Copy-Ads – Frito Lay goes the Bud way!!!

By | May 29, 2008

The Indian ad space seems to have lost its originality. With one after another, ads copied blatantly from global advertising campaings. The Indian advertising firms, who had campaigns like the Amul Butter ads, the Fevicol ad series seem to have lost their original touch. First it was the IPL ad that had an uncanny resemblance to the NFL ads running in the US, with the ink splashes all over the screen. Now it is the Frito Lay ad campaign that is a blatant copy of the very famous Budweiser ad campaign, better known as the “Whazza” campaign. Don’t believe me, then look at both the campaigns and be the judge yourself.

First, the original Budweiser ads:

And now, for the “inspired” Indian Frito Lay ad:

I was wondering if I should do a review of the Lays ad, but its so much of a blatant copy of the Bud Ad, I decided it is not worth. Admakers, find your conscience and stop copying ads. Such blatant imitations will really hurt the reputation of the Indian ad world.

6 thoughts on “Copy-Ads – Frito Lay goes the Bud way!!!

  1. Amit Singh

    Well friend, I agree this frito Lays ad is not at all good. But its also not inspired from the above Budweiser ads. It appears to be copy of the above ad becuase these guys are sticking their tongues out. But the concept is quite different.

    In the frito lays Ad, there asre two political parties camapaignig for their flaovor of Lays Chips. The concept is to vote for your favorite flavor, and what would be better than to vote with your tongue if you have to vote for something as tasty as Lays Chips.
    Hope you still not mention it as a copy of Budweiser ads.

    Reply
  2. The Empty Head Post author

    amit: What the lays ad wants to promote is the fight for flavor, agreed. But the execution of the concept, the whole sticking out of the tongue is lifted clean from the Bud ads.

    Even the follow up ads seem to be more about sticking the tongue out. I am sure there are much better ways of promoting your favorite flavor than sticking out your tongue, which is usually a sign of disapproval.

    Why can’t the ad makers find something more original, and region-specific to indicate the contest than copying a concept from the Bud Ads? This is the question I ask.

    Reply
  3. Amit

    Seems you have convinced me that this ad might have been inspired from Bud ads. Or may be its just a coincidence. Im not sure. There are copy cats in every region, in every industry.

    But Indian Advertising has established its niche in the International arena and pioneering in the art of communication. For updates on Indian Advertising keep visiting my blog.
    Nice talking to you. 🙂

    —————————-
    Indian Ads Blog
    http://indianadsblog.blogspot.com

    Reply
  4. Dhivya

    Hey Ashish

    Hmm interesting post. and my comment, late 🙂

    Well personally I think the imitation is too far fetched. The lays ad about the politician is interesting and good fun to watch.

    I agree with you on the IPL ad imitation. It was close.

    I also second amit there are copy cats in every region, in every industry.

    Cheers

    Reply
  5. shadrach

    firto lays is just looting us people ……….. we buy aa packet off lays for RS10 AND U get a hand full of lays now ul think for ur selfs and see what has to be done

    Reply
  6. Devanshi

    Dear Amit,
    you are dimwitted. Thats one thing for sure. Its sick and I hurled a little in my mouth for its that obvious. And empty head blog guy…you write a review now…we need this.

    Reply

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