"Batman OnStar" | |
---|---|
Directed by | Vincent Ward Andrew Davis |
Written by | Nancy Wellinger Jim Millis |
Produced by | Peter MacGregor-Scott |
Starring | Bruce Thomas Curtis Armstrong Brooke Burns Brian Stepanek Michael Gough |
Production companies | Millennium Pictures Warner Bros. |
Country | United States |
Language | English |
The Batman OnStar commercials were a series of six [1] television commercials featuring comic book superhero Batman, created by ad-agency Campbell-Ewald and based on the Tim Burton/Joel Schumacher Batman film series, airing from 2000 to the beginning of 2002. The commercials promoted the use of the automobile onboard guiding system OnStar. The commercials were successful, leading to a large increase in subscribers and a higher rate of subscriber renewals. [2]
Two of the commercials ("Hot Date" and "Riddle Me This") were directed by Vincent Ward, while the other four were directed by Andrew Davis, working with Director of Photography Thomas Kloss. [3] [4] The production company was Millennium Pictures (Detroit), special effects were provided by Flash Film Works, and the scripts were written by Nancy Wellinger and Jim Millis. [5] [6] The Batman OnStar commercials helped promote brand name awareness of the system, leading to a large increase in subscribers and a higher rate of subscriber renewals. [2]
The commercials were shot at the Warner Bros. lot. Flash Film Works did the special effects, including creating and compositing the Batsignal, airbag, the Riddler's skywriting (copying the writing style from Batman Forever ) and erasing/covering various shots of the Warner backlot. [5] Back in 1997, John Dykstra chose Flash Film Works to work on the motion picture Batman & Robin . They created a digital matte painting of an ice-laden Gotham City, as well as performing some rig and wire removal work on the film.
OnStar's licensing agreement with DC Comics had additional benefits, as the production teams were given access to DC's creative resources. The advertisements were thus able to use the 'real' Batcave (which was constructed at the Queen Mary Dome in Long Beach, CA), as well as utilising the Batmobile that was featured in the two Tim Burton-directed Batman films (Batman and Batman Returns ). Also featured in the OnStar commercials was composer Danny Elfman's score from the films. The Batsuit that was featured in the commercials was not specifically designed or tailored for Bruce Thomas, the actor that played Batman in the ads, who said it was simply made up of "bits and pieces of stunt guy's suits that fit me". [7] Given the time period it is likely that most of the suit pieces were left over from Batman & Robin. Thomas was trained to "be Batman" by stunt coordinator Alex Daniels, who also performed the stunts in the OnStar commercials. Daniels was already a veteran of the Batman franchise, having done stunts on Batman Forever and Batman & Robin, on which he was also a stunt coordinator. According to Bruce Thomas, much of the crew working on the commercials had also worked on the Batman films. [7]
In addition to set, costume and prop details, DC provided access to footage from the films (in particular, scenes of Batman jumping from a building in "Minor Setbacks" derive from the films) to emphasize the differences between Batman's use of the OnStar system and the more normal mundane usage. [8] In addition to DC having input on the scripts, customer research reminded the company that "Batman always gets the villain," which had apparently been missed. [8]
The actor portraying Batman in the OnStar spots is Bruce Thomas, Curtis Armstrong portrays the Joker in one of the ads, Vicki Vale is played by Brooke Burns, and the Riddler is played by Brian Stepanek in one of the ads. Michael Gough, who portrays Bruce Wayne's butler, Alfred Pennyworth, in the Batman films directed by Tim Burton and Joel Schumacher, reprises his role in the OnStar ads. The voice of OnStar Representative, Karen Boyd, is that of Joanna Rubiner.
