Volkswagen and Funny or Die take humorous spin in 2015 Golf

Wed, 10 Sep 2014

Volkswagen is partnering with Target and Funny or Die in a bizarre ad for the latest Golf starring comedian Rob Huebel, probably best known for his work on Childrens Hospital on Adult Swim.

The commercial is titled The Way Too Helpful Neighbor and stars Huebel as the eponymous neighbor. The challenge is for Huebel to help improve his buddy's apartment before the guy meets his girlfriend's parents for the first time. The obvious way to do that is to slide a new Golf through an actual Target in Texas, while simultaneously showcasing the store's goods and the car's features.

The commercial is airing online now and on TBS during breaks in Conan O'Brien's show, with sneak peaks during other programs on the network. Auto advertising is becoming pretty normal for Funny or Die at this point, though, with the site previously partnering with Fiat for several videos. Check out the ad above and see if you think it works. Scroll down for VW's announcement.

VOLKSWAGEN TEAMS WITH FUNNY OR DIE TO TAKE THE 2015 GOLF ON A WILD SHOPPING SPREE

Sep 10, 2014

The Vehicle Launch Kicks Off with Video Starring Childrens Hospital's Rob Huebel

Herndon, VA (September 10, 2014) – Volkswagen of America (VWoA) today announced a collaboration with Funny Or Die to support the market introduction of the all-new 2015 Volkswagen Golf. The platform provides the leaders in automotive and humor an opportunity to come together in celebration of exceptional products and lighthearted fun.

The collaboration kicks off with "The Way Too Helpful Neighbor," a hilarious video showcasing just how helpful a 2015 Volkswagen Golf can be. After the hero's girlfriend springs a surprise visit from her parents on him, a way-too helpful neighbor takes the boyfriend on a shopping spree by driving a Golf through the aisles of a Target store that is truly a one-stop-shop. This comedic video highlights the versatility of the 2015 Golf and the modern, functional style of Target's Room Essential home décor and storage products, all through the signature sense of humor that has made Funny Or Die the go-to place for laughs online.

The video was shot in an actual Target store in Texas and stars Rob Huebel, a Funny Or Die regular and comedic actor in TV and film. Rob starred in Alexander Payne's Oscar winning film THE DESCENDANTS, opposite George Clooney and is currently recurring on Jill Soloway's Amazon upcoming series TRANSPARENT and FX's popular comedy series THE LEAGUE. Rob is known for his amazing improv comedy skills and has brought his irreverent brand of humor to one of Volkswagen's most highly-acclaimed models.

"The incredible versatile Golf gives our creative team free reign to come up with wild ideas," said Vinay Shahani, Vice President, Brand Marketing, Volkswagen of America, Inc. "Funny or Die is one of the most recognized and sought after brands in comedy today so we knew they would be the perfect partner to amplify Volkswagen's unique sense of humor."

"This is our first time working with Volkswagen, and this was a very exciting opportunity for our team to partner with a brand known for some of the most interesting and innovative advertising campaigns of the last half-century," said Chris Bruss, VP of Branded Entertainment, Funny or Die.

Funny Or Die and TBS viewers will get the full scoop on the new Volkswagen Golf when "The Way Too Helpful Neighbor" airs during CONAN and TBS movie breaks beginning September 11. Twenty-second sneak peeks of the branded comedy spot will also run adjacent to Big Bang Theory and TBS movies, driving fans to Funny Or Die for more. Volkswagen will have significant digital presence with promotional drivers across TeamCoco.com, TBS.com and funnyordie.com, as well as the TBS Big Bang Theory Sync App. Turner Broadcasting Ad Sales is the exclusive representative for advertising opportunities with Funny Or Die. The strategic partnership provides brands access to premium comedic content, while offering promotional scale with Turner's portfolio of premium brands like TBS and Adult Swim.

The creative concept for the content was developed in collaboration with Volkswagen's creative Agency of Record, Deutsch LA, and the media partnership with Turner was established by Mediacom, Volkswagen's media Agency of Record.

About Volkswagen of America, Inc.

Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc., an operating unit of Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (VWoA) is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. VWoA's operations in the United States include research and development, parts and vehicle processing, parts distribution centers, sales, marketing and service offices, financial service centers, and its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The Volkswagen Group is one of the world's largest producers of passenger cars and Europe's largest automaker. VWoA sells the Beetle, Beetle Convertible, CC, Eos, Golf, Golf GTI, Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, Passat, Tiguan, and Touareg vehicles through approximately 644 independent U.S. dealers.

About Funny Or Die

Funny Or Die launched in April 2007 and has become an award-wining top destination for comedy on the web. The site has over 19 million unique users per month, over 60 million video views per month, and has grown into a vertically integrated 21st century digital studio that produces high quality content over numerous platforms, operating a social media and marketing division with over 8.2 million Twitter followers approximately 9.4 million Facebook fans (#1 Comedy Brand on both Twitter and Facebook), and devoted followers on numerous social networking and sharing sites. Funny Or Die has become the "place to be seen" for comedic celebrities, and the obvious destination for a daily comedy fix. Funny Or Die's founders are Gary Sanchez Productions (Will Ferrell, Adam McKay and Chris Henchy), Creative Artists Agency (CAA), and Michael Kvamme. Judd Apatow is also a principal partner in Funny Or Die.

About Turner Broadcasting Ad Sales

Turner Broadcasting Ad Sales monetizes the company's portfolio of leading news, sports, kids and entertainment properties through advertising and brand activations. Attracting a wide-scale audience of diverse consumers, the collection includes leading media brands CNN, HLN, TBS, TNT, truTV, Cartoon Network, Boomerang, Adult Swim, Bleacher Report and Turner Sports' high-profile coverage of the NBA, NASCAR, MLB, NCAA and PGA. In addition, the company has digital sales partnerships with Funny Or Die, the NBA, NCAA and PGA.

About Deutsch LA

Deutsch LA is a 490-person fully integrated agency known for its award-winning creative campaigns. Integrated practices at Deutsch LA include creative advertising, media planning and buying, digital marketing, direct marketing, public relations, social media, design, branded entertainment and experiential marketing. Deutsch LA clients include Volkswagen, Target, Taco Bell, HTC, Dr Pepper, Snapple, 7UP, Nintendo, Vivint, Anthem Blue Cross, Zillow and California Cheese. For more information about Deutsch LA, visit www.deutschinc.com.

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By Chris Bruce