Guy Shelmerdine and BBH, New York, have teamed up once again with JBL Wireless Headphones to showcase the potential dangers of corded headphones to hilarious effect. JBL takes their slogan “Dare to Listen” to new lengths in this thirty second spot which highlights the mayhem that can ensue when you choose not to wear JBL Bluetooth enabled headphones while going about your day.
The lightning quick comedy begins with a flashback, as a young man contemplates whether corded headphones were ever really that bad. Then, in his typically detailed and deadpan style, Shelmerdine takes us on a whirlwind comedic trip through one exceptionally disastrous day that ends with our hero being locked up – all because of his headphone cables. This whip-fast comedy spot was edited by Work Editorial, produced by Smuggler LA, and shot on location in Prague in collaboration with Unit+Sofa.
This is Shelmerdine’s second outing with BBH and JBL, having previously collaborated in 2015 on the CordFail Effect campaign, which spotlighted anothermelaborate sequence of events showing the downfall of one unlucky corded headphone user. JBL headphones continue to marry innovative design with incredible sound quality, and this latest ingenious spot proves that Bluetooth technology and long battery life can save us from a multitude of embarrassments.
Shelmerdine joined Smuggler in 2002 after winning Best New Director at Cannes, and has helmed award-winning spots for clients including Mini Cooper, Ikea, Virgin Mobile, Coca-Cola, Honda, Skittles, Weetabix, JetBlue, Chevrolet, VW, Audi, and Range Rover. He has won more than 30 coveted advertising awards from Cannes, D&AD, The One Show, Clios, and more. And he never, ever wears headphones with cords.
