Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer Embraces His True Passion in Erste Bank's Christmas Spot

Is this the most fun Christmas ad of the year? Jung von Matt DONAU and Studio Sonntag discover Rudolph's true passion in Erste Group’s latest spot.

The new Christmas film by the Erste Group aims to encourage everyone to do what brings them joy. Responsible for this year's production is Jung von Matt DONAU in collaboration with Studio Sonntag.

No snow, but plenty of sand – that's not the only thing sticking out in this year's Christmas spot. The commercial released by Erste Group on November 22nd is surprisingly cheerful and light-hearted. Quite the opposite of your typical Christmas advertisement. Although the main protagonist of the spot is no unfamiliar Christmas figure: it's Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. However, in the Erste Group Christmas ad, he has left the North Pole and all its Christmas duties behind to pursue something new: rodeo riding. Because Rudolph believes in himself and dares to do what he always dreamed of doing, not what others expect of him.

In the 64-second online video in a typical Western look, we find ourselves on Texan ground at a rodeo tournament. Rodeo viewers eagerly await the appearance of the wild creature, barely containing itself in the stall box. The rodeo begins but instead of a horse, Rudolph leaps onto the field. Accompanied by a specially composed country version of the song Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Rudolph joyfully engages in the rodeo ride of his life. Until he successfully throws the rider off his back and proudly basks in the applause in the arena – supported by the message “You are what you want to be“ and Erste Groups long running claim #believeinyourself.

“Dare to make your dreams come true – no matter how big those dreams might seem at first glance! Our newest Christmas advert drives home that #believeinyourself message in a way that is both surprising and joyful. In an unexpected way, it brings forth a new emotion and it conveys a message: you are what you want to be!” says Nina Pentek, head of group brand management and communications at Erste Group.

The ad can be viewed on the Erste Group website, as well as in various social media channels, including Facebook and YouTube.

Jung von Matt DONAU, in collaboration with Studio Sonntag, is responsible for the creative execution. "This year, we consciously chose to depart from the well-trodden paths of the Christmas advertising formula, sometimes referred to as “Sadvertising”, and took a new path, just like Rudolph in our ad. Because who said that a Christmas ad can't also make you laugh?" says Mike Nagy, creative director of Studio Sonntag.

The directing duo Dorian and Daniel from Zauberberg have once again taken on the production of this year's ad, together with the VFX artists from The Mill, with the reindeer being entirely CG-animated for the commercial.