Sunday 12 July 2020

Bacardi doubles down on lockdown creativity

Bacardi has been busy getting creative during lockdown. The rum brand has launched a new digital ad spot – its first-ever shoot conducted remotely.

Featuring Bacardi rums such as Superior white rum and the brand’s latest product innovation, Real Rum Cocktails, the Bacardi Roommates ad spot inspires people to do what moves them. The message is: even when the world stops moving, you don’t have to.

To translate to screen how people were maximising their time in quarantine, Bacardi put out a casting call to find three real roommates to star in the new digital short film. They were not only the actors featured in the spot, but also the camera operators, cinematographers, set and costume designers, hair and makeup team, crew and lighting coordinators.

The film follows the three roommates – Alina, Kiara and Raisa – as they make the most out of quarantining together with Bacardi through a series of relatable, at-home activities, including choreographing a dance, singing karaoke from their couch, practising at-home mixology, giving each other haircuts, relaxing on their rooftop, and cheering on healthcare workers from the fire escape.

Bacardi's roommates mix cocktails in the new ad spot

To prepare the roommates for the shoot, Bacardi, its creative agency BBDO New York and production company 1stAveMachine sent the three stars professional film and lighting equipment – teaching them how to use it remotely via live video chats – as well as interior decor to spruce up their space before the director virtually shouted ‘action’. The final spot is a result of 30 hours of Zoom meetings, two days of filming, 15 boxes of props, and no outside people entering the set.

In other news, Bacardi Limited has unveiled a new company website (https://www.bacardilimited.com/) which aims to reflect the people-focused, entrepreneurial culture and vibrant life at Bacardi. The design is inspired by the company’s purpose of ‘celebrating moments that matter’. 

Dedicated pages detail the stories behind the brands and nutritional information for many of the brands as part of the company’s continued commitment to marketing alcohol responsibly. Also featured, the careers section gives a peek into Bacardi life with personal career stories, talent development programmes, and links to the job-searching tool.

“Our new Bacardi Limited website reflects our unique family culture and celebrates the people and brands that make us proud to be a part of the team,” said Jessica Merz, Global Director of Corporate Communications for Bacardi. “Our website’s striking design elements, improved navigation and new sections offer a simplified, yet very engaging, discovery of our business and brands.”