Total By Verizon releases full campaign ad to air on Univision broadcast of the Big Game. Brand taps comedian and musician Fred Armisen as director for its Spanish language ad.
Total by Verizon is bringing back 90’s Latin dance music and laughter to the Big Game with a new take on the hit merengue song “Suavemente.” The :30 spot is directed by comedian, producer, and musician Fred Armisen.
Topping the charts and winning hearts worldwide, “Suavemente” quickly became a Spanish-language standard in Latin music. The new “Totalmente” campaign, created by Ogilvy, flips the song on its head, transforming its romantic lyrics into a catchy tune called “Totalmente,” about the perks of having a Total by Verizon wireless plan.
“Total by Verizon has a lot to offer consumers, and we’re excited to leverage the power of the Big Game to step into our target customers’ homes,” said Cheryl Gresham, VP and CMO of the Verizon Value organization. “We hope viewers love our nostalgic and comedic twist on the popular hit, ‘Suavemente,’ and dance all the way to one of our many Total by Verizon stores to learn more about us.”
The commercial opens with a Latino couple, played by Enrique Dueñas and Betzaida Landín, on a dinner date. When Landín laments she doesn’t know how to speak to her partner anymore, Dueñas says it’s actually quite easy since he switched to Total by Verizon. Dueñas then breaks into a rousing rendition of “Totalmente,” complete with call-back imagery to the beloved music video from the iconic original.
The spot also includes a surprise cameo from actor Arturo Castro as a waiter serving the starring couple as the moment unfolds. “Honestly, I have to fight the urge to break out into song and dance at every single meal,” said Castro. “It was such a pleasure to work with the folks at Total by Verizon and with the amazing Fred Armisen, who’s one of the best to ever do it. Can’t wait for y’all to watch!”