Subaru Forester Family Rally TV Commercial

Buckle up and hold on tight! To demonstrate that the all-new 2014 Subaru Forester puts the sport back in SUV, creative ad agency DDB Toronto created the Forester Family Rally. In a nutshell, they put families in a Forester on a rally course.

Press:

Toronto, April 10, 2013 - Subaru Forester Campaign Puts Real Families in the Driver’s Seat

Subaru Canada is inspiring families to experience the adventure and adrenaline of rally racing with the launch of its new 2014 Forester campaign, “Forester Family Rally.” Developed by the integrated groups of DDB Canada’s Toronto office, the comprehensive national campaign kicks off with the 30-second television spot, “Family Rally.”

Playing host to an organized rally event, the agency challenged six families to “hit the road” on a closed track, in the performance-driven Forester. The TV spot follows one of the six families conquering the mountainous terrain. It captures natural bursts of excitement as the family of four cheers on their mother with every twist and turn. The ad highlights some of the Forester’s new features like the X-MODE™, which sees the mother safely navigating the vehicle through challenging terrain with a swift push of a button. The spot drives viewers to visit www.familyrally.ca for a closer look at the new 2014 Forester, highlights from the other participating families’ rally runs and to enter a contest for the chance to compete in Subaru’s next family rally.

“With the new Forester launch, we wanted to pay tribute to Subaru's rich history and renowned reputation in rally racing” says Todd Mackie, creative director, DDB Canada. “By capturing the driving experience of real families on a rally track, we were able to depict the fun and adventurous spirit of the Forester, while demonstrating its high performance and handling.”

Via the “Forester Family Rally” hub, developed by Tribal DDB Toronto, users can watch each family’s rally run, switching camera angles for a closer look at the action, monitor each family member’s heart rates as their Forester goes through each turn of the track, view post-race interviews and check-out the results. For the truly adventurous, users can either book a test drive or register for a chance to compete in the next Forester Family Rally event via the microsite.

In August 2013, Subaru Canada will fly five qualifying families to Tremblant, Quebec for an action-packed, rally-themed competition. “ Developed by DDB Public Relations, the Forester Family Rally experience will kick off with adventure-themed competitions, including: rock climbing, go-karting and paddle boat racing, followed by a climatic performance family rally event on a closed course. Families will collect points over two days, with the winning family taking home a brand new 2014 Forester.

“The new 2014 Forester really puts the ‘sport’ back in SUV,” says Geoff Craig, director of marketing, Subaru Canada. “The campaign cleverly proves how everyday drivers can tackle a variety of terrains with confidence, reinforcing how the Forester is different from other compact SUVs, with its all-wheel-drive and superior road handling capabilities.”

Pre-roll, print, digital, social, public relations, radio, direct mail and in-dealership marketing round out this integrated campaign by driving traffic to the Forester Family Rally hub. Each program element contributes to create excitement and conversation surrounding the 2014 Subaru Forester, while encouraging families across Canada to qualify for the next Forester Family Rally event, taking place in August 2013.

Credits:
Client: Subaru Canada Inc.
Agency: DDB Canada, Toronto
Creative Director: Todd Mackie, Denise Rossetto Al
Associate Creative Director:
Copywriter: Allan Topol, Mark Biernacki
Art Director: Pete Ross
Agency Producer: Andrew Schulze
Account Team: Michael Davidson, SVP, Business Unit Director; Peter Brough, Account Director; Julia Morris,
Senior Account Executive; Lindy Scott, Account Coordinator
French Partners: Groupe Rinaldi: Jean-Charles Bullot, Creative; Maurice Rinaldi, President;
Tanya Fouleman, Account Executive
Strategy: Tony Johnstone, SVP Director of Strategic Planning; Sandra Moretti, Senior Strategist;
Kevin McHugh, Strategist
Social Media Strategy: Melissa Smich, Senior Cultivator; Ed Lee, Director, Social Media
Media: OMD: Michelle Jairam, Client Communication Director; Jennifer Thompson, Group Director of Strategy
Event Management: Vehicle Dynamics Group
Production Company: OPC & Family Style
Director: Chris Woods & GoodDearGood
Director of Photography: James Gardner
Line Producer: Oliver van Beek
Post-Production Company: Posterboy Edit
Editor: Mark Paiva & Danica Pardo (Pre Roll)
Online Editor: Axyz – Joel Saunders
Colourist: Alter Ego – Wade Odlum
Audio House: Grayson Matthews
Casting Agency: Jigsaw Casting – Shasta Lutz