3. Structure
Form: This advert is made in a documentary form. Throughout the
whole of the advert it has information on the skin and proves how
Vaseline can help the skin. It's presented in a very natural way and
that is the way the company wants the product to come across.
Style: Despite the advert being surreal in some ways it is also
surreal due to the abnormal circumstances in the video. It is not
normal to see hundreds of people naked and embracing the quality
of their skin. Until the end it is not that clear what the product is
either- they know it will be something natural but Vaseline is not
clear.
4. Camerawork
The advert uses a whole range of camera angles and
movements to create the desired effect. It often uses
a long shot to set the scene and then moves in closer
to show what is making up the setting. All of the
people are acting as they are real life skin and when
the camera moves in you can see the individual
people rather than an object you can't really
determine from a long shot.
5. Editing
The editing is made up of cuts in quick succession to
keep the information given precise and snappy. If the
transitions between camera shots and information
was too slow the audience would get bored resulting
in the information from the advert not being
consumed.
6. Sound
The sound is a mix of a natural soundtrack and a voice
over. The voiceover gives very scientific evidence
about how the skin is so good, for example
‘containing more than 300,000,o00 cells. The
soundtrack is linked in nicely with the editing and
when the beat in the soundtrack changes pace so
does the visuals, this is clever and keeps the advert
moving at a good pace. The voice over is very clear
and easy to understand which means the information
is portrayed very well.
7. Why do companies advertise?
To promote a new product: When a company produce an advert they
often try to create hype around a new product for the viewers to invest
in.
To reinforce brand identity: Often companies will use advertising to
remind the consumers what their company identity is.
The maintain product awareness: By creating advertisements it allows
companies to keep their products in the back of consumers mind.
To reposition a product towards a new target audience: This is what I
will be doing with the Vaseline brand and very much like what Old Spice
done
To burnish a corporate image: Companies can sometimes use adverts to
polish up the image of a product if it hasn't been in good light.
McDonalds done this to make their food seem healthier.
Social Advertising: This is normally carried out by charities to get a point
across, for example road safety campaigns. Shock factor is often used in
this style of advert.
8. AIDA
A – (Attention) – Vaseline attracts attention of the customer with it’s fairly
surreal advert, it really is different to anything I have ever seen before and others
I have shown have also been attracted by the surreal element of the advert. The
voiceover is also very engaging and it is evident that Vaseline tried very hard to
find the right person for this job.
I – (Interest) - Everyone has skin so most people will be interested in how to
improve their skin. With the use of real people this advert is very relatable. It is
also how every shot includes a subtle camera movement so you are constantly
engaged.
D – (Desire) – Customers will have desire towards this product due to the
promises it makes. Vaseline claims that ‘your skin is amazing so look after it’ this
is a bold statement by Vaseline as they believe they can keep your skin amazing.
Who wouldn’t want this?
A – (Action) – The advert does not really use any action words throughout the
whole advert but the whole advert is subtly telling you why you should but it
without using these action words.
9. Techniques Of Persuasion
Some people think that adverts try and convince you
to buy a product using hidden and secret messages –
this isn’t the case.
Adverts DO NOT carry secret or subliminal but the
messages may not always be overt.
Sometimes messages work on a more connotative,
subtle way.
For example Vaseline associate themselves with
nature and luxury through the use of imagery and
colours.
Example of
connotative
advertising
10. Advertising by association
Adverts try and mobilise desire in the target audience
to try and make them buy a product. Companies try
and associate their advert to attractive lifestyles and
other qualities.
Some of the qualities that are associated with the
Vaseline advert are – nature and natural world, rich
and luxurious lifestyle. They also make it appeal to a
wide range of people as they include people from all
walks of life in the advert.
11. Some other techniques used by
Vaseline
They have a USP – Vaseline are one of the few
recognisable natural skincare products. It’s a family
product but still is a quality product.
Creating problems and providing solutions – In the
advert Vaseline talk about having dry skin and that
Vaseline can solve that, this is a widespread problem
that people want to solve.
Temptation – Vaseline try and create a desirable
product and try and tempt consumers by creating an
advert that will make the product fashionable.
The natursome feel is
something that connotes
freedom and ‘living’
12. The language of advertising
The language of advertising has the primary aim to attract
attention.
The way Vaseline have used nude models to advertise their
product shows Vaseline makes you comfortable in your body – a
trait that is very rare and makes the product desirable.
Attractive names are used for Vaseline products. These include
‘rosy lips’ and ‘cocoa radiant’ this makes the product more
sellable – this connotes a luxury product.
13. Regulation – Ofcom
Ofcom –
They are the communication regulator. They regulate
TV and radio sectors, fixed line telecoms, mobiles,
postal services, plus the airwaves over which wireless
devices operate.
14. Regulation – ASA
ASA (Advertising Standards Agency) are an independent board who
regulate adverts across all media. There aim is to make every advert a
responsible one.
Despite all adverts going through thorough checks before being aired
the public are still able to complain and ASA will investigate.
The advert with the most ever complaints was Paddy Power’s, Oscar
Pistorious advert ‘if he walks again we will refund your losing bet’
ASA have a five step strategy –
Understanding
Support
Impact
Proactive
Awareness
15. Regulation - BCAP
BCAP are the UK code of British advertising.
BCAP is then followed by ASA who regulate the
adverts.
‘Broadcasters are responsible for ensuring that the
advertisements they transmit comply with both the
spirit and the letter of the Code’
Some of the sections in the BCAP code include
gambling, motoring, and
premium rate telephone
services
16. Regulation – How do they all link?
Firstly Ofcom are the main regulator for TV and all
other communication devices. These also regulate
ASA who work solely with Adverts. The rules for ASA
to work with are written by BCAP.
OFCOM ASA BCAP
Regulate and Write Rules
take action
Investigate
Rules