1-800-Contacts Ran the Perfect Ad on 'Eaten Alive' and It Wasn't Even (Totally) Planned

Goofy plot was a coincidence at first

Inspiration meets innovation at Brandweek, the ultimate marketing experience. Join industry luminaries, rising talent and strategic experts in Phoenix, Arizona this September 23–26 to assess challenges, develop solutions and create new pathways for growth. Register early to save.

Those who were disappointed that Paul Rosolie wasn't completely and totally eaten alive by the snake on Discovery Channel's Eaten Alive last night got a consolation prize—this comical ad for 1-800-Contacts, which aired on the telecast and did show a guy properly (if cartoonishly) devoured by a snake.

The plot of the ad, by Pereira & O'Dell, was a total coincidence. And in fact, the company originally planned to break the ad in January. But after hearing about the Discovery special, it was moved up to Sunday's broadcast—and the agency tells us the voiceover was even tweaked to tie into the show (specifically, the part where the snake-eaten dude murmurs, "I hope this makes me famous.")

1-800-Contacts also had some fun on Twitter last night.

AW+

WORK SMARTER - LEARN, GROW AND BE INSPIRED.

Subscribe today!

To Read the Full Story Become an Adweek+ Subscriber

View Subscription Options

Already a member? Sign in