commercial for my arcade!

My only complaint is that I found it hard to read the words because the pictures in the background were changing so rapidly it kept drawing my eyes away from the text.
 
My only complaint is that I found it hard to read the words because the pictures in the background were changing so rapidly it kept drawing my eyes away from the text.

I agree, had to watch it twice. If you did 30 seconds I would put the font as an image between screen shots of games, my eyes kept going up, then down, screen would flash, they went up again

But I'd like to go and play some game for sure!
 
My only complaint is that I found it hard to read the words because the pictures in the background were changing so rapidly it kept drawing my eyes away from the text.

Not even so much that for me, if the text scrolled the screen to the left instead of the right it would be easier to read. A fast constant scroll would probably be better.

Overall a good spot, I would agree a 30 second spot would be better though if it's possible.
 
What was the game sound at 10 seconds in? Sounds freaking familiar but I cant place the name.
 
Some great feedback here. Will make some tweaks for the next run. Filmed it when the arcade was closed to not interfere with customers but a few customers might not be a bad idea.
 
The visuals and sound are great! A movie threater is a great demographic and psychographic match for your target audience...

Can I make some recommendations? I've been the marketing and advertising industry my entire life.

Like others said, the text should scroll from the right to left, it's easier to read. A shot or two of the place packed would be beneficial, too.

It's hard to fit a lot into a 15...

When using copy over video, you should time how long it takes you to read each sentence twice in reverse. This is because they are focused on the cool games and bright imagery, and you're asking them to read the text in a very short amount of time. Your visuals and sfx are powerful, let them do the heavy lifting.

Most people read their own writing much faster than others. For example - the second to last edit with your name, address, etc, is on the screen for two seconds. It takes me 6 seconds to read it backwards twice.

I would remove the text: "We have classic video games, pinball, air hockey and more" because they can see that, and you'll have more time for your location copy. You can leave it in your :30 tho.

Also when writing, make it customer-centric - that means the line "We have classic video games, pinball" becomes "You'll find classic games, pinball.."

Limit you font style to two styles - any more and it can look cluttered. Use the 8-bit font, but I would change the font of your address and URL to Myriad Pro or Tahoma to make it easier to read - it's the most important part of your ad. Make it big.

One last thing: Our place recently did a bit of advertising in theaters. Ask your ad rep how many other businesses are competing for the space, and how many times your ad will show before each movie. At one place, our ad was 1 of 35 that aired before the show started - and it got lost in the clutter. We were doing a text campaign (text WIN to whatever number for a chance at a prize) and the texting instructions were up for all of 6 seconds in a 20 minute span.

Congrats on finding a charismatic kid who did not dead pan the line with a vacant look on his face!

Best of luck, let me know if you have any other questions.
 
Nice! I think 15 seconds is about right - get your message across and get off the screen. I like it without a voiceover, but I think it might be more effective if you had someone reading the text as well - the rapid fire scene changes draw the eye and make it hard to focus on the text. Also, the text font is really blocky and gives a really home-made feel that clashes with the rest. If you keep the text, see if you can re-do it with another font.

I do think some footage with people at the machines would be good, but instead of going with random customers when you are open, get your friends over one evening after close - it's a lot easier to get friends and family to sign releases than random strangers! Given the rapid scene changes, I'd say it isn't fatal.

And keep the kid at the end - that came off really nice!

I love the idea of the theatre ad - I hope it works for you!
 
I run TV commercials all day as a master control operator... I actually like the 15 sec spot, I love the sounds, the video is good. Two things will help..
One, have a constant graphic on the top/bottom of the screen with your name/logo the entire spot, lose the other graphics, no one cares about those but your NAME is essential.
Two, pony up for a quick voice over where the voice says exactly WHERE you are located, very, very important! NO KIDS VOICES, you can never understand what little kids say clearly...
Fix these two things and just run the spot as a cheapo "rotator" spot durring late nights and off hours, if you really wanna go for it, buy a spot in your 6pm local newscast and maybe try to get free news publicity along with your paid spot!
No need for a 30, if you want better coverage, have it run as the first AND last spot in a local break block (like in local news). Repetition is key and even at $50 a run, it gets pricey fast! Good luck!
 
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