The Evolution of Visual Effects in Super Bowl Commercials

The Super Bowl isn’t just a playground for athletes; it’s a visual feast where ads duke it out for the spotlight. And let’s be real – sometimes, these commercials steal the show. It’s a world where visual effects (VFX) don’t just add spice; they’re the main course in crafting ads that stick in your mind like that catchy '80s tune.

Early Stages (1980s-1990s):

Flashback to the '80s and '90s, the golden era of Super Bowl commercials. It was like the Wild West but for ads. Remember Apple’s 1984 commercial? That wasn’t just an ad; it was a revolution in a box, selling us not just a gadget but a whole new way of life. The VFX might have been basic, but the story was anything but. It was a time of bold moves and big ideas, even if the tech was still playing catch-up.

Apple, 1984 Super Bowl

Rise of Digital VFX (2000s):

Fast forward to the 2000s, and it’s a whole new ball game. Digital VFX started to strut its stuff, turning ads into mini blockbusters. Take Reebok’s “Terry Tate, Office Linebacker” – a cocktail of humour and VFX that had us all laughing and rewinding our VCRs. It was more than a funny ad; it was a sign of things to come, showing how VFX could turn a good joke into an unforgettable one.

Integration of Advanced VFX (2010s):

Come the 2010s, and VFX is in full swing. Advertisers are now pulling out all the stops, using high-tech wizardry to tell stories that captivate and amaze. Bud Light’s “3D Test” ad? That wasn’t just a commercial; it was a magic trick, pulling a bottle right out of the screen and into our imaginations.

Cutting-Edge VFX (2020s):

Now, in the roaring 2020s, VFX isn’t just part of the ad game; it’s leading the charge. Take our work with Planters – we didn’t just do VFX; we crafted much more. We’re talking newscasts, tickers, infographics – the works. It’s not just about making it look good; it’s about making it resonate, making it Nice. The hilarious ad divided thousands on Twitter.

Check out Nice Shoes' Planters masterpiece

And let’s not forget the Walmart spot – a journey through universes, all thanks to the power of VFX. It’s not just an ad; it’s a portal to other worlds.

Together, the Planters and Walmart commercials underscore the power and impact of VFX in the Super Bowl’s advertising showcase. They reflect the changing landscape of commercial storytelling, where brands vie for the audience’s attention not just through the products they sell but through the stories they weave and the experiences they create.

By pushing creative boundaries and embracing the latest VFX technologies, we’re proud to be at the forefront of this dynamic field, helping brands like Planters make a lasting mark on viewers and setting the stage for a future where every commercial is as much a visual spectacle as it is a narrative journey.

The Expert’s Perspective: VFX in Super Bowl Commercials

Tyler Whelan, Nice Shoes VFX Supervisor, gave us a peek behind the curtain. “Super Bowl ads? They’re a beast,” he says. “You’re not just creating effects; you’re crafting worlds. It’s intense, it’s insane, and it’s incredibly rewarding.”

Tyler’s not just talking about making things look pretty. He’s talking about aging celebs, explosive action, and weaving magic with green screens. “There’s a blend of old school/new school,” he adds, “and it’s a blast to see how far VFX has come.”

But Tyler’s insights don’t stop there. He dives deeper into the VFX world: “Every Super Bowl ad is like a mini-movie. You’ve got to bring your A-game every time. It’s about pushing boundaries, trying things that have never been done before. And when it works, it’s like hitting a home run in the World Series.”

Reflecting on the evolution of VFX, Tyler remarks, “Back in the day, we were limited by what our tools could do. Now, the only limit is our imagination. We’re creating worlds that defy reality, making the impossible possible. It’s an exciting time to be in VFX, especially when the Super Bowl rolls around.”

Leveraging VFX for Brand Recognition

In the ad world, VFX isn’t just eye candy; it’s the secret sauce that makes your brand unforgettable. It’s about stopping the scroll, capturing hearts, and blowing minds. It’s not just about seeing an ad anymore; it’s about living it.

VFX and Brand Recall

VFX is the wizard behind the curtain, turning ads into memories. It’s about making you laugh, cry, or just sit back in awe. In a world where ads are a dime a dozen, VFX-laden ones are the rare gems that make you sit up and take notice.

In the end, it’s not just about making ads; it’s about making moments. And at Nice Shoes, we’re not just playing the game; we’re changing it, one epic ad at a time.