From Melbourne, we got the stupid ways to die, in reference to the carelessness with which people usually expose themselves in dangerous places. In this particular case by McCann, in relation to the city’s trains and the accidents they seek to reduce with the campaign.
The social phenomenon provoked has been of insane scales, because we have all been delighted with the music, the humor, the characters, the creativity achieved and the fine writing from beginning to end. Let’s see if you can tear yourself away for a second from the video, which, among other benefits, has contributed to reduce accidents on Australian trains by more than 20%:
Dumb ways to die became the most awarded campaign in Cannes history last June, winning a total of 5 Grand Prix, 18 gold lions, 3 silvers and 2 bronzes. With those credentials, however, I would have to ask: is this the best idea in the history of the festival? As much as any answer could be highly debatable, I think it is the best integrated campaign. And needless to say, with the catchiest and funniest song ever written – exposing your privates to piranhas? That’s genius.
Stupid Ways to Die also helps us learn with a game that is, I warn you, incredibly addictive. If you decide to take the risk, I invite you to download on your mobile or tablet their entertaining game, by the way, a hit among schoolchildren in Costa Rica as well. In the meantime, here you have the song to download and make it yours from Soundcloud.
Now, if we leave the trains, Cannes and the campaign, I think there are many other stupid ways to die. For example, drunk driving, not going for regular mammograms or ignoring a high cholesterol level. There are also the stupid ways to live, and there are more than a few examples that come to mind. Possibly for another publication and another discussion.
What is certain is that we have much to learn from this winning campaign, and some discussions to add.
So far for now, this is a slow burner.