Episode 87 - Jeremy Craigen [Part 2]

Visuals: https://getbehindthebillboard.com/episode-87-jeremy-craigen-part-2

He’s back! Jeremy Craigen returns for episode #87, talking all things VW.

Jeremy worked on the brand as a creative / CD / ECD and Global CCO for over 20 years, winning endless awards with iconic campaigns for every model in the range, even getting a free appearance on Top Gear (estimated viewing audience 90million).

How did it feel to be the creative lead on such a prestigious account? Who were his inspirations? What is the essence of VW? And did he play as hard as he worked?

Jeremy tells all and more.

We found out how two creative teams independently came up with same Polo Cops idea. And how, for the same brief, King Kong was also in the mix and the client was persuaded to run it a year later.

The Polo Ice Car was another fascinating story … a press ad that became national news, involving a life sized car carved from 9.5 tonnes of ice. We also discussed the Surprisingly Ordinary Prices Wedding execution, which is still the most awarded print ad ever (facts by Neil Dawson).

Then there was Swear Box, Ele-pump, Cabriolet, Dr Who x3, Nightdrive and more. A phenomenal body of work. Thank you again Jeremy. It was an education. Apologies we didn’t have any booze, schoolboy error. Next time promise 🍷

We’ll close with a quote from Jonathan Hill, Former U.K. and European Business Director Volkswagen:

"Jeremy is the best ECD I have worked with for spotting a good idea. It might just be the one line in a pile of 100 scripts but he will spot it every time. And there is no one better at turning a good idea into a great idea."

Amen to that.