Parody is the sincerest form of flattery, right?
Only a handful of creative geniuses can dream up masterpieces like Numa Numa, Hamster on a Piano and Snowball the Dancing Cockatoo. But leave it to our team to come up with a way to use that genius as inspiration for variations on some of today’s hottest YouTube videos— variations organically seeded next to videos that get tens of millions of eyeballs. Check them all out at our "It's the Gecko" YouTube page.
With no press releases or promotions, our strategically placed Gecko videos have caused quite a stir online — racking up MILLIONS of views within the first couple of weeks.
Somebody’s watching you.
We started working on an evolution of the Savings storyline long before the recession hit. But sometimes timing works out in your favor. The recession provided a welcome environment for the newest member of the eccentric GEICO family: Kash — a stack of money with googly eyes who represents the money consumers could be saving with GEICO.
A random stack of money watching you could really creep people out, but when paired with Mysto and Pizzi’s ultra-catchy remake of Rockwell’s '80s hit “Somebody’s Watching Me,” you can’t help but like the little guy. And the savings aren’t so bad either.
Click here for the free download and to watch Mysto and Pizzi talk about the making of the song.
Minding his own business
In 1994, few people had heard of GEICO, and no one knew how to pronounce it. Enter our charming Cockney Gecko to clarify.
Today you’d be hard-pressed to find someone who doesn’t know GEICO. But how many know what a solid and successful company GEICO is? Again we call on our small scaly friend.
In our new campaign, “The Serious Side of the Gecko,” we take the Gecko from his normal position, reporting on location for GEICO, and bring him into the office. And even give him a suit.
Part of his job is to spread the word that GEICO, owned by Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway Inc., is now the third-largest insurance company, has a AAA rating for financial strength from Standard & Poor's, and has earned a 97% customer service satisfaction rate. In his downtime, he can still charm the ladies and carry on his life as one of America’s most-loved spokescreatures.
Cavemen tormented by GEICO media buys
In the 2008 installment of the Caveman saga, our Neanderthals continue to be haunted by the caveman stereotype perpetuated by GEICO. Whether it’s at the beach under a huge GEICO airplane banner or at a GEICO-saturated tennis match with Billie Jean King, our reluctant stars simply can’t escape the promotional heft of the car insurance giant. Even when approaching two fetching female admirers, a GEICO motorcycle ad inevitably spoils the mood.
In an interesting twist of fate, ESPN is even using the disgruntled and put-upon Cavemen to promote their fantasy sports leagues. Maybe that will finally make them happy since, in those spots, there’s not a GEICO reference to be found.
GEICO Is a Real Car Insurance Company. Here to Tell Its Story Is The Martin Agency.
The Gecko and cavemen have become stars unto themselves, but one of GEICO's most loved (and most-spoofed) campaigns relies on a B-list-star-studded lineup. In last year's testimonials campaign, Little Richard, Charo and others helped real GEICO customers tell their stories. This year, Joan Rivers, Peter Frampton and other formerly heralded stars join the celebrity translating team...with James Lipton literally on the verge of making a splash!