D-Wade, Chris Bosh, Candace Parker Ask 'Whassup!?’ For Bud Covid Campaign
Friday, April 24, 2020 at 03:05PM By Barry Janoff
Aprill 24, 2020: As part of Anheuser-Busch’s COVID-19 relief efforts, the company has unveiled a multi-platform campaign from its Budweiser brand staring former NBA stars and Miami Heat teammates Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, WNBA All-Star Candace Parker, actress (and Wade’s wife) Gabrielle Union and rap star DJ D-Nice.
The effort re-imagines Bud’s classic “Whassup” campaign from 1999 for the 2020 coronavirus situation, with friends supporting each other during quarantine via Zoom technology to say, “Checking In: That's Whassup!”
A lead spot broke on digital and social media during the NFL Draft, with a second version to come.
Budweiser is using the hash tag, #TogetherAtADistance, to encourage people to keep in touch, and will have on-gong live chats with stars connecting with people and “Whassup” merchandise giveaways.
Lead agency is VaynerMedia.
Given the circumstances in 2020, the creative finds the participants re-watchng previously aired games and events as no new games are being played.
Anheuser-Busch has joined here with The Salvation Army, which launched a nationwide hotline in April in response to "rising levels of anxiety, uncertainty, and fear resulting from the pandemic."
In the spot, Wade calls Bosh to ask ‘Whassup?” Bosh offers, “Yo, my guy. Whassup!? Just re-watchng some games, having a Bud.
Wade says, "I’m always re-watching old games."
A third person then joins the video chat wearing a goat head emoji.
“Oh, it’s the GOAT. Candace Parker,” say Bosh and Wade when she reveals herself. “Whassup!?”
“Nothin,” she replies. “Gave up on cooking, living on snacks, having a Bud.”
DJ D-Nice then joins in playing beats. They all start jamming but he decides to mute them.
Wade calls in his wife, Gabrielle, who beams, “Whassup!?” Which stars a barrage of “Whassups.”
Ultimately, Wade asks, “For real. What’s up with everybody. You staying safe?”
Bosh replies, “ Thanks for asking. Family’s joining great. Nice to see you guys.”
Following text offers, “Staying connected matters more than every right now. Checking in. That’s Whassup.
“Need to talk? The Salvation Army has trained staff available: 844-485-HOPE.”
According to Anheuser-Busch, “If you need someone to talk to, The Salvation Army has trained staff available for English and Spanish speakers every day from 9:00 AM-11:00 PM EST at 1-844-458-HOPE (4673).
"Callers are encouraged to leave a message if they call after hours.”