What a great scene and I believe a scene that shows where advertising crosses over into great storytelling. Sure Kodak could've gone with "The Wheel," but "The Carousel" taps into powerful nostalgic memories…and that's the place a good storyteller always wants to be.
In this clip Draper nails it. He says something very powerful on several levels. "There's the rare occasion when the public can be engaged on a level beyond flash if they have a sentimental bond with the product." (For those of you who may not be familiar with the AMC drama "Mad Men," this scene features Don Draper who is the creative director for a major Madison Ave. ad firm in the 1960's. Also for context, his marriage is on the rocks)
Sure…there are alot of flashy things about camp that can sell. Ropes courses, ski boats, giant blobs on the water, shaving cream fights, etc. And that's great if you are trying to reach kids. But reaching moms (the primary decision maker for camp) and dads is something different.
In my experience there are few things with the strong emotional tie of the spiritual experience that happens at camp. To tell your story in such a way that ties future benefit to past experience is a very effective way to influence thought. Maybe your next promotional pitch should sound alot more like Draper's and less like an MTV ad.
This is good…helpful…David and I will look this over and gather our thoughts.
thanks,
Greg M.