Mr Men star in latest Specsavers TV campaign
Specsavers is launching a new TV campaign starring the Mr Men this weekend. Watch it here first.
The children's characters have been drafted in to help promote what Specsavers has dubbed its "biggest ever free offer".
The national TV ad, which breaks on Sunday, shows the usually cheery Mr Happy in an uncharacteristically miserable mood because he "should've gone to Specsavers".
The ad has been created by Specsavers' in-house creative team, which teamed up with Mr Men brand owners Chorion so it could use the colourful characters.
It is not the first time Specsavers has turned to familiar faces from children's television. In 2009 Postman Pat and his ubiquitous cat Jess featured in one of the glasses company's commercials.
Passion Pictures' Darren Walsh, who directed the Postman Pat ad, was handed directing duties again and had the tough task of keeping today's Mr Men faithful to the originals.
Specsavers said it was careful to handle the nigh on 40-year old Mr Men with care.
Graham Daldry, Specsavers' creative director, said: "Following the success of our 2009 Postman Pat campaign we expect ‘Mr. Men’ to have a similarly massive standout.
"The tone of voice fits perfectly with our other advertising: great offers delivered with genuine humour and warmth. The best way to get information across to people is to entertain them.”
Along with the TV ad the Mr Men will feature in a wider multimedia campaign for Specsavers, encompassing online, outdoor, press and point of sale.
Chorion marketer Esra Cafer said: "Going into Mr. Men’s 40th anniversary in 2011, it’s a fantastic way to celebrate some of Britain’s favourite characters."