The Third Gecko 02/03/2006 I seem fated to do gecko posts. My first, entitled simply Gecko, was in praise of these close cousins to the chameleon. Then, in A Stray Fort or Two, I expounded upon my surprise but delight to discover in America a gecko that speaks with a London accent. This, of course, was the Geico gecko and he it is that occasions my third gecko post.Geico is a company dealing with car and motorcycle insurance and it seems to have been their name that led them to adopt the gecko as their mascot. It has been interesting to watch the little character develop in the company advertisements.When I first saw the Geico gecko, he was silent and unassuming, invariably being the companion of a large and rather dim insurance salesman who informed us of the delights of insurance. There was nothing to indicate that this quiet gecko was about to become a star. Geico did many commercials, the most irritating of which were their "I just saved a bunch of money on my car insurance" ones in which there was no sign of the gecko.But then a decision was made that proved to be momentous. The gecko gained a voice. And, wonder of wonders, he turned out to be English, his accent placing him immediately in the south east, either in London or very close to it. And, with the voice, began the development of character. I sat up and began to take more notice.Being an employee of the company, the little fellow had no option but to speak of car insurance but his style was warm and amusing, so that one could forgive him this. In a growing series of ads, he recruited other lizards to spread the Geico word, talking of such English matters as tea and "yer mum" but always bringing it back to insurance in the end. He beguiled both the lizards and us with his easy banter.His conquest was not complete, however. Geico continued to show us their alternative gecko-less ads, even adding to these with new ones. We were in two minds over the thing, alternately charmed by the gecko and then annoyed by the other mindless ads.The wheels were turning somewhere, however, and it now looks as though light has dawned at Geico headquarters. A new series of gecko commercials has begun and suddenly all other ads have disappeared. And now we are treated to close-ups of the illustrious gecko, allowing us to experience the full force of his charm.Who can resist those enormous, liquid eyes and lazy gestures as the gecko relaxes into his easy patter? Here is a true professional of the commercial world, a performer doing what he does best and entertaining us while he delivers his message almost unnoticed. There is no doubt about it: the gecko is a star.Being both a chameleon and English, I have to approve of his success. Apart from anything else, he has driven off those awful alternative ads from Geico, thereby striking a blow against the execrable average of advertising (if I have to listen to how Bob has enlarged his package once more, I think I'll smash the television).I predict that the gecko will go on from here to become an icon of the advertising world. And I should know. We chameleons are not entirely inexperienced in this field, after all. Everyone remembers the huge success that the Budweiser frogs experienced, but I would remind you that two chameleons watched their antics and considered usurping them.So here's to my little friend, the Geico gecko; long may he rule the airways. Let him be the living proof that, when it comes to advertising, nothing beats a good lizard. Frogs? Pah, mere amphibians...Technorati tags: Geico; Gecko; Geico gecko.
Clive
Mad Hmm a little too much time on your hands Dad? Oh and where's my political post? Date Added: 03/03/2006
Gone Away Hopefully this gecko will never clam up, Kathy! But you're right - he has a certain air of calmness that is very soothing. :) Date Added: 03/03/2006
Gone Away It's an American thing, Mad - you wouldn't understand. ;)
The political post is still being pondered. Still not convinced I want to do it but, if I do, it has to be good... Date Added: 03/03/2006
Boogie hee hee hee I really do want to see this gecko. Dad you should be his agent or something. Date Added: 08/03/2006
Mad Oi! shouldn't you be at school? Date Added: 08/03/2006
Gone Away You'll love the gecko, Boogie! He's really cute. :) Date Added: 08/03/2006
Janus He's cute...especially for an insurance ad. So where can I try Pie and Chips? Date Added: 13/03/2006
Susan I never seem to tire of seeing the little spotted gecko lick his eye. And in the one where the GEICO gecko is in the tree leaning against the branch; he almost falls --- so neat -- looks so natural and believable. And the way he says '"that was easy" when the little lizards on the ground take off in all directions after he has given them some tips. Priceless ! Advertising has become quite adventurous. Makes you wonder who thought of this idea from the very start. And if it was one person, or a team. I find this approach very innovative --- I always stay in the room when the Gecko makes his appearance----- so unlike the yelling people advertising cars --- wondering if this method actually makes a difference in whether or not some lame brain is motivated to shell out his hard earned money for the car. Also so much more appealing than the advertising gimmick one of our local tax preparers is using ... i.e. A person in a bluish green Statue of Liberty costume standing on the side of the road, waving to everyone driving by !! Takes all kinds ! Date Added: 14/03/2006
Gone Away Cute indeed, Janus. Pie and chips is not an easy thing to acquire in the States. The pie the gecko refers to is a meat pie, usually steak & kidney or chicken & mushroom, and the closest I've been able to get here is what you call a pot pie, basically a meat and veg pie. For the chips, you could try making them yourself - just cut a potato into chips rather larger than the usual french fry and then fry them until golden brown. But for the real thing (and it has to be steak & kidney to be real), you're gonna have to save your money, fly to England, go into any fish & chip shop and ask for pie and chips. You're unlikely to find it for free, however! Date Added: 14/03/2006
Gone Away I agree, Susan, that the Geico gecko is a model of how good advertising can be - entertaining, amusing and informative. Whether the hard sell of the car dealerships actually works, I can't say but must admit that they don't motivate me to get out there and start buying cars! We have those statue of liberty advertisers in Lawton too and I was very amused a while back to watch two of them, obviously bored with having nothing to do but stand around all day, start a mock fight that quickly became hilarious, with their dresses billowing out in the wind and crowns slipping over their eyes. Now, if they staged that every day, I reckon they just might sell a few more tax services. ;) Date Added: 14/03/2006
luvs geckos I'm googling trying to find out the name of the actor who gives the gecko his voice and found this site. The animation is first rate but the voice takes it over the top. "Its pie . . . (turns one hand) and chips .... (turns other) ... for free!" Perfect delivery. Does anyone know the actor's name? Date Added: 28/03/2006
Gone Away I've only just found your comment, Luvs - my automated notification system broke down a while ago and hasn't worked since. So my apologies for the lateness and also for the fact that I don't know who gave the gecko his voice, although I would love to... Date Added: 11/05/2006
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