OnStar began a $50 million ad campaign in February 2000, although it is unknown precisely how much of that number was set aside to make the Batman commercials. [9] In 2002, GM dropped Batman as the spokesman, replacing him with radio ads. [8] [10]
Following on from OnStar's earliest TV ads playing on childhood fears and out-of-car personal testimonials, the company licensed Batman to market its "year 2000 factory-installed version," in the "world's most technological car," referring to the Batmobile. [8] OnStar marketer Michael McEnaney described the premise as demonstrating that:
The ads demonstrated "examples of possible driving dangers, while remaining in the realm of fantasy," thereby downplaying the "scary side of danger," as well as making the spots "vehicle-neutral at a time when OnStar became available on 29 different GM models." [8]
The six commercials are as follows:
Two special edition Batman comic books were released in conjunction with the ads. The first one was a five-page story featuring the Riddler. The second one was an eight-page story featuring Mr. Freeze.
In addition to print comics, OnStar and DC Comics created a "state-of-the-art animated interactive comic for the Web, at www.onstar.com," which let readers "shape their experience by using Personal Calling and OnStar Virtual Advisor at critical moments in the story." [3] Both Bruce Thomas and Curtis Armstrong reprised their roles from the live-action ads, voicing Batman and the Joker respectively in the "webisodes". [7]
An oversize, 5" x 3" (when separated at the perforations) trading card set was distributed at trade shows to promote OnStar's vehicle services, using their licensed Batman "sponsor". They were issued as perforated 8-card strips, sealed with tape (and the tape seal cannot be removed without damaging the cards). The back of the cards describe OnStar's services as well as providing contact information. They also give a brief history of Batman from his debut in 1939 through his adding new OnStar tools to the Batmobile in the year 2002.
As part of the ad-campaign, OnStar and DC offered (from May 31, 2001) an online sweepstakes chance to win "a walk-on role in the next Batman movie," which was then "still in the planning stages," albeit "with no firm dates set yet." [3]
A survey showed that 80% of new vehicle owners recognized the brand due to the Batman OnStar commercials. [10] New activations of OnStar service jumped 169% to nearly 300,000 subscribers between January and June 2000. Renewal rate of the service also increased from 32% to 58%. [2] Edward Baig said that the commercials set "lofty expectations" for OnStar service in his review. [14] Further estimates suggest an even higher increase, suggesting that the commercials raised OnStar's customer base by a factor of ten:
The first four commercials won a Silver Award for "Creative Arts - Visual Effects" in the 2000 International Automotive Advertising Awards. [12] [15] The campaign was further awarded the Detroit Creative Directors Council Golden Caddy for Best in Show. [16]
The "Batman" campaign also received the Golden Medal and Best of Category awards in the New York Festival's Advertising/Marketing Effectiveness Awards in 2001. [17]
Batman is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character was created by artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger, and debuted in the 27th issue of the comic book Detective Comics on March 30, 1939. In the DC Universe continuity, Batman is the alias of Bruce Wayne, a wealthy American playboy, philanthropist, and industrialist who resides in Gotham City. Batman's origin story features him swearing vengeance against criminals after witnessing the murder of his parents Thomas and Martha, a vendetta tempered with the ideal of justice. He trains himself physically and intellectually, crafts a bat-inspired persona, and monitors the Gotham streets at night. Kane, Finger, and other creators accompanied Batman with supporting characters, including his sidekicks Robin and Batgirl; allies Alfred Pennyworth, James Gordon, and Catwoman; and foes such as the Penguin, the Riddler, Two-Face, and his archenemy the Joker.
The Dark Knight Returns is a 1986 four-issue comic book miniseries starring Batman, written by Frank Miller, illustrated by Miller, and Klaus Janson, with color by Lynn Varley, and published by DC Comics. It tells an alternative story of Bruce Wayne, who at 55 years old returns from retirement to fight crime and faces opposition from the Gotham City police force and the United States government. The story also features the return of classic foes such as Two-Face and the Joker, and culminates with a confrontation against Superman, who is now a pawn of the government.
