For KFC’s 75th anniversary W+K Portland brought back the brand’s iconic ambassador Colonel Sanders, as portrayed by Darrell Hammond.
Hammond makes his debut in the role in the 45-second spot, “The State of Kentucky Fried Chicken Address.” The former SNL alum is mostly up to the task, although there may be just a tad too much of his Bush impression in the Colonel’s voice. In the spot, Sanders talks about how much things have changed while he’s been gone, lamenting that cargo pants just have too many pockets. But he promises that as much as things has changed, his chicken is still finger lickin’ good. In other spots, he sings about how all he needs is a “Bucket in My Hand” and wonders if mandolin music is still “America’s Favorite Music.” Broadcast spots will debut May 25th, running through August 16th with support from digital, including a revamped KFC.com and reimagined ColonelSanders.com. The campaign also includes packaging redesigns and new menu items, as well as store redesigns which will roll out over next five years.
“In my line of work I’ve been able to do impressions of a lot of interesting people,” said Hammond, in a statement. “But Colonel Sanders? He was a really fascinating guy. His lifelong entrepreneurial spirit and integrity are two things that drew me to him. He never gave up. It’s an honor to bring to life such an iconic figure…and it doesn’t hurt that KFC is paying me in chicken (which, at the time sounded like a good idea, because I was very hungry that day).”
Credits:
W+K PORTLAND
Creative Directors: Karl Liberman, Eric Baldwin
Copywriter: Karl Liberman
Art Director: Eric Baldwin
Producer: Hayley Goggin,
Production Assistant: Nicole Kaptur
Interactive Strategy: Mike Davidson, Teresa Lai
Social Strategy: Matt Hisamoto
Strategic Planning: Britton Taylor, Lizzie Hanner
Media/Comms Planning: Alex Barwick
Account Team: Jess Monsey, Jesse Johnson, Kristin Postill, Alexina Shaber
Business Affairs: Alicia Willet/Karen Crossley
Project Management: Chenney Gruber
Executive Creative Directors: Joe Staples/Mark Fitzloff
Head of Production: Ben Grylewicz
PRODUCTION
Production Company: Joint
Director: Karl Lieberman + Eric Baldwin
Executive Producer: Patty Brebner
Line Producer: Shelli Jury
Director of Photography: Eric Edwards Production Company: Imperial Woodpecker
Director: Stacy Wall
EDITORIAL
Editorial Company: Joint Editorial
Editor: Nick Davis
Post Executive Producer: Leslie Carthy
VFX
VFX Company: Joint
Exec Producer, VFX: Alex Thiesen
Nuke Artist : Zack Jacobs
Smoke Artist: David Jahns
Executive Producer, Color: Thatcher Peterson
Color Producer: Antonio Hardy
Color Coordinator: Diane Valera
Colorist: David Ludlum
MUSIC + SOUND DESIGN
Music+Sound Company: Walker
Composer: N/A
Sound Designer: Noah Woodburn
Song (if applicable): “Keep on the Sunny Side”
Producer: Abbey Hickman + Sara Matarazzo
MIX
Mix Company: Joint
Mixer: Noah Woodburn
Producer: Sarah Fink