Behind-the-scenes secrets of Sony's colorful bouncing balls
The Sony Bravia TV commercial titled Bouncing Balls from 2005 is groundbreaking without exaggeration: it brings a smile to everyone's face to this day, and upon hearing the music, we immediately associate it with this advertisement. Unforgettable, unique, cheerful, and evokes pleasant feelings.
The first question that I think arises in everyone is whether real balls were used during the shooting or if computer tricks were applied?
Simple message, strong visuality
Before the launch of Bravia, Sony's sales and profits had decreased, making the company's future uncertain. Advertising the new device posed a significant challenge for Fallon London the advertising agency.
At that time, the company launched its Bravia LCD screen television, which was unparalleled compared to its competitors. Thanks to LCD technology, there was a huge leap in picture quality and color representation. It is no coincidence that the campaign was titled „Colour, like no other.””the color like no other" Thus, the focus was on showcasing the celebration of colors, which they wanted to create as a memorable moment. To create a strong visual impact while conveying a simple message.
The shoot was preceded by 8 months of preparation, and the budget was over 25 million dollars.
The creative shoot took place in San Francisco, known for its steep streets, where 250,000 (!) colorful bouncing balls were used during the filming of the advertisement. And here we got the answer to the posed question, which makes this advertisement even more exciting, interesting, and lovable.
This advertisement was innovative from another perspective as well, since during its shooting, the brand allowed onlookers and invited bloggers to capture and share footage, thus providing even greater online reach for the brand.
23 cameras and countless cameras recorded the bouncing balls on the streets of San Francisco.
The balls were shot from cranes and structures resembling cannons designed for this purpose. The entire city was involved in the shooting, as residents participated in collecting the released balls so they could be reused on the second day of filming. The cheerful, colorful bouncing plastic balls caused some minor damages, which Sony naturally covered the restoration of.
Another very important element of the advertisement, beyond originality, is the music. The song "Heartbeats" performed by Jose Gonzales proved to be a perfect choice. Its melody, rhythm, and atmosphere made this very lovable advertisement unforgettable, which, with the slow-motion flying balls, completely enchants and disconnects a person for a few minutes.
The following behind-the-scenes film provides insight into the shooting of the Sony Bravia commercial:
Are you interested in the topic?
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- We analyze the best commercial of the first decade of this century: "Bouncing Balls," by Sony.
- Behind the scenes of Sony's Bravia's ’Balls‘
