Bubl on Ice
VCCP's Christmas advert for O2 showcases the wonderful imagination of ten-year-old ice skater, Darcy, and Bubl, the ever-helpful O2 robot.
The ad features ten-year-old Darcy Murdoch tentatively taking to the ice rink alone, in an epic winter landscape. Darcy, a young professional ice skater from Dundee, is just one of millions of young people unable to participate in the sport they love this year due to lockdown.
We wanted to focus on a much more positive, uplifting story. Christmas has always been a time to escape into a little fantasy and wonder. Jim Capp, Creative Director
As Darcy begins to take her first steps on the ice, help is at hand in the form of Bubl the robot, O2’s brand mascot - highlighting that O2 is always there for you, whenever you need it. A heart-warming story unfolds, with Bubl and Darcy gliding around on the ice, supporting each other and getting lost in the magical scene.
The dream fades to reveal Darcy at home with her real-life sister Lexi, and their Mums. Darcy was watching Olaf’s Frozen Adventure on Disney+ via her new tablet, and had gone into a world of her own imagination with the Disney Christmas featurette.
Nina Bibby, Chief Marketing Officer at O2, said: “Our story brings to life the power of imagination, and the importance of connectivity at a time when we might be apart from the people and things we love. At O2, we place importance on the great value we bring to our customers, with unbeatable offers on technology and low monthly prices. We also want to celebrate our great offers, including up to 12 months Disney+ on us. And we wanted to bring some Christmas magic to screens this year, and Darcy is a true star. It’s magical to see her doing the sport she loves alongside our helpful robot Bubl."
Jim Capp, Creative Director at VCCP added, "While other advertisers ponder on the negatives of 2020, we wanted to focus on a much more positive, uplifting story. Christmas has always been a time to escape into a little fantasy and wonder. And, never has the need to escape been stronger."
The 60” advert aired for the first time on Saturday 14th November during ITV’s The Voice with 60”, 30” and 10” versions running across channels until 24th Dec 2020.
The advert is also being supported by a 360-brand campaign including an exclusive Snapchat Augmented Reality Lens to bring the O2 Christmas advert into people’s living rooms. The front-facing camera allows users to take a selfie with Bubl, with the rear-facing camera turning the floor into an icy lake, as seen in the ad. Bubl appears on screen to skate across the floor, with Snapchatters being able to get them to perform skating tricks on command.
