Host launches campaign with Ben Kelly vying to be Vodafone’s third Formula 1 driver
Host has launched a new campaign for Vodafone, in support of their sponsorship of the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Formula 1 team.
The campaign stars Formula 1 newcomer Ben ‘Kelso’ Kelly who was discovered via a statewide recruitment drive throughout Victoria, and a series of auditions for the chance to be Vodafone’s Third Driver.
Since winning the dream job, he has faced endurance tests to improve his physique, undergone g-force training, learnt the art of ‘blue steel’ for sponsorship photo shoots and experienced the life of an F1 driver, culminating in a head to head challenge at Bathurst this week against Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Formula 1 driver, Jenson Button and V8 TeamVodafone driver Craig Lowndes.
Ben’s journey has been captured every step of the way and will form a campaign across press, online, OOH inviting people to view a series of 5 webisodes.
Bob Mackintosh, Creative Director at The Jamboree, said: “F1 drivers live somewhere near the summit of human endeavor. Up above the clouds. The rest of us, well, we’re in the valley somewhere. So the idea of catapulting one of our own up into their lofty worldseemed like fun, and maybe a little bit dangerous.”
Amanda Quested, Host Head of Project Management, said: “Formula 1 is traditionally seen as an elitist and insular sport. Through the Vodafone Mercedes McLaren team, we see this campaign as the opportunity to make the Formula 1 driver experience as accessible as possible”.The campaign unfolds in the lead up to the Australian Grand Prix race, this weekend.
CREDITS
Agency: Host
Creative: The Jamboree
Production Company: Otto Empire
Director: Angus Sampson
Media: Ikon Communications
8 Comments
Nation wide search my arse. That guy is so obviously a fix. He screams ‘actor’ and the whole thing screams ‘fake’.
Kelso’s getting ready
I thought tongue was vodafones ideas agency? Did Host execute Tongues idea? Just trying to understand. Can someone clarify?
Known Kelso for years! Thats him…v funny…he used to be a national sprinter!!
5:09 – It was a statewide search and he makes Kevlar jeans for a living.
Ben Kelso Kelly is a great guy. A former South Australian under 16 sprint champion and footballer, he is a very popular happy guy who has never acted in his life. He is a born natural. What you see is what you get
I assumed that was Ben ‘The Stig’ Collins. Isn’t he the unsung third driver for one of the F1 teams? Or is that Bathurst in October?
boring