VMLY&R launches new campaign for Viagra Connect

VIAGRA CONNECT® AIMS TO BREAK ONE OF THE LAST CULTURAL TABOOS IN THE UK TODAY WITH NEW CAMPAIGN
...Read More
Love Story, created by VMLY&R, opens the conversation around erection problems and positions Viagra Connect as a modern solution to removing one of the main barriers to intimacy

London, 14th July 2020 – Viagra Connect launches a new campaign, created by VMLY&R, which aims to shift the conversation around erectile problems, from a stigmatised issue long associated with a perceived lack of masculinity to a health issue which can be caused by the stresses and strains of modern life.

In a world where mental health, sexual health and menstruation are becoming more open subjects of engagement, erection problems have remained buried under a morass of shame; creating a lack of intimacy and communication that can result in the complete breakdown of the relationship.

An estimated 4.3million[1] British men report suffering from erection problems. While a study representative of the UK population[2] found that 26% of people are unable to be intimate due to them or their partner not being able to get or maintain an erection. But less than half of the men questioned (46%)[2] say they have spoken to their partner about it.

The new campaign, and its beautiful hero film, aims to equip couples to start a conversation by showing how stress, work, poor eating habits and more can get in the way and create distance in a relationship. And while it is important to be more open with these issues, it is also a reminder that Viagra Connect is there to help.

At the heart of the campaign is a personal and highly relatable modern Love Story. The 2-minute animated hero film marks a step change in communication from the brand – from control and performance to enabling conversations and intimacy.

Rob Elliott, Marketing Director at Upjohn Ltd. said: “This really is a renowned brand – one that is synonymous with the category and is steeped in cultural history. It’s immensely exciting to be at the start of a new journey with Viagra Connect. Above all it’s rewarding that in doing so we can help millions of couples deal with the challenges thrown up by life today.”

Tamryn Kerr, Creative Director at VMLY&R added: “Much beyond a little blue pill, this campaign is a complex message about modern masculinity and intimacy in relationships. I hope it will be seen alongside some of the most powerful recent advertising that has challenged and changed societal norms for the better.”

The film is a unique mix of 2D, and 3D animation directed by Zombie and produced by BlinkInk. The soundtrack is a hauntingly emotional cover of the popular song, ‘I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)’ originally by the Proclaimers, sound designed by Factory's Antony Moore.

The campaign is supported by an integrated media plan by Wavemaker. It will run on TV, VOD, digital and social with PR support from BCW, healthcare professional support from Ogilvy, as well as shopper activities from Geometry.

- ends -

...Read More
Viagra Connect Love Story Hero
...Read More
Viagra Connect Phone
...Read More
Viagra Connect Gap
...Read More

[1]Kantar TNS Omnibus Survey Dec 2010

[2] Opinium. Viagra Connect: Let’s Get Intimate survey (sample: 5,007 adults in the United Kingdom over age 18 – weighted to be nationally representative). June 2020. Survey commissioned by Upjohn.

[3] Viagra Connect Summary of Product Characteristics 2017.

 

Credits

Client: Viagra Connect - Upjohn

Commercial Lead: Stephen Harrison 

Marketing Director: Rob Elliott

Marketing Manager: Teresa Lau

Marketing Manager: Paula Taylor

Trade Marketing Manager: Toygan Yamanel

Medical Lead: Justin Nnawuchi

Digital Marketing Lead: Paul Withers

Digital Marketing Manager: Hayley Perez

Pharmacy Business Director: Alison Dixon

Agency: VMLY&R

Chief Creative Officer: Laurent Simon

Creative Director: Tamryn Kerr

Chairman: Mark Roalfe

Chief Strategy Officer: Sophie Lewis

Strategy Director: Josh Taylor-Dadds

Strategist: Ollie Chakraverty

Senior Producer: Charlotte Davis

Global Brand Director: Nick Burstin

Senior Account Director: Siobhán Woodrow

Senior Account Manager: Karolina Dovgialo

Design Director: Chris Willis

Production: BlinkInk 

Executive Producer - Bart Yates

Producer - John Woolley

Animation and Visual Effects by: Zombie Studio

Director: Paulo Garcia

Account Services: Stefanie Dias

Creative Direction: Daniel Salles, Marcelo Garcia

Producer: André Carvalho

CGI Supervisor: Rafael Segnini

Technical Director: Wallan Oliveira

Technical Supervisor: Isaac Buzzola

Storyboard and Animatic by: Saulo Brito and Gabriel São Marcos

Animation Supervisor: Patrick Botton

Lead Modeller: Mauricio Sampaio

Lead Look Development: Claudio Junior

Composition Supervisor: Leanndro Amorim and Guilherme Sarinho

Color Grading: Psycho n' Look

Sound: Factory

Sound Design, Mix and Music Arrangement: Anthony Moore

Audio Producer: Lucy Spong

...Read More