What combination is a more unique pairing than breadsticks and pizza?
According to Pizza Hut®, it is Carmen Electra and Marie Osmond. The pizza restaurant company
selected this unlikely duo to star in its new television commercial for Twisted Crust pizza, the biggest product launch
for Pizza Hut in 2001. The new spot features Electra and Osmond debating the ongoing Twisted Crust pizza question:
which to eat first, the pizza or the breadsticks?
The 30-second spot begins airing on Monday, April 23 on national
and cable networks during primetime. The Electra/Osmond spot is
one facet of the $70 million marketing campaign Pizza Hut has
prepared for the continued launch of Twisted Crust pizza.
On March 26, Pizza Hut unveiled the
Twisted Crust pizza. The new Twisted Crust pizza boasts a
revolutionary breadstick crust that surrounds a piping hot Pizza Hut
pizza. The seasoned crust is a flavorful, detachable breadstick that
adds fun to eating Twisted Crust pizza.
“Pizza Hut chose Carmen and Marie because they are an unlikely and unexpected combination, much like our Twisted Crust pizza,”
said Randy Gier, chief marketing officer, Pizza Hut. “In its first few
weeks of availability, our new Twisted Crust pizza has already helped
us achieve record sales levels. We are confident our newest
combination—Carmen and Marie—also will score high with consumers.”
The Great Debate
The spot opens with Carmen Electra and Marie Osmond in the waiting area of a casting studio expressing mutual
surprise about being up for the same part, again. While they are waiting, a Twisted Crust pizza is delivered. The duo
debate whether Twisted Crust pizza is pizza or breadsticks, while using the pizza’s characteristics to take personal
jabs at each other.
“Given our different styles, Carmen and I don’t have too many opportunities to work together. Pizza Hut was attracted
to our differences and thought we would be a great duo to promote Twisted Crust pizza,” said Marie Osmond.
“I had a great time shooting this commercial for Pizza Hut. Marie and I worked well together, and I certainly didn’t
mind eating all that Twisted Crust pizza!” said Carmen Electra.
New York-based BBDO developed the ad spots. Members of the creative team include: Charlie Miesmer, vice
chairman, senior executive creative director; Wil Boudreau, senior vice president, creative director; and Rick Midler,
senior vice president, creative director.
Pizza Hut also is making the Twisted Crust pizza spot available online through its Pizza Hut Lounge. Site visitors can
log onto www.pizzahut.com to download the celebrity spot.