christian sternal

creative director | copywriter

One of the most iconic car care brands anywhere asked us to help them promote their Speed® Line—an entire family of products. Each one specifically designed to tackle a different kind of mess and help you get back to a showroom shine, blazing fast. However, after we presented our initial round of work, they came back and asked us to help them launch a game-changing new product, too—CMX Ceramic Spray Coating. Suddenly, the goal was to launch two completely different product lines for distinctly different audiences at the same time. Each required a unique creative approach with a style all its own—with supporting print and social assets, of course—while remaining true to the brand. No problem.

One of the most iconic car care brands anywhere asked us to help them promote their Speed® Line—an entire family of products. Each one specifically designed to tackle a different kind of mess and help you get back to a showroom shine, blazing fast. However, after we presented our initial round of work, they came back and asked us to help them launch a game-changing new product, too—CMX Ceramic Spray Coating. Suddenly, the goal was to launch two completely different product lines for distinctly different audiences at the same time. Each required a unique creative approach with a style all its own—with supporting print and social assets, of course—while remaining true to the brand. No problem.

Part 1: "Everyday Happens"

The main spot for our Speed® Line campaign, appropriately, took less than a second to shoot. We wanted to inspire confidence in the products (and send A-types reeling in horror), so we shot a pristine SUV being assaulted by a mind-boggling array of cringeworthy messes—all at once—in glorious 1000fps super slow motion. You know, to make a point. 

When everyday happens, Mothers happens back.

This spot was shot with the same “GlamBOT” camera that you see on the red carpet at the Grammys and other shows. Yep, the glam cam is just a BOLT high-speed cinebot motion control rig holding a Phantom 4K Flex camera with a Leica Summilux lens.

FYI: 1 second of filming at 1000fps (technically, 938fps) divided by normal playback rate of 24-30fps nets about 39.08-31.26 seconds of super slow-mo content. Now you know.

Print Happens

Fortunately, there are still great some opportunities to utilize print in the automotive category, so we created some clean, simple flatwork to further help bring the campaign voice to life—while informing and rewarded consumers with a smile for reading it.

ADDYs, OC
Bronze
Print Advertising – FullPage Or Less – Single Unit
2020

Carefully Choreographed Chaos

We created a full suite of social assets to complement broadcast and support the campaign. Built mainly from video and behind-the-scenes shots on location, these assets were developed for the launch, but the they also helped the brand’s internal team get acclimated to the look and voice of the campaign pre-launch.

Part 2: "Shine On" And On...

Mothers wanted a proper, no-nonsense introduction spot for their revolutionary new CMX Ceramic Spray Coating. Basically, they wanted a hard-working demo that spoke directly to serious detail enthusiasts. But we…wanted to make an impact. So we cranked everything up to 11 and created a truly cinematic spot that was designed to launch, demo and educate while making hardcore shine aficionados drool. All we had to do was overdeliver—like usual.

Super-hydrophobic Print

CMX is wickedly super-hydrophobic. It absolutely loathes water. Hates it. Dirt and grime, too. But water—it doesn’t just bead on CMX treated surfaces—it tries to escape from them. And since one of the key indicators of a good ceramic coating is its ability to repel water, we decided to use a little hyperbole to get that idea across in print.

Hard to believe, but clients don’t buy every headline I write. Here are a few that were left on the table.

Social Benefits

The batch of CMX assets we created for social were all about the benefits. Liquid-like shine, durable and ease of use. But, importantly, we wanted to keep it classy. Yes, this is a DIY product, but it’s one that can give you showroom quality results. We wanted to play up quality. From color to composition we kept everything crisp, clean and simple. And the message voice, clear and unflinchingly confident.

CCO john zegowitz  |  CD/CW christian sternal  |  SR. AD  vu dang  |  PRODUCTION DESGNER/JR AD timothy auerbach  |  EDITOR / VFX  albert lam  |  VP CONTENT / EP  catherine gudvangen  |  SVP BRAND SOLUTIONS tommy campagne  |  ACCOUNT MANAGER  kristina wade  |. CREATIVE PROJECT / RESOURCE MANAGER  sarah romerio 

Part 3: "Ultimate Balance"

Well, not really a part 3, but the following year Mothers asked us to help them launch yet another innovative new product. One with a split-personality, that combined classic tried, true and easy-to-use carnauba wax with cutting-edge nano-quartz ceramic technology. Rather than run from the product’s conflicted personality, we turned it into a superpower and made it the focal point of the campaign.

“The best of both worlds, but better.”

ADDYs, OC
Bronze
Consumer Campaign – Regional/National
2022

ADDYs, OC
Bronze
Single Spot – Up to 2:00
2022

A Double-edged Solution

By creating a duality campaign for Ultimate Hybrid, we were able to create a striking branded look and feel that popped in the crowded category and helped spotlight the unique blend of classic and cutting-edge product characteristics and benefits.

CCO john zegowitz  |  CD/CW christian sternal  |  SR. AD  vu dang  |  CW matt league  |  3D MODELING & ANIMATION  nicolas nami  |  EDITOR / VFX  albert lam  |  VP CONTENT / EP  catherine gudvangen  |  SVP BRAND SOLUTIONS tommy campagne  |  DIRECTOR of PROJECT MANAGEMENT  lauren harvey