The annual Art of Commercials showcases hundreds of enjoyable commercials from Japan, U.K., U.S., Asia-Pacific and Hong Kong especially chosen by the Hong Kong Arts Centre to entertain our TV commercial fans. This year, our special will be A Selection of International Animated Commercials, presenting animated commercials from India, U.K. and Argentina. Being original and cutesy witty with dazzling colours, they will surely amaze the eyes.

Programme 1
Selected from All Japan Radio and Television Commercials 2008+ Selected from AICP Show 2009
Date & Time: 28/11, 2, 5, 6, 10, 13/12 7:30pm; 29/11 2:30pm

Impeccable mastery of idiosyncratic antics and the flamboyant display of top celebrities in Japanese commercials always trigger amusement. The hottest group SMAP gets knocked out by a newbie band. Which brand name mogul can afford Asano Tadanobu, Nagase Tomoya, Eita and Aoi Yuu all at once? There is also the charismatic Sakamoto Ry?ichi! The foreign front stars Hollywood heartthrob, Brad Pitt and blonde babe, Cameron Diaz still cannot compare to the terrific performance of veteran Tommy Lee Jones that has won thundering applause. AICP award-winning commercials also flaunt their flair. English director Guy Ritchie fulfils your world-class footballer fantasy. He can make you rub shoulders with Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney and Ronaldo from first POV. Another Nike commercial directed by David Fincher which witnesses the subtle stroke of the hand of fate is equally mesmerising. Automobiles make a supreme splash into the market with a kaleidoscope of promotion traits: Lexus favours big scenes, Volvo highlights endurance, Audi ridicules Benz, and hybrid ride Prius takes route humour. Coca Cola morphs into butterflies in an animation while Black Eyed Peas and Bob Dylan join forces in a Pepsi commercial.

Programme 2
Selected from Asia Pacific Advertising Festival 2009 + Selected from HK4As Kam Fan Awards 2009
Date & Time: 28/11 2:30pm; 3/12 7:30pm; 5, 6, 12, 13/12 5:30pm; 18/12 9:15pm

Hysterical Thai commercials produced these years can challenge Japan's ultimate funny man position in Asia. The two countries locked horns at Asia Pacific Advertising Festival. The Japan front was garrisoned by scene stealer sake, cult film-like health care commercial, a series of chic iQ cars, possibly the most romantic condom commercial and a crazy magazine advertisement in disguise. The Thailand side boasts a range of gods and goddesses as well as hilarious classroom old school special effects. The courteous farting dog and the electrocuted couples are also superb entries. Kam Fan Award-winning works will also be presented, intimately speaking the same language as us. Let's all support local outstanding creative works.

Programme 3
Selected from British Television Advertising Awards 2009
Date & Time: 29/11, 8/12 7:30pm; 5, 6, 12, 13/12 4pm

English humour is sophisticated and sarcastic, witty yet refined. First, there is Einstein and Newton inaugurate the Oxford versus Cambridge varsity match. Then, there is the very romantic manual turn-back-time rewind on the streets of India. The Queen-like Sock Monkey is absolutely comical. A Shining scene is recreated in one shot, reminiscing Kubrick's cinematic excellence. Celebrity endorsements by Jude Law, George Clooney, Russell Crowe and Michael Caine are eye-catchers that make your heart fly. But what instantly convince you to book your flight without second thoughts should be the smoking hot flight attendants of Virgin Atlantic!

Programme 4
A Selection of International Animated Commercials
Date & Time: 28, 29/11 5:30pm; 4, 9, 17, 18/12 7:30pm; 5, 6, 12, 13, 19/12 2:30pm

This programme showcases a unique array of brilliant works from three internationally acclaimed animation production houses. 3D animation, claymotion, stop-motion and mixed live action projects are shown, each featuring an exclusive hallmark style.

Famous House of Animation (India)
Based in Mumbai, India, Famous House of Animation has served clients all over the world. This selection features a collection of commercials that exudes dynamic vibrancy. In addition to the widely extolled Levi's stickman commercial, there are several pieces of work that cleverly integrate Indian heritage and modern technology.

studio aka (UK)
Received the Best Animation Award from BAFTA, London-based animation house studio aka boasts an eclectic range of commercials that embrace characteristics of rich British artistic expressions. The automobile commercial is a testimony to its ingenious visual sophistication that has captured the heart and minds of many; the charming National Lottery commercial puts a smile on everyone's face. studio aka is an expert and risk taker in character design. Dancer bugs and colourful fluffy buses lead you to a world of glittery camp fun.

Juan Pablo Zaramella (Argentina)
Zaramella from Argentina oozes exuberance and zeal. He is the mastermind behind whose works have been awarded at several animation shows. Nickelodeon short animations are plenty of laughs and entertainment. The mysterious cotton needle and bubble man's adventure will crack you up big time!

Tickets: $45 / 30* (*Tickets for full-time students, senior citizens, aged 60 and above, and physically challenged individuals.)
Screening Venue: Agnes b. CINEMA! (Upper basement, Hong Kong Arts Centre, 2 Harbour Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong)
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