As I’m sure many of you know, companies produce different versions of their products for different parts of the world, and along with that, comes different advertising campaigns that we’ll never see. Thanks to the Internet, localization is pretty easy to get around so you can enjoy the weirdness that other countries get and you miss out on.
Take for example, the above picture. A superhero based on the Snickers Candy Bar. As far as I can tell, (based on Google’s translation) the above character, named Super Olli, is available and willing to help you do all the menial tasks that you don’t want to do. There is an application for you to fill out to request Super Ollie’s help on whatever you desire. It appears he has already helped out a floral designer, so you could be next!
The whole thing seems to be in cooperation with ProSieben, which is Germany’s largest television station. So if he comes to help you, you may also be appearing on the channel, but I’m not entirely sure. Sorry, I have no German skills.
In addition to the awesomeness of the picture above, you can also download video clips of Super Olli, ringtones, and wallpapers. You can also see a German Snickers commercial featuring a different Superhero saving a commuter train, and you don’t even need to understand German to get the joke.
If I have any details incorrect, I apologize. German-speaking readers should feel free to correct me.
(Editor’s note: I think I found my Halloween costume for this year!)
You are correct. You can nominate your friend to have Super-Olli come do tasks for you. I keep saying “Those Crazy Germans!” And yes, I am one, so I can say this!
September 22nd, 2006 at 10:43 amLooks like it’s a promotion to get material for commericals. Kind of like those commercials over here where people subit ideas, somebody wins, and they get money to produce it. I just can’t remember what products have done it! Coke, I think. I’m not sure. But, in this case you submit what you want Super-Olli to help you with, and if you’re chosen they’ll film a commercial from it.
Those four years of high school German do come in handy!
September 22nd, 2006 at 1:46 pmolli is a german comedian. he’s not terribly well known, but he had a show on pro7 where people could ‘rent’ him so he would help them with, as you said, menial tasks they didn’t like to do. the original snickers spot featured a superhero character who looked much more like superman than olli does. the more recent spot still features the original character, but then cuts to super-olli who presents his viewer participation promo, in reference to that tv show he did.
September 25th, 2006 at 9:33 am