This commercial by Xerox partners with Virgin America to combine innovation with humor. The ad takes a witty approach, showing how the Xerox service can improve productivity and efficiency in everyday business settings. The humor is built around exaggerated, comically chaotic office situations where the Virgin America crew members are seen interacting with the Xerox service. The playful tone is complemented by the surprisingly simple but effective solution that Xerox provides, showcasing how their products and services can transform workplace challenges.
The Formula (That Works at Any Budget)
Unexpected Situations = Humorous Relief – By taking everyday office struggles and introducing a quirky, unexpected solution (Xerox), the commercial engages with humor right from the start.
→ Lesson: Presenting common challenges in unexpected ways can quickly engage the audience and make the solution feel fresh.
Playful Contrast = Comedy – The ad builds on the contrast between the serious tone of corporate offices and the playful demeanor of Virgin America’s crew. The mix of professional and playful energy leads to a humorous juxtaposition.
→ Lesson: Use contrasts (in tone, behavior, or setting) to add humor and show the versatility of your product.
Simplification of Complicated Tasks = Humor – The ad showcases the ease with which Xerox makes tasks happen, which contrasts with the chaos happening around the workers. The humorous element comes from how simple the solution is versus the exaggerated complexity of the problem.
→ Lesson: Simplifying the message not only makes it clearer but also creates humor by exaggerating the problem.
Subtle Product Integration = Understated Impact – Xerox’s solution isn’t overemphasized. The ad uses humor to demonstrate the service, allowing the product to shine without heavy-handed explanation.
→ Lesson: Let your product be the star without overexposing it, making the audience come to the conclusion of its effectiveness naturally.
Humor Breakdown:
The ad utilizes absurd workplace humor, where the seriousness of a business environment clashes with the playful antics of Virgin America’s staff, making for a witty and refreshing take on office challenges. The humor lies in the unexpected, simple solutions that Xerox provides, turning mundane tasks into opportunities for efficiency and fun.
Final Verdict
Xerox blends lighthearted humor with a straightforward message, making a memorable impact by showcasing their services in a playful yet effective way. The ad is a great example of how humor can be used to make complex solutions feel simple and engaging.
Brave-o-meter score:Â
B-8 | R-8 | A-7 | V-8 | E-8
BRAVE – 7.8/10
Watch the full ad & learn more:
Website: Xerox
LinkedIn: Xerox LinkedIn Page