The Elizabeth Arkham Asylum for the Criminally Insane is a fictional psychiatric hospital/prison, named after the city of Arkham which appeared first in the stories of Howard Phillips Lovecraft, and later appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, commonly in stories featuring the superhero Batman. It first appeared in Batman #258, written by Dennis O'Neil with art by Irv Novick. The asylum serves as a psychiatric hospital for the Gotham City area, housing patients who are criminally insane. Its high-profile patients are often members of Batman's rogues gallery.
Batman is a 1960s American live action television series, based on the DC comic book character of the same name. It stars Adam West as Bruce Wayne/Batman and Burt Ward as Dick Grayson/Robin – two crime-fighting heroes who defend Gotham City from a variety of archvillains. It is known for its camp style, upbeat theme music, and its intentionally humorous, simplistic morality. This included championing the importance of using seat belts, doing homework, eating vegetables, and drinking milk. It was described by executive producer William Dozier as the only situation comedy on the air without a laugh track. The 120 episodes aired on the ABC network for three seasons from January 12, 1966 to March 14, 1968, twice weekly during the first two seasons, and weekly for the third. In 2016, television critics Alan Sepinwall and Matt Zoller Seitz ranked Batman as the 82nd greatest American television show of all time. A companion feature film was released in 1966 between the first and second seasons of the TV show.
The Batcave is a subterranean location appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. It is the headquarters of the superhero Batman, whose secret identity is Bruce Wayne and his partners, consisting of caves beneath his personal residence, Wayne Manor.
The Riddler is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character was created by Bill Finger and Dick Sprang and debuted in Detective Comics #140 in October 1948. He has become one of the most enduring enemies of the superhero Batman and belongs to the collective of adversaries that make up his rogues gallery.
The Batmobile is the fictional car driven by the superhero Batman. Housed in the Batcave, which it accesses through a hidden entrance, the Batmobile is both a heavily armored tactical assault vehicle and a personalized custom-built pursuit and capture vehicle that is used by Batman in his fight against crime. Using the latest civilian performance technology, coupled with prototype military-grade hardware—most of which was developed by Wayne Enterprises—Batman creates an imposing hybrid monster to prowl the streets of Gotham City.
Wayne Manor Estate is a fictional mansion appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. It is the personal residence of Bruce Wayne, who is also the superhero Batman.
The Batman is an American animated television series based on the DC Comics superhero Batman. Developed by Michael Goguen and Duane Capizzi, and produced by Warner Bros. Animation and Warner Bros. Television Studios, the series first aired on Kids' WB on September 11, 2004, then Cartoon Network on April 2, 2005. The show would become exclusive to the former network for its third, fourth, and fifth seasons in early 2006. The Batman won six Daytime Emmy Awards over the course of its run. Many elements from previous Batman storylines were borrowed and adapted, such as those from the comic books, film series and the animated shows like Batman: The Animated Series from the DC Animated Universe, but it remained strictly within its own distinct continuity. Jackie Chan Adventures artist Jeff Matsuda served as art director and provided the character designs. The production team altered the appearances of many of the comic books' supervillains for the show, such as the Joker, the Penguin, and the Riddler.
Hush is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, commonly as an adversary of the superhero Batman. Hush first appeared in Batman #609 as part of the 12-issue storyline "Batman: Hush". He was created by Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee. A former friend of Batman, the character serves as a criminal foil personality to him.
Dr. Thomas Gabriel Wayne, M.D is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. He is the father of Bruce Wayne (Batman), and husband of Martha Wayne as well as the paternal grandfather of Damian Wayne. Wayne was introduced in Detective Comics #33, the first exposition of Batman's origin story. A gifted surgeon and philanthropist to Gotham City, Wayne inherited the Wayne family fortune after Patrick Wayne. When Wayne and his wife are murdered in a street mugging, Bruce is inspired to fight crime as the vigilante Batman.
