‘It wasn’t your usual Super Bowl production’: Chipotle CMO Chris Brandt on figuring out the right tone for the Big Game

By Kristina Monllos

Chipotle didn’t set out to be a first-time Big Game advertiser this year. But the fast casual chain opted to shell out for the Super Bowl after hearing an idea from its agency, Venables Bell and Partners that it felt had suitable story, tone and cinematic approach for the big stage.

The brand is one among first-time advertisers this year along with DoorDash and Hellman’s. It’s a notable move, especially after other brands have adjusted their usual Super Bowl spends, including Budweiser. Digiday caught up with Chipotle CMO Chris Brandt to hear about making a Super Bowl spot amid the Covid-19 pandemic as well as how the brand managed to figure out the tone of the spot. CBS is reportedly asking about $5.5 million for a 30-second spot this year.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

Super Bowl ad production can be more intense than a typical spot. Production in general has gotten more difficult with Covid-19. How did that factor into the production of this ad?

That was certainly a factor when we were thinking about how and where we could get it done. At the time — and still — L.A. is in a bit of a lockdown. We managed to adhere to all the Covid regulations. A lot of [the shoot] was outside, which was a big help. There were also a lot fewer people on set than you’d find on an average day and particularly for a Super Bowl spot. We did a lot of things via video [conference]. You manage and find a way. It wasn’t your usual Super Bowl production in that you have more people on video and more of it shot outside. All of that added up and helped enable it to happen.

How did you think about the tone of the ad? We’ve heard that tone has been difficult to navigate this year.

Yeah, I think it’s a tricky year for it. This particular commercial is very much in the Chipotle brand tone — we’re telling people what we did and there’s an element of humor in the interaction between the brother and sister. That tone is not preachy. It’s just a fun way to tell people what we’re doing and an interesting way, visually, to tell people what we’re doing. But this is not a brand that would ever do a lot of slapstick comedy. I think those brands are a bit wary. We also didn’t want a heavy spot that would weigh people down. The tone is really important. We ended up with a spot with a nice balance that really fits Chipotle, which is probably the most important thing.

It seems like this year will have a bunch of first-time advertisers. Why do you think that is?

Everyone has to make their own decision. To your earlier question about tone, some brands have had tones — last year’s Super Bowl was very much a slapstick year. There was a lot of lower level comedy kind of tone. …read more

Source:: Digiday