5 steps to stand out in your market using internet video [WEBINAR]

img

Target’s ‘rip-off’ advertisement meets the original

September 25, 2009 | By James Tuckerman

Unless you’ve been living with your head under a doona over the last month and a half, you will have seen one of Target’s many advertisements featuring kids and other happy customers swimming through their bed-linen, apparently in the throes of some pretty exciting dream-action.

However, fans of Oren Levie and his song Her Morning Elegance might be rightly peeved at Target’s use of seemingly familiar concepts and themes, first portrayed in his very viral video clip (viewed by over 7.5 million people since it was posted in January).

The original

The Target Ad

The verdict

It’s not the first time that big brands have pinched a great pop-culture concept. Yet, few have done so as blatantly as this foray into commercial copy-catting. The similarities are even more pronounced when both clips are played… well… simultaneously.

 

  • http://comingsoon! Lady Scurvy

    Once again – and as always – the original is the better one. When i fist saw the companion Print campaign though, i actually thought Target were “borrowing” from Jan von Hollenben, http://www.janvonholleben.com

    [Reply]

  • Grace

    Hi, interesting comparison but I don’t see direct copycatting as you suggest.
    The ad took two years to make so perhaps the timelines differ too.
    I like the Target ad. I think it’s brilliant.

    [Reply]

  • http://www.yomelbourne.com Call me Carl

    Hmm, not sure whether it’s a rip off or a compliment :)

    When I first saw the Target ad I thought the concept came from Katie Melua’s ’9 million bicycles’ tune (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DTy3WA0Pq8M).
    Seeing as this video is about four years old, maybe Lavie and Target were ‘complimenting’ Melua?

    If you want to hear some really sad tales of advertisers plagiarising their nuts off, have a chat with some of Melbourne’s stencil and graffiti artists :)

    [Reply]

blog comments powered by Disqus

Find Us on facebook

Latest Video

9 things a 9 month-old can teach you about online marketing [VIDEO]

This morning, I sat down with my 9-month old son, Julian, to feed him breakfast. This is one of the jobs allocated to me as a first-time, new father. Remembering the arduous steps required to complete yesterday morning’s meal (and the day before that), and contemplating how bizarre it is that I must work so hard to provide him something that will make him stronger and healthier and happier, I began to think about online marketing. Yes, the brain works in mysterious ways. (And I am kind of sleep deprived.)

More>>

Latest Comments

Ant Mart

Anthill Amabassadors

Tech & Innovation

Sponsored by AusIndustry

AusIndustry is a specialist program delivery division within the Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research.

More>>

thumb

Anty-Climax

Sponsored by Antmart

It’s a group buying site specifically created for entrepreneurs and business builders.

More>>

thumb

Tech & Innovation

Sponsored by Google

What do you know about Google AdWords? This hub was developed to answer the questions you already have, and those you haven’t thought yet to ask.

More>>

thumb

Marketing & Media

Sponsored by Do you need branding advice you can trust?

For over 20 years, SIGNARAMA consultants have been working closely with companies to create customised branding and signage strategies.

More>>

thumb

Upcoming Events

FEB
29

The 5th annual Angel Investor Conference to focus on sustainability of investment

Sustainability of investment is the main focus of the 5th Annual National Angel Investor Conference. The Melbourne Angels are inviting entrepreneurs to come, collaborate, hear about the latest industry trends and learn of smart investment oppourtunities.

More>>

Jan
9

Spruce up your video pitch for Innovation Bay’s next Angels Dinner

For those of you who’ve not had the pleasure, Innovation Bay’s Angel Dinners bring together angels and entrepreneurs. To date, the organisation has assisted entrepreneurs raise over $10 million in seed investment as a result of these dinners. (Heard of Spreets? Yup? Innovation Bay kick started the group buying behemoths capital raising endeavours.) If you’re an entrepreneur in the high-tech space and fancy a bit of funding, you may wish to apply.

More>>