One is the loneliest number, and since Pepsi Max only has one calorie, maybe that little calorie should just take its own life, right?
The following three ads were created by BBDO in Düsseldorf, Germany:
Breaking through requires creative bravery. But did Pepsi take it too far by having a cartoon character slit its wrists, shoot itself, hang itself and commit self immolation?
Do you consider this Responsible Marketing?
Comment below to share your thoughts.
Didnt they forget to use Pepsi’s new logo.
Why would they personalize something they want to get rid of? And the tone is definitly not something Coke’s advertisers would go for.
However from a purely creative perspective is good…
That is truly appalling. It must be a sick joke, right? They wouldn’t actually use those ads? It is about enough to swear me off Pepsi products for good.
Having lost a couple of friends to suicide, I find this very disturbing. Creative, yes. But stroking a negative memory is never a way to appeal to one’s customers and consumers.
Creative? Yes. This might even be considered art…
But responsible marketing? Not even a little.
I agree with Marsha — these ads make me feel sad and repulsed, not in need of a refreshing beverage. I’ll stick to Coke from now on.
Wow…. if the point of an ad is to sell a product, they have completely lost me on this one. The last thing I want to do is try the product after looking at that…. I’m a Pepsi drinker, and this ad makes me want to think twice about a brand I am loyal to….
That is appalling and not responsible at all. Did these concepts run anywhere or did this creative leak? The article you linked to doesn’t specify either…
These ads succeed in doing one thing: turning me off from Pepsi Max.
I think they took this one way too far. Creative, yes. Tactful and effective, no.
These aren’t even real so who cares?
Actually, these ads were real.
The character is awesome, but the whole suicide thing is really not cool