Lego Batman is a theme and product range of the Lego construction toy, introduced in 2006, based on the superhero character Batman, under license from DC Comics. The sets feature vehicles, characters and scenes from the comics and films. The inspirations for the design of these varies widely. For example, the Batmobile retains its basic sleek shape and prominent fins from the Tim Burton films, whereas the "Bat-Tank" seems to be based on the tank-like Batmobile in Frank Miller's The Dark Knight Returns. The theme was relaunched in early 2012 as part of the Lego DC Universe Superheroes line, which is a sub-theme of the Lego Super Heroes line. In total there were seventeen sets, almost all of them including Batman.
The Batplane, Batwing, Batjet or Batgyro is the fictional aircraft for the DC Comics superhero Batman. The vehicle was introduced in "Batman Versus The Vampire, I", published in Detective Comics #31 in 1939, a story which saw Batman travel to continental Europe. In this issue it was referred to as the "Batgyro", and according to Les Daniels was "apparently inspired by Igor Sikorsky's first successful helicopter flight" of the same year. Initially based upon either an autogyro or helicopter, with a rotor, the Batgyro featured a bat motif at the front. The writers gave the Batgyro the ability to be "parked" in the air by Batman, hovering in such a way as to maintain its position and allow Batman to return.
The fictional superhero Batman, who appears in American comic books published by DC Comics, has appeared in various films since his inception. Created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger, the character first starred in two serial films in the 1940s: Batman and Batman and Robin. The character also appeared in the 1966 film Batman, which was a feature film adaptation of the 1960s Batman TV series starring Adam West and Burt Ward, who also starred in the film. Toward the end of the 1980s, the Warner Bros. studio began producing a series of feature films starring Batman, beginning with the 1989 film Batman, directed by Tim Burton and starring Michael Keaton. Burton and Keaton returned for the 1992 sequel Batman Returns, and in 1995, Joel Schumacher directed Batman Forever with Val Kilmer as Batman. Schumacher also directed the 1997 sequel Batman & Robin, which starred George Clooney. Batman Forever and Batman & Robin were poorly received by both critics and fans, leading to the cancellation of Batman Unchained.
The Imaginext System is a brand of role-playing, adventure toys designed for kids 3 or older made by Mattel, as part of their Fisher-Price brand.
Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes is a 2012 Lego-themed action-adventure game developed by Traveller's Tales and published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. The game is a standalone sequel to Lego Batman: The Videogame and the second installment in the Lego Batman series. The game's main storyline follows Batman, Robin and later Superman as they attempt to foil the Joker and Lex Luthor's plans to have the latter become president of the United States, joining forces with the Justice League along the way. As a result, the game's cast is larger than its predecessor and includes characters outside of the Batman series.
Batman is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. Created by Geoff Johns (writer) and Andy Kubert (artist), he made his first appearance in Flashpoint #1. He is a hardened version of Thomas Wayne seen in Geoff Johns' alternate timeline comic Flashpoint (2011) whose son was killed instead of Martha Wayne and himself, eventually helping Barry Allen/The Flash defeat Eobard Thawne. His character returned to the main DC Universe in DC Rebirth as a revived amalgamation of his original self that was killed by Joe Chill and the Flashpoint Batman that was killed in "The Button", a storyline revolving around the "Smiley-face" button from Watchmen.
Batman Unlimited: Monster Mayhem is a direct-to-video animated superhero film and the second entry in the Batman Unlimited series. It was released on August 18, 2015 on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital HD. It is a sequel to Batman Unlimited: Animal Instincts.
Batman: White Knight is an American comic book published by DC Comics. The eight-issue limited series, written and illustrated by Sean Murphy, began monthly publication in October 2017 and concluded in May 2018. In the series, the Joker is seemingly cured of his madness and sets out to become a politician under his real name of Jack Napier, seeking to change his public image as a "villain" and save Gotham City from Batman, who he views as the real enemy of the city.
Bruce Wayne, better known by his hero alias Batman, is a fictional character from the Batman film series, originally portrayed by Michael Keaton and subsequently by Val Kilmer and George Clooney, based on the DC Comics character of the same name.