IRVINE, Calif. — Taco Bell has partnered with Gizmoz and MTV in search of three virtual consumer actors to star as animated talking characters in a 30-second Taco Bell television commercial.
The ad for Fourthmeal — the late night meal between dinner and breakfast — will debut worldwide during the MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) Sept. 9, 2007.
"Our 18 to 24 year old customers are all about creating their own videos and content online, and this consumer-generated 'avatarsment' gives us an opportunity to think outside the bun while getting them inside our ads," said Bob Fulmer, interim chief marketing officer, Taco Bell Corp.
Using Gizmoz.com's photorealistic avatars, consumers can audition for the Taco Bell TV Me! search by simply uploading a digital photograph. In less than a minute, their 3D lifelike head and personalized body is automatically created. Consumers can use a microphone to record their own voice for their 15-second, lip-synched audition. Auditions will be judged on personality, originality, overall appeal and ability to express oneself.
To access complete search rules, see sample Gizmoz 3D animated talking characters and to audition for Taco Bell's TV Me! promotion, consumers can visit Taco Bell's Web site. Taco Bell TV Me! participants also can view sample Gizmoz 3D animated talking characters as well as other auditions. After submitting their audition, users can send to a friend or post their Gizmoz on any blog, video site or social networking profile, or rate other auditions.
