BIG W: Live big for less the message in new animated/live-action campaign via IdeaWorks
The promise of big brand names at everyday low prices is at the heart of a multi-million dollar media campaign for retailer BIG W, via IdeaWork, Sydney which launched Sunday. The new commercials see BIG W customers living big for less alongside big brand names in a vibrant multicoloured world.
The new campaign was created by IdeaWorks’ Louise Mahoney and directed by Sam Bryant via production company Luscious. The distinctive look of the new commercials, which will be played out across all media, catalogues and in store, was created by award winning artist Merryn Trevethan.
The spots are set to Ian Dury’s classic, ‘I Want To Be Straight’, with lyrics reflecting BIG W’s price and range promise.
Says Scott Baird, BIG W marketing manager: “BIG W has a long history of offering big national brands for less but this campaign brings a new dimension to the brand proposition, strongly communicating the emotional benefit to the consumer through the promise of ‘Live Big for Less.
“It’s been terrific working with Merryn to bring to life a bright multicoloured city where much loved Australian brands including Bonds, Fisher Price, Nintendo Wii, Revlon and Mambo are bought to life in such an ingenious way,” said Scott.
“The unique canvases celebrate the small moments of everyday life with joyous, uplifting images. It’s a breath of fresh air for BIG W and will cement our position as Australia’s favourite discount department store.”
A brand building campaign will run during November with distinctive Christmas and new season spots to follow on the positive theme.

21 Comments
Interesting choice in music…
Based on Ian Dury & The Blockheads’ “I Wanna Be Straight”.
wow.. this animation style looks familiar…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fbGkxcY7YFU ?
I can has adbertizing
makes me wish I’d never given up drugs and staying up late!
Saw it last night. Looks absolutely dreadful. Appalling art direction.
Someone has been saving that youtube reference… just for a special occassion. Live ‘Big” really???
For God’s sake STW!!! surely one of your agencies can produce something remotely respectable
4.14 – Ideaworks isnt part of STW you muppet.
Amazing illustrations and catchy tune. Nice and bright. Sure beats those lousy target ads!
Gotta love those Aussie brands like Revlon and Nintendo…erm, ah…
Does Target even advertise anymore? Not on my telly.
And I’m Ian
And…
guess what…
I love the soundtrack.
I love the soundtrack
makes my eyes hurt! but if you close them its great.
think the agency should have considered that the jingle also sounds like ian dury’s noddy song … hmmm
what is the background song? sounds like cat empire?
Who sings/voices the tune? It’s catchy and he sounds so campy and vibrant. I don’t know why but he reminds me’ of Henry Roth from Project Runway Australia (in tonality only). Who IS he? I love voice!
the song voice reminds me of henry roth too,
i’m dying to find out if it’s him!
This integrated campaign is brilliant…it has nailed the Big W brand concept with highly recognizable altered pop music , and a economically meaningful tag that has high recall . Congratualtions
It’s The lead singer from The Cat Empire, obviously.
Cat empire has 2 Singers but yes it sounds like Harry.
The singer is a Mark Travers of the blue mountains. He does jingles and voice overs.