We're seen animals playing soccer in ads before. Usually the results are silly and/or stupid. But this ad from M&C Saatchi for Australian telecom Optus is a whole different species. It's overblown and über-dramatic in the best possible way, promoting the client's soccer sponsorship by pitting the country's star footballers against a skillful and determined team of elephants, rhinos, cheetahs, ostriches and such. Clearly, special effects were used—real rhinos are notoriously clumsy ball handlers. The ad deftly mixes lightness and intensity, conveying the power and thunderous glory of the sport while still seeming breezy and fun. The animal team plays as dirty as the Italians—but what ref would dare slap a red card on the croc's scaly hide? Check out the making-of video after the jump. Via The Inspiration Room.
—Posted by David Gianatasio
