Friday, November 1, 2013

Cue The Slow Clap for Virgin America

We've all been through that painfully boring safety video at the beginning of a flight. Now take a second to think about the last time you actually watched it...it's been a while, hasn't it? I always talk to the passenger next to me, even if I don't know them, instead of paying attention, or maybe even start a Sudoku. But then, Virgin America changed the game. Their new pre-flight safety video presents the important information through song. Watch the extremely catchy video that was released on Tuesday below.


The innovative video was written and performed by YouTube sensation Todrick Hall. He's known by many as the guy who sings his order at McDonald's and Subway and other restaurants. He also is known for mashing up popular songs to tell a story. If you're interesting in seeing more of his work, you can check out two of my favorites: "CinderFella" and "The Wizard of Ahhhs," which features the well-known a cappella group Pentatonix.

"Cinderfella"

"The Wizard of Ahhhs"

It was only a matter of time until a company snatched up Todrick and made a killer song that was bound to go viral, so congrats to Virgin America for being the lucky one. What a genius idea to put a rap and hip-hop twist on the informative video. Directed by Hollywood blockbuster director Jon M. Chu ("G.I. Joe: Retaliation," "Step Up 2"), the video includes a plethora of talented dancers, singers and choreographers, some of which you may recognize from shows like "American Idol" and "So You Think You Can Dance."

Unfortunately, two days after the video debuted, a rule was changed by the Federal Aviation Administration. Now, passengers are allowed to use their cellphones from gate-to-gate to play video games and watch movies, as long as they aren't making calls. That makes the video already outdated, as one line asks passengers to shut off their electronics. Editing should fix that problem fairly easily. The airline is actually holding a talent audition via Instagram, and the winner will appear in the updated version of the in-flight safety video.

I am just so impressed with Virgin America. With a catchy tune that makes you want to get up and dance, this marketing is absolutely fantastic. I've never flown Virgin America, but I really want to after seeing this.

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