Earth Day, and when you SHOULDN’T plant a tree

22Apr11

“Everything is funny as long as it is happening to Somebody Else.”

~ Will Rogers (1879 – 1935), Illiterate Digest (1924)

Happy Earth Day! With the sun shining here in Spokane, and our thoughts on conservation and other “green” things in recognition of Mother Earth, it is easy to empower ourselves to grab our shovels and get to planting! No better idea, and no better time, right? Sieze the day! Well…

We’d like to introduce you to some offbeat characters, who are here to inform you about the importance of calling 811 before digging – ANY kind of digging: Even well-intentioned, tree-loving digging. Trust us, you’ll be glad you did.

Meet “Treelover”:

… And this isn’t just for homeowners. Contractors and other professionals should observe this law as well, and call to have all underground utilities marked at least two business days before any digging job:

Meet “Bob”:

You get the picture. This campaign of dark comedy PSAs follow the plights of three characters, “confessing” to the incidents  and social backlash that resulted when they didn’t call 811. Each character stars in their own PSA, and a fourth character joins them in a “group therapy” session. Commissioned by the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission, they serve as an important reminder as we enter landscaping season!

The shoot itself was a total hoot. Our talent was excellent, and our crew worked their magic to create an atmosphere both coldly serious and lightly comedic, and our client was a joy to work with. We can’t ask for more than that.  :)

Here are the final two spots…

Meet “Sportslover”:

Join “Group Therapy”:

We’d love to know what you think of the campaign, and to hear if YOU have any personal stories of digging projects gone awry or calling 811. Leave us a note in the comments below, and don’t forget…

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Tags: 2011, april 22, call 811, digging, earth day, plant a tree, safety, underground utilities, washington state