AD AGE's Jeanine Poggi noted Avocados from Mexico has tapped actor Chris Elliott to "promote the versatility of the produce" in an ad for Super Bowl LII. This is the "fourth consecutive Super Bowl ad from Avocados From Mexico and, once again, the company is using some out-there humor to promote the fruit." Last year, Avocados From Mexico featured actor Jon Lovitz in its Super Bowl commercial. Scott Baio appeared in its '16 ad. Avocados From Mexico worked with creative agency GSD&M, Austin, media agency Havas Media, N.Y., and Richards Lerma, Dallas, for social media and digital execution (ADAGE.com, 1/24).
HIP TO THE HOP: ADWEEK's Lindsay Rittenhouse noted PepsiCo’s Super Bowl LII ad that features both Mountain Dew and Doritos will feature hip-hop legends Missy Elliot and Busta Rhymes alongside actors Morgan Freeman and Peter Dinklage. Elliot is "paired with Freeman for Mountain Dew Ice while Rhymes and Dinklage come together for Doritos Blaze." The 60-second ad was created by Goodby Silverstein & Partners, S.F. (ADWEEK.com, 1/24).
DEBT BE GONE: AD AGE's E.J. Schultz noted A-B InBev's Natural Light brand will "run a Super Bowl spot in 10 local markets to plug a new program" in which it is giving away $1M to "help people pay off student loans." To enter the contest, drinkers "must post a video on social media describing their 'inspiration for going to college' that includes a shot of a green pull-tab from cans of limited-edition Natty Light packs now hitting stores." There is a "special hashtag, too: #nattystories." The ad, by Virtue, N.Y., is "decidedly low-budget." It depicts a "bunch of college kids doing the slip-and-slide down a college dorm hallway." The media buy "targets medium and small markets, including college-friendly towns," such as Johnstown, Pa.; Madison; Dayton; K.C.; Cincinnati and Pittsburgh (ADAGE.com, 1/24).
WHAT A MARVEL: USA TODAY's Erik Brady writes "synergy meets cinema" in a Lexus Super Bowl ad that celebrates the '18 LS 500 F Sport, starring Chadwick Boseman as Black Panther, who also "plays the Marvel superhero in the Black Panther movie that opens on Feb. 16." The ad features "whiz-bang special effects and was shot using costumes and gear from the film, all set to the driving beat of 'Legend Has It' by Run the Jewels." A 30-second version will "run during the third quarter." Lexus VP/Marketing Cooper Ericksen said, "The Super Bowl is the best opportunity for us to have product reach in a quick period" (USA TODAY, 1/25).
