Newsflash! Flash Mobs Return!

LLTacoBellFrozenPro06_72.jpg

What? Wait? Flash mobs? That's so...four years ago. Oh but wait. We're talking about advertising here. Not exactly the industry that latches onto trendlets in a timely manner. But since the press release also dubs the stunt "performance art," I guess it's OK.

To promote Taco Bell's Fruitista Freeze, Philadelphia's LevLane hired actors costumed in iced-over beachwear with their skin tinted blue who would freeze in position for hours while a support team outside Citizens Bank Park last week during an MLB Phillies home game handed out coupons for the frozen tropical beverage. Also, a flash mob in street clothes would do the same for a few minutes.

Because the stunt was, apparently, so successful and because, it seems, LevLane is so nice, the next day they did another stunt for free. Last Thursday during lunch, all agency employees wore orange t-shirts and walked to Philadelphia's City Hall. On cue, the majority froze in place while a few others handed out more Frutista Freeze coupons. Ten minutes later the mob thawed, walked to nearby Love Park and refroze.

So there you have it. The flash mob lives on. Or is it performance art? Hmm.

by Steve Hall    Jun-11-08   Click to Comment   
Topic: Events, Guerilla, Trends and Culture   

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Comments



Comments

While this definitely isn't new, I think it is still very effective. I've seen it live a couple times and stopped to watch every time.

I think this is a great example of Ambient Advertising:

http://textrapolate.com/2008/06/take-two-ambient-advertising/

Posted by: BloggerBen on June 11, 2008 4:46 PM

Is the train old and done? I don't think so. This is a very cool and contemporary communications vehicle. It stops people in their tracks. Don't be hatin' an effective mode of trans/communications. Get on board..

Posted by: SDT on June 11, 2008 10:19 PM