It’s been over a decade since EDS’s Cat Herder commercial first aired during the Super Bowl, but I haven’t been able to forget it. Maybe it’s the Aggie in me that likes seeing the traditional longhorns of a cattle drive replaced with all of those cats, who knows? It still cracks me up every time I see it though.
The advertising folks over at Fallon have made some great commercials, but this is hands down my favorite one. It may not be the undisputed champion; however, I bet it earns a place in most people’s top 10 list.
Cat Herders, an EDS Commercial
Here’s the transcript from the commercial.
This man right here is my great grandfather. He’s the first cat herder in our family.
Herding cats. Don’t let anybody tell you it’s easy.
Anybody can herd cattle. Holding together ten thousand half wild short hairs — that’s another thing altogether.
Being a cat herder is probably about the toughest thing I’ve ever done.
I got this one this morning — right here. And if you look at his face, it’s just ripped to shreds, you know.
You see the movies, you hear the stories — it’s … I’m living a dream. Not everyone can do what we do.
I wouldn’t do nothin’ else.
It ain’t an easy job but when you bring a herd into town and you ain’t lost one of them, ain’t a feeling like it in the world.
(Text) In a sense this is what we do. We bring together information, ideas and technologies, and make them go where you want.
(Voiceover) EDS — managaing the complexities of the digital economy.”
Encore! The Airplane Commercial
As an encore to the Cat Herders commercial, EDS produced this Airplane commercial which also aired during 2000.
Curtain Call – Running with the Squirrels
This advertising campaign ended with another commercial called Running with the Squirrels that was aired during the following Super Bowl in 2001.
What Made This A Great Ad Campaign?
These three commercials make up one of the best TV advertising campaigns I’ve ever seen aired. They were unique, funny, memorable, and illustrated their messages well. Later this week, I’ll write in more detail why these commercials were so effective.
Tomorrow, I will share with you The Worst Commercial Ever. Cats are involved with the follow up to this campaign too. Any guesses?
What’s Your Best Commercial Ever?
What is your favorite commercial of all time? Why did you like it? Why do you think it was an effective commercial?
Article by Brad Harmon
Brad's Big Feet Marketing helps people on a limited budget enlarge their online footprint using blogging & social media. His other blog, Marketplace Christianity, examines faith's role in how we earn and spend money.
Brad has written 94 awesome articles for us at Bradley A Harmon
