Play it again: Publicis has fun with spoof video

Paris – For his annual company greeting card, Maurice Lévy, CEO of Publicis, opted for a video that responds to standard YouTube commands with amusing literal interpretations.

Delivered with all the fast-paced action of an Eastern Bloc newscast, the speech fails to hold viewers’ attention for long. Viewers inevitably skip ahead, but surprisingly, the command causes Lévy to grumble that it’s a shame they’ll be missing some of his best material. Going back prompts an irritated ‘make up your mind’ comment, while muting the action causes him to pull out a set of cue cards.

Publicis, one of the world’s big four advertising firms, risks being seen as a stuffy, establishment player by virtue of its size. But the spoof greeting card suggests the company enjoys a good joke.

The video positions the agency as relevant for Millennials, who appreciate organisations that are not afraid to project personalities with whom they can interact and relate to.