Today’s topic has nothing to do with technology. It’s about marketing, plain and simple. Here’s a video that’s simple — but light years from plain. It’s from Johnnie Walker, and if you haven’t seen it already, you must carve out six minutes of your day for it. I’m completely jealous of this spot and humbled by the power of it. Unassuming, authentic, seductive, cool, gorgeous, stick your own adjective here. To me it’s just more proof (as if we needed any) that a simple idea is the most powerful force in marketing.

Of course once I’m past all that, the ad guy in me immediately starts wondering “how the hell did they pull this off?” Had it been dirtied by any obvious production trickery, it wouldn’t be half as effective. But every detail is perfect: the writing (beyond magnificent), casting, acting, timing, music, production values — it meshes together so seamlessly, the wonder of it almost goes over your head. Almost. Bottom line on this one: I’m not a drinker, but after I saw this video I felt like going out and buying a bottle of Johnnie Walker. I ain’t kiddin’. This stuff any good?

Update 8/23 11:55am: a big thanks to Perry Schaffer for supplying the credits. This is the work of BBH London — and Justin Moore now becomes my god of writing.

Update 9/1 2:38pm: found this interview with director Jamie Rafn. Fascinatin’.