Controversial Ad 'Left at the Altar' in Crash the Super Bowl Contest

Controversial Ad 'Left at the Altar' in Crash the Super Bowl Contest

'Flock' Causes Flak

PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 4, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Media Wave Video Productions (MWVP.com) expressed disappointment today at not being named one of the 10 finalists announced yesterday in the Doritos/Pepsi MAX Crash the Super Bowl Contest (CTSB). After a review of more than 5,600 creative submissions, their entry - a clever and well produced spot entitled "Feed Your Flock" - did not make the final cut.

"Naturally we're sorry we didn't make the finals, but we recognize how difficult it is for the judges to whittle down the field," said Dave Williams, the director. "And we knew our submission had the potential to be controversial - we just never expected it would become, arguably, the most talked about spot in the contest."

The commercial's subject matter has raised the ire of conservative Christian and Catholic bloggers across the country. Proving that religion and advertising are still a volatile mix (even in today's permissive environment), the ad sparked cries of outrage over the perceived mockery of Holy Communion and has prompted boycott threats.

Actor Michael Lyons (a devout Catholic), who conceived the idea for the commercial and portrays the pastor, offered the following: "The initial feedback was overwhelmingly positive, but unfortunately a small percentage of comments posted on the CTSB web site cried foul and it grew from there. Those people misconstrued the content and intent of the ad. The pastor did not consecrate the Doritos and Pepsi - therefore it is not the Eucharist." But because that is not clear to some viewers, they assume communion is being served.

The controversy has taken on a life of its own. On YouTube, the spot has gone viral with over 100,000 views in only 3 days (with most comments positive) and on the CTSB site, the ad has surpassed 20,000 views and counting, placing it among the 10 highest viewed videos of the 5,600 submitted.

"We certainly did not set out to offend anyone," said Williams. "In fact, we purposely filmed it in a non-denominational church with no tabernacle, used no vestments or other religious symbols, and populated the lines with people of all faiths. And the sign on the lawn at the end of the spot serves as the punch line - Free Doritos and Pepsi MAX Sunday."

View the spot here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QpniiSFmOeI

SOURCE Media Wave Video Productions

Media Wave Video Productions

CONTACT: Dave Williams of Media Wave Video Productions, +1-530-968-8437, dwilliams@mwvp.com, or Michael Lyons, +1-610-564-1100, mjl0810@gmail.com

Web Site: http://mwvp.com

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