How Fifi & Jules created ‘the greatest radio ad ever made’ for iSelect
An opportunist phone call to the Fifi & Jules drivetime show from iSelect chief marketing officer David May has delivered the brand a national PR coup across the Today Network.
May persuaded the pair to create what they told listeners was “the greatest radio ad ever made” with the project becoming a central part of the show for the last fortnight.
The four-and-a-half minute epic finally made its debut last night.
Hear the ad:
The all star team behind the ad included author and former adman Bryce Courtenay doing the writing and Rob Sitch, who directed clsassic Australian movies The Castle and The Dish, directing the ad. The voiceover comes from Steve Zirnkilton, best known for the deep voiced “In the criminal justice system…” introduction to TV show Law & Order.
The ad also features a cameo from former Nine star Kerri-Anne Kennerley making ends meet as a phone operator for iSelect. Former Beverly Hills 90210 star Jason Priestley also appears in the ad along with the Today Network’s Fifi Box, Jules Lund and Hamish Blake.
The project began after Box discussed on air how she used to be copywriter, and wrote an ad for a hair salon in Newcastle.
May told Mumbrella: “It was just one of those lucky things. I listen to a lot of radio, and when I heard them talking about it, I picked up the phone and they put me to air. I’m always looking out for opportunities like this. If all we talked about was helath insurance and motor insurance people would get bored very quickly.”
Southern Cross Austereo did not charge iSelect for the airing of the ad. May said: ‘It probably helps that we do spend a lot with SCA in general.”
May said: “I’m now talking to Austereo about how much it will cost to run it again.”
While you are mentioning all the people in the ad, you might also want to mention Byron Cooke (coffe dude)
Would be better if Jules didn’t sound like he was reading a script off a piece of paper.
A+ for getting it made though.
Brilliant job getting this made…. I think I’d rather call Kerri-Anne at iSelect than Jason at RACV…
iSelect iSelect for best pro-active ad in years
Do iSelect insure against listeners switching off?
Consumers won’t give a stuff
Ben Beath and Oh wow! Get a life. I love the iSelect TV Ads and I’m an iSelect customer and massive advocate, but this radio spot is meaningless. David May, you are crazy if you spend money putting that to air again.
A bit fo fun that made radio appointment to listen instead of background. I was convinced it was money can buy PR, but Mr May would imply otherwise. Either way, and regardless of it being a great ad or not, it was great for iSelect.
Is anyone else wondering how she magically knew his name was Jules, after only just meeting at the coffee shop? Or did I miss something?
Really? That’s an innovation? Ray Hadley on 2GB did the same thing for AAMI for eight months last year having the public make their own ads for AAMI.
When FM stations and their clients have to start stealing ideas from the AM shock jocks it’s time to worry.
Bryce Courtney isn’t known for comedy. This is proof.
are they for real? it’s just so stupid
iSelect Loyal – it’s a 4.5 minute ad in a very high rating slot and didn’t cost iSelect a cent. That’s a win, any way you look at it.
So unfunny and unnews. Are there any real stories – how lame and boring
good to know that
courtenay + sitch + kerri-anne + fifi box (am i missing something or is her schtick that she roots everyone/anyone?) + lund (a black & gold version of hamish blake) + jason priestly x an american voice over artist = convoluted irrelevant crap.
who paid for this??
and what are they advertising? that box is sleeping with lund?
Are the neg commentators here serious?
4.5 minutes of free advertising on a major radio network and show, featuring talent you’d normally have to pay big bucks for.
Even if the execution was rubbish [which it isn’t] its a remarkable win for iSelect and one any of the neg commentators here would be sprucing very loudly if they or their agency had done it.
Well done iSelect and well done David May.
What a great idea!
er, Jimmy Kimmell.
http://youtu.be/w3NwB9PLxss