Reel mystery: Irish angler nets wedding ring – just like the one in the Aussie-made Specsavers spot

A 75 year old Irish fisherman recently fished out a ring box with an engagement ring, the same colour as the box in Specsavers’ “Big Rock” TVC, created by Smart – now McCann, Sydney.

A story on the front page of The Irish Examiner on Friday referenced the TVC, which is running in Ireland.

From what we hear all media reports in Ireland have been likening the incident to the Aussie-made commercial. The spot first went to air in Australia on 5 June, 2011.

VIEW THE SPOT: Specsavers Big Rock 15sec TVC.mpg

Says McCann executive creative director John Mescall – then ECD at Smart: “‘Should’ve gone to Specsavers’ is one of the world’s most iconic campaigns, with a rich history of entertaining, likeable advertising. It’s a really exciting brand to work on because it’s such an iconic positioning – it’s entertaining and fun for the consumer, and also a great statement of brand leadership. The ‘Big Rock’ execution is classic ‘Should’ve gone to Specsavers’, where it’s charming, likeable, unexpected and timeless. It works just as effectively in other markets as it does in Australia.”