Eco warrior Dave Angel from The Fast Show has teamed up with Utilita Energy to call on Britain’s hard-pressed households to ‘Save Like Dave’.
With rising energy prices and growing fears over climate change, Top-10 energy supplier Utilita recruited Dave – played by comedian Simon Day – to make a timely return to educate the nation on how to save energy, so we can help people’s pockets AND the planet.
Dave will initially star in a number of sponsorship idents across TV channels Discovery, Quest and DMAX between 9pm and midnight from 18 October to 12 December.
Each one will provide a useful energy saving tip – delivered in a way only Dave can!
Our eco-hero will also be seen across digital channels, before a second wave multi-channel ad campaign hits TV screens, billboards and more, in 2022.
From his Essex mansion, Dave Angel commented: “I said it many years ago, ‘The world’s still turning, but we’re not learning’ and, quite frankly, I’m gutted that here we are - 25 years later! - and still bleating on about changes we need to make.
“So, I’m talking to you brothers and sisters - and I’m asking YOU to make a change. If you’re still wasting energy around the house, remember, the cheapest, greenest energy is the energy we don’t use.
“I’m talking about looking after your pocket and this beautiful planet we call home. Follow mine and Utilita’s energy saving advice, ’coz it’s a damned good place to start!”
This is Utilita’s first ever foray into TV and its Chief Marketing Officer, Jem Maidment, is delighted with the results. He comments: “We identified Dave Angel many years ago as the man to deliver these important messages. Yes, it’s Dave and, yes, he’s a funny guy, but make no mistake the messages are very serious and timelier than ever.
“We are not preaching to people – we’ll leave others to do that. I just want to try and bring a bit of fun back to our telly screens, even just for a few minutes a night, while delivering some sound advice!
“The work we have done with Dave will be really engaging and relevant and – most importantly – will help households do their bit for their pocket and the planet. This is a message for everyone – regardless of income or where they live.
“And we don’t care if they are Utilita customers or not – if they heed Dave’s sound advice, we’ll be happy. As, of course, will Dave!”
Filming took place on location in south-east London back in early 2020, with all concepts and scripting produced in-house by Utilita’s in-house marketing team. Utilita’s own Dom Stone, whose previous work in comedy includes writing credits on Radio 4, oversaw scripting and the wider project.
Utilita turned to comedy specialists Mister Tibbs to produce the campaign. Mister Tibbs have built their reputation delivering commercials and content to household brands like Comic Relief, Virgin Trains, Mitsubishi, Cadbury, The Guardian, and The National Lottery, and flagship broadcasters including the BBC, Channel 4 and Comedy Central.
Mister Tibbs’ founder Sami Abusamra stepped up to direct the commercial as well as a handful of social pieces. He comments: “When we were first approached about this project, I don’t think we could've said yes any quicker. I grew up watching The Fast Show, so to direct Simon Day - playing Dave Angel - was once-in-a-lifetime stuff. We can’t thank Utilita enough for bringing the project our way and can’t wait for people to see it."
Actress Amy Robbins – star of ITV drama, The Royal – will also be seen, playing Dave’s not-so-energy-efficient wife, Shirley in the upcoming advert in 2022.
Practising what they preach, Utilita and Mister Tibbs ensured the shoot was as sustainable and green as possible. Watch the video here: https://bit.ly/3oRo5fr
Dave’s energy saving tips are based on Utilita’s hugely successful, award-winning #energyhigh5 campaign utilita.co.uk/energyhigh5. Since launching in January 2020, it has reached almost 4m UK households.
