BRW USA, Los Angeles director Erik Van Wyk discovers two-wheeled adventures aren’t for everyone in the humorous new South African market :75 “Easy Riders” for Volkswagen out of Ogilvy, Cape Town. The spot features two family men setting out to experience the macho freedom of a motorcycle road trip, only to discover that they are better suited to adventure in the comfort of a four-wheeled Volkswagen.

“Easy Riders” opens with the triumphant intro of the Matt Monro classic “Born Free” and a shot of a man awkwardly preparing for a motorcycle ride, with his wife peering down in pity and disbelief from their home’s porch. His equally gawky riding partner arrives, stopping briefly for a klutzy high five before setting off on their ride. The man’s lack of knowledge on how to even start his bike sets the scene for the novice ride, next with one of the men receiving a splatter of manure to the face from a truck ahead. The duo accidentally splits paths at a fork in the road, eventually rejoining but apparently lost as one man’s failed attempt to navigate ends with the other man driving into a lake after blinded by a loose map. The men eventually reach their grungy biker bar destination, though it is quickly apparent that they won’t receive a warm welcome.

As the man returns home, slightly defeated, his spirits quickly rise as a Volkswagen Jetta pulls up and his vision of a road trip is immediately re-imagined. Back out on the asphalt, the two men nod as they pass a pack of bikers and glace at one another with the restored confidence in their mode of conveyance. The Jetta speeds past the motorcycles as a super appears, “For the driver in you. New Jetta.” The spot closes on the Volkswagen logo and tag, “Das Auto.”

About BRW USA, BRW FILMLAND AND INDEPENDENT

BRW USA is a creative content production company founded by Andrew Traines, Gianfilippo Pedrotti, Michele Nocchi and Marco Bussinello. The L.A.-based shop is home to a team of seasoned producers and A-list directing, design, VFX and interactive talent. The diverse collective offers integrated creative solutions for agencies, brands and the entertainment industry. With its sister companies Independent, London and BRW FILMLAND Milano, BRW USA has a reach that extends to Europe, South America and beyond. BRW USA is able to employ top talent from around the world to ensure the finest work at the most cost-effective price.

Established in 1974 as BRW & Partners, BRW was the first commercial production company in Italy to work with only the best American and British directors, and quickly became one of the most award-winning production houses in Europe. Currently run by Marco Bussinello, the company changed its name in 2009 giving birth to BRW FILMLAND.

INDEPENDENT (LONDON), headed by Jani Guest, is recognized as one of the UK’s top production companies with a wide array of top-tier talent in both live action and animation.

Credits:

Client: Volkswagen
Title: “Easy Riders” :75
Airdate: Currently Airing
Agency: Ogilvy, Cape Town
Executive Creative Director: Chris Gotz
Writer/Creative Director: Gareth McPherson
Television Producer: Anthea Beylis
Account Director: Jason Kankelowitz
Business Director: Greg Tebbutt
Director: Erik Van Wyk
Production Company: Bouffant, Johannesburg, South Africa
Executive Producer: Melina McDonald
Producer: Shannon Gloyne
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