(See video below)
Super Bowl is the most widely viewed event in America. For my non-U.S. friends, it centers on a game played with a miniature zeppelin that only Americans (and Canadians, eh) call a football (Aussie’s have their own funny version, but then they have their own funny version of everything). Bottom line: it’s huge! I even gave my wife a Super Bowl-themed Valentine’s Day card this morning — after we’d watched our new hometown team (Bengals) narrowly lose to our old hometown team (Rams) last night!
Super Bowl commercials are watched by more people than the biggest superhero movies! For years, Doritos sponsored a contest. The winner not only got their home-made commercial seen by over 100 million people, they got a cool-ranch million bucks and a Hollywood contract to boot! So, when a killer Super Bowl ad idea popped into my head, I ran with it (note clever football reference).
The only problem was: my idea was big, really big, and my budget was small, really small. Like non-existent. It involved a British archaeologist in a mummy’s tomb and an ancient Egyptian court. So, as soon as I had my script about Doritos-loving Pharaoh Amenhochip the 48th, I started calling my talented friends and asking (begging) for help (we’d share the prize money)! 
Once Emmy-winning cinematographer Jeff Barklage and Lynn Meyers, casting director for every Hollywood movie shot in this region, came on board, we were half-way down the field. Then an in-demand editor, a brilliant costumer, a top make-up and hair designer, and a scenery-making genius who’d once built a styrofoam prison for The Shawshank Redemption all signed on. Finally, in a shameless act of self-promotion–and because I work for free–I cast myself as Pharaoh Chip.
But where could we shoot our little epic? Cincinnati is on the Ohio River, but to say it looks like the Nile would be an act of, um, denial. In addition, there are very few ancient Pharaoh’s palaces here. And then a friend told me that the Creation Museum—just 20 minutes away—had a full-blown Egyptian courtyard! Cue angelic choir! And so, for six hours before the museum opened, our cast and crew of thirty lit, staged, and filmed a 47-second-long golden age movie classic.
And now you get to watch it for free!
Out of over 8,000 entries, we were one of the three most watched videos, even receiving “favorite” status from several previous years’ winners! But alas, the Doritos execs did not give us the trophy. Nevertheless, it was one of the coolest experiences of my life, indirectly leading to my working on half-a-dozen feature films, and becoming part of a whole new team of super-pros.
Talk about a great Valentine’s Day gift!
I love it, Mitch! I can’t believe it didn’t win. Has it aired anywhere else? The Doritos people are crazy if they don’t want to use it.
No, just YouTube. There’s not exactly big market for un-used Doritos ads. The execs tended to go with a particular kind of ad, and ours was a bit more off-beat than the ones they selected. Thanks, Annie!
(What’s WRONG with those people?😏😉)
It should have won.
Phenomenal! The best ad by far. I’m a transplanted Ohioan, Columbus, now living in the frozen north, Minneapolis. Cheered for the Bengals. But they are inspiring. Especially for Vikings fans. The Vikes haven’t seen the Super Bowl for 47 years. Go Bengals. and Go Mitch. Great work.
Thank you, Les! Are you the same Les as the commenter below (that one showed up first)?
Dick,
A couple weeks ago, this guy gave me a really favorable comment on one
of my articles. I looked at his site and signed up for his emails.
This is what I just got. The back story on the Super Bowl ad is great.
Enjoy, zzzzzzzzzzzzz
Les
Hi Les, nice to hear from you. (My name’s Mitch, btw.)
Mitch, That was something I sent to a buddy about your ad. I was just turning him on to your site.Yes, I’m the one who started off Phenomenal … Technology is not my friend.
Ah, gotcha. And thanks again, Les.
HAhahah that is hilarious so that’s where the pyramids came from
I have it on good authority. Thanks!
Well done!
Thank you!
Best laugh and best Valentine today, so far!
Aww, thanks, Joy!
This is great!
Thank you!
