Infectious 'Contagion' Billboard Is Made of Bacteria

Grow your ad, grow your audience

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.

Here's a disgusting but cool out-of-home ad: Warner Bros. Pictures Canada hired microbiologists and immunologists to create a one-of-a-kind billboard made of growing bacteria in an abandoned storefront window in Toronto—to promote Steven Soderbergh's movie Contagion. On Aug. 28, the scientists inoculated two large Petri dishes with live bacteria—including penicillin, mold and pigmented bacteria—which rapidly grew to spell out the name of the movie on the board. Revolted passersby were assuaged by free passes to see Contagion and other themed prizes.

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