Lizards May Owe Camel

Louie the Lizard and his friends may have Joe Camel to thank for their gig in Budweiser’s latest TV commercials.
The lizards, in a series of spots (one is shown here) created by Goodby, Silverstein & Partners in San Francisco, are currently plotting against the Budweiser frogs, which are the creation of Chicago-based DDB Needham.
In the wake of the Camel cigarette controversy, the brewer is sensitive to potential charges that some of its ads, including DDB’s frog executions, may appeal to youngsters, said sources.
Compared to the frogs, the humor of the Louie the Lizard is more mature, noted a beer industry source.
The lizards are meant to resemble a pair of old Jewish Vaudeville comics, according to Goodby co-creative director Jeff Goodby, who declined to comment further.