Title - ‘Hot Head’
Brand - Hot Pockets
Get ready for a collision of iconic brands as Hot Pockets, the masters of convenient and satisfying meals, team up with Hot Ones, the YouTube sensation that pushes celebrities to their spicy limits. This isn't just a partnership; it's a fiery explosion of flavor designed to redefine the experience of a truly hot snack.
Imagine the crispy perfection of a Hot Pocket giving way to savory fillings infused with the fiery concoctions of Heatonist, Hot Ones' official hot sauce partner. From the subtle warmth of "Los Calientes" to the volcanic inferno of "The Last Dab," these limited-edition flavors offer a unique and fiery twist on the classic Hot Pocket experience.
This project wasn't just a marketing campaign but a creative combustion that brought together teams across the spectrum. An innovative approach emerged during the pitch, incorporating animation into the live-action spot. This unique blend of animation and live-action required a close collaboration between creative, graphics, production, post-production, and VFX teams, leading to a truly distinct and memorable experience.
So, are you ready to step into the inferno? Grab your favorite Hot Ones-inspired Hot Pocket, settle in for spicy entertainment, and prepare for a taste bud adventure. This is more than just a collaboration; it's a fiery celebration of flavor, heat, and creative innovation. Let's get this party started!
The Process | Step One: The Brief
The Ask
Create a 15 hype video that showcases the new Hot Ones Hot Pocket products
Mandates
•Will leverage production x VFX
•Emphasis on the HEAT of the Last Dap HP, but ensure all products are seen.
•Must be a Hot Pockets-focused spot with a mention of Hot Ones (all brand guidelines apply here)
•Brand wants “hype video” – over-the-top / cartoonish (i.e., fire in the background)
•META asset – leveraged on social
The Process | Step Two : Creative
The Process | Step Four: Pre-Production
The Process | Step Three: Animation Process
Here is a video version of the pre-production deck created for this project
Side note: there is no sound to this
Budget Top Sheet
Main Considerations:
Shoot Days - 1 Day | 10hr Day
Location - Solon, OH | LEAD Studio
Talent - 4 Total per Casting Call
Deliverables
(:15) TVC (16:9)
(:15) Social (1:1, 4:5, 9:16)
(:06) TVC Cut Down (16:9, 1:1, 4:5, 9:16)
Video 1: 4x5, 9x16, 16x9
Video 2: 4x5, 9x16 (Cartoon only)
1 *NEW* Organic Reel (9x16)
1 Organic Reel will be repurposed from Video 2 (:06; 9x16)
2 Stills for Static Organic Posts (1x1, 4x5, 9x16)
3 Sets of (6) Static Programmatic Banners
This project took an unexpected fun turn during the pitch with the brand. As we talked with the Hot Pockets team, they were wowed by our storyboard artist’s drawing for the storyboards and thought this could be an interesting animated spot.
As we continued to talk with the brand, we all came to the same conclusion: Let’s make it a live-action with animations!
Since this was our first time tackling this type of project, our creative director, myself (producer & director), animator, post supervisor, and VFX artist went to work on bringing this all to life and what was needed to ensure everything was accounted for each department.
The Team
Executive Creative Director - Jonathan D.
Supervising Producer & Director - Chris R.
Sr. Creative Director - Krista B.
Producer & 1st AD - Matthew T.
Editorial Supervisor - Orlando S.
VFX Supervisor - Christian F.
VFX Artist - David W.
Graphics Supervisor - Emily G.
Animator - Truman V.
Account Manager - Kathleen B.
Project Manager - Susan N.
Director of Photography - Frederic C.
Photographer - Jason P.
Multi-Media Director & Photo Assistant - Issac D.
Casting Agency - Angela Boehm Casting
The Process | Step 5: Post and Delivery
The Photos
Here are the three final images we delivered to the Hot Pockets team.
Oh, and if you are wondering… that is a real hot pocket with flames!
All three images were delivered in a 1x1, 4x5, and 9x15 format.
“HOT” Pocket
The Videos
0:06 Cutdown (16x9)
Also delivered in 1x1; 4x5; and 9:x6
SKU and Character Highlight Videos (All 4:5)
Spicy Garlic Chicken and Bacon
Visual Effects Assets for Organic and Paid Channels
Format(s): 9x16, 4x5, 1x1
These four were created with our VFX team to use on
social channels as Organic assets (no sound)
The Big Three
0:15 TVC (16x9)
Also delivered in 1x1; 4x5; and 9x16
Smokey Green Chili Cheesesteak
But WAIT… There’s More
Formats: 300x250; 320x50; 970x250; 1500x500
The Full Portfolio
(*The Last Dab was LTO)
We also provided several banners for E-commerce, Omni Channels, and the Web.
*I promise this is the last section
Formats: 160x600; 300x50; 300x250; 300x600; 320x50; 728x90
0:10:06 “Last Dab” Cutdown (4x5)
Also delivered in 9x16
Hot Habanero Sausage and Pepperoni
These two assets were created to use on Reels, TikTok, and Snapchat. One is an all-VFX asset, and the other is a UGC of a couple of team members (including the Hot Pockets Team) trying the Last Dab.
Formats: 160x600; 300x50; 300x250; 300x600; 320x50; 728x90
Formats: 160x600; 300x50; 300x250; 300x600; 320x50; 728x90