3 vote-getters will have their commercials broadcast during the game (A HUGE prize in and of itself for anyone in the advertising industry).  And then, if you take the top spot in the USA Today Ad Meter the morning after the game, Doritos pays you the million-dollar prize.

Feedback on our submission thus far has been positive — we’d love to hear your thoughts.  And mark my words:  If we don’t get it this year, then we’ll assuredly be in attendance in Arlington in 2011.

Thanks, as always, for reading and watching… Wish us luck!