Kia Optima 2016 Super Bowl 50 Ad Walken Closet: A Memorable and Entertaining Commercial

When it comes to Super Bowl ads, few can forget the Kia Optima 2016 commercial featuring Christopher Walken and a walk-in closet. This ad, which aired during Super Bowl 50, instantly captivated viewers with its humor, star power, and memorable concept. In this article, we will delve into the details of the Kia Optima 2016 Super Bowl 50 ad Walken Closet, exploring its impact, production, and the reasons behind its success.

Introduction to the Kia Optima 2016 Super Bowl 50 Ad

The Kia Optima 2016 Super Bowl 50 ad, titled “Walken Closet,” was part of Kia’s larger “The Perfect Getaway” campaign. The ad opens with a man sitting in a dimly lit room, surrounded by shoes and clothes, feeling uninspired. Suddenly, Christopher Walken appears, dramatically reciting the lyrics of “Walken Closet” to the tune of “Walk This Way” by Aerosmith. As Walken delivers his monologue, the camera pans to reveal the new Kia Optima parked outside the closet, highlighting its sleek design and features.

The Concept Behind the Ad

The concept of the Kia Optima 2016 Super Bowl 50 ad Walken Closet was to showcase the car as something extraordinary, just like Walken himself. By juxtaposing the mundane setting of a walk-in closet with the presence of a captivating actor like Walken, Kia aimed to create a memorable and attention-grabbing commercial.

The ad’s script masterfully plays with the homophonic similarity between “walk-in” and “Walken,” using it to create a clever and humorous connection. This play on words adds an extra layer of entertainment to the already star-studded commercial.

Key Elements of the Ad

Christopher Walken’s Performance

One of the main reasons the Kia Optima 2016 Super Bowl 50 ad Walken Closet resonated with viewers was Christopher Walken’s performance. Known for his distinctive voice and eccentric personality, Walken brought his unique charm to the commercial, captivating audiences from the moment he appeared on screen.

Walken’s delivery of the modified lyrics to “Walk This Way” was both amusing and memorable. His trademark cadence and unexpected pauses added a touch of quirkiness that perfectly complemented the commercial’s concept.

The Kia Optima

While Christopher Walken stole the show, the Kia Optima also played a crucial role in the ad. The sleek and stylish design of the car, showcased through strategic camera angles and lighting, instantly caught viewers’ attention. By positioning the Optima as the unexpected focal point within the mundane walk-in closet, the ad effectively highlighted the car’s features and elevated it to a status beyond ordinary.

In addition to its visual appeal, the Kia Optima’s inclusion in the commercial was also a strategic marketing move. By associating the car with a well-known actor like Walken, Kia aimed to enhance the Optima’s brand image and appeal to a broader audience.

The Impact and Success of the Ad

The Kia Optima 2016 Super Bowl 50 ad Walken Closet was a resounding success, leaving a lasting impression on viewers and generating significant buzz. Here are some key factors that contributed to its impact:

Social Media Engagement

Following its debut during Super Bowl 50, the Walken Closet ad quickly became a viral sensation on social media. Viewers took to platforms like Twitter and Facebook to share their excitement and praise for the commercial. The hashtag #WalkenCloset trended for several days, generating additional exposure for the Kia Optima and further amplifying the ad’s reach.

The ad’s popularity on social media can be attributed to its unique and entertaining concept, which resonated with a wide audience. By creating a memorable and shareable commercial, Kia effectively leveraged the power of social media to extend the reach and impact of their Super Bowl ad.

Positive Brand Association

By featuring Christopher Walken in their Super Bowl ad, Kia successfully associated their brand with a well-respected and beloved actor. Walken’s presence added prestige to the Kia Optima, elevating its image and appealing to a broader demographic.

The positive brand association generated by the Walken Closet ad helped position Kia as a stylish and innovative car manufacturer. This association not only attracted new customers but also reinforced the loyalty of existing Kia owners.

Meme-Worthy Content

The Kia Optima 2016 Super Bowl 50 ad Walken Closet also produced several meme-worthy moments that further fueled its success. Walken’s delivery of the modified lyrics, combined with his distinctive style, became a popular subject for internet memes and parodies.

These memes and parodies not only extended the ad’s lifespan but also created additional opportunities for Kia to engage with their audience. By embracing the meme culture surrounding the Walken Closet ad, Kia effectively tapped into the online community and further solidified their brand’s presence in popular culture.

The Production Process

Creating a memorable Super Bowl ad like the Kia Optima 2016 Super Bowl 50 ad Walken Closet requires meticulous planning and execution. Here is an overview of the production process:

Concept Development

Before filming begins, a team of creative minds, including ad agency representatives and Kia executives, brainstorm and develop the concept for the commercial. This involves considering the brand’s messaging, target audience, and overall objectives.

In the case of the Walken Closet ad, the concept was to highlight the Kia Optima as something extraordinary and unexpected. The idea of featuring Christopher Walken and a walk-in closet emerged from this initial brainstorming process.

Scriptwriting

Once the concept is finalized, a team of talented scriptwriters takes over to craft the script for the commercial. The scriptwriting process involves incorporating the brand’s messaging, humor, and any necessary modifications to existing songs or lyrics.

In the case of the Walken Closet ad, the scriptwriters had the challenging task of modifying the lyrics to “Walk This Way” to fit the concept and create a humorous connection between “walk-in” and “Walken.”

Casting and Rehearsals

With the script in hand, the next step is casting the actors for the commercial. For the Walken Closet ad, the obvious choice was Christopher Walken, known for his distinctive voice and eccentric personality. Walken’s casting added credibility and star power to the commercial.

Once the actors are cast, rehearsals take place to ensure smooth performances on the day of the shoot. This involves fine-tuning the delivery of lines, blocking movements, and establishing chemistry between the actors.

Production and Post-Production

After the logistics are in place, the production team begins filming the commercial. This involves setting up the scenes, coordinating camera angles and lighting, and capturing the desired shots.

Once filming is complete, the post-production process begins. This includes editing the footage, adding visual effects if necessary, and refining the overall look and feel of the commercial. The post-production team also works on sound design, ensuring that the audio elements, such as Walken’s voiceover and the modified song, are perfectly integrated.

Conclusion

The Kia Optima 2016 Super Bowl 50 ad Walken Closet stands as a shining example of a successful Super Bowl commercial. Through its clever concept, memorable performances, and clever marketing strategies, Kia managed to create a commercial that resonated with viewers and left a lasting impression.

This ad not only showcased the Kia Optima’s features and design but also solidified the brand’s image as stylish and innovative. By leveraging the star power of Christopher Walken and embracing social media engagement, Kia effectively maximized the reach and impact of their Super Bowl ad.

The Walken Closet ad serves as a reminder of the power of creativity and humor in advertising. By thinking outside the box and taking risks, brands can create commercials that not only entertain but also leave a lasting impression on viewers.

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