Very, very clever! I loved it!!
Thanks, Liz!
Creative and entertaining. Love it! I don’t watch the Super Bowl so I miss out on the ads.
Better than any of the ones they had on last night…fantastic and clever idea!
Wow, thank you!
Your commercial should have won Mitch!
As to yesterday, Joe Burrow is still clutch. How tragic though for the receiver who took his eyes off the ball on the key Bengal down late in the 4th quarter. Hope it motivates him to be back next year, when the Bengals win the whole thing.
Oh, yeah, they’ll be back!
This was super Mitch! Thank you for sharing ✨✨
Thanks, Kamina!
You’re welcome Mitch!
Wow, this commercial is awesome! Great idea with all the details and so funny. Even though it did not win, it is an enrichment for everyone who watches it. Compliment!
Thank you, Erika!
Your commercial is a winner with me!
Great to have special needs pups featured…I’ll look out for the Youtube screening.
How cool!!!
Brilliant!
Mitch, this is fantastic! I love it! 😄🏈🥳
Thanks, Ellie!
Well done! 😎
Thank you!
I though Super Bowl was kind of like a Big Salad, ala Elaine of Seinfeld! 😁
;>)
Too funny Mitch!! You won over the toughest audience on the planet – (My wife) and I’m off to buy some Doritos right away…well soon….or maybe tomorrow! Thanks!!
Be honest, Pete: Would you have bought those Doritos anyway? ;>)
Great ad! I showed it to my husband he loved it! His comment was “So much better than the dumb on with the jungle animals this year” So add 2 more votes for your ad!! Those Dorito execs don’t know what they are doing!!
Thank you, Muri (not really sure what your name is)!
Wow! Fun and fantastic! 👏🏻
Wow. That’s so funny. I can’t believe you pulled that off. Congrats on all the views, Mitch.
Thank you, Diana.
That one is cool. I like it😊
A winner by my vote. I kept replaying to laugh again and again. Loved the line, “Who am I, a hamster?” Brilliantly executed, Mitch!
Thanks, Manette!
Love it! Wish they still held the contest!
Yeah, it was fun seeing all the entries. They’re back just one official big-budget Hollywood production now.
Love it!!
Brilliant.
Thank you.
Absolutely love this! Can’t believe it wasn’t chosen!
I remember that commercial! It was hilarious! Fantastic job, Mitch.
Thanks, Jimmy.
Well, I think it is becoming more and more popular in Europe.
I read in the paper that a lot of people stayed up all night to watch it (I didn’t. I’m not really into watching sports. 🙂 )and you can even bet on one of the teams.
Doritos is my favorite snacks
Pretty funny commercial
Used to buy them on lower offer from super markets
Mitch your probably American or English man judging from your first name
If I may what team do you support in soccer/football?
If you support any way?
My city has a pro soccer team Football Club (FC) Cincinnati. But honestly, I don’t really follow soccer.
Such a smart idea! Great commercial and it should have won!!
Thanks, Kathleen!
That was AWESOME! Those judges don’t have their heads on straight. You wuz ROBBED!
;>) Thanks, Russell!
I love the Doritos ads! Yours was hilarious and should have won. I thought their Super Bowl ad this year was #2. Honestly, #1 was the Boston Dynamics robots. That guy at the end is the owner. As you know, my class loves their robots.
Love them dancin’ ‘bots!
Me, too!
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Still lovin’ your style, Mitch 😂.
..even if it’s ruined your shot at being President!
Carry on!! 😎
;>) Thanks, Jim!
And, hey, what’s being President matter after you’ve been Pharaoh, anyway?
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ha ha ha Really Funny ROFL!!
Love <3 Always, YSIC \o/
Kristi Ann
Thank you!
What a brilliant commercial! Very funny.
so COOL! you were robbed.
It’s way cool and funny. I’m glad it was a good experience for you!
Thanks, Priscilla!
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