Buzby: Snowman

1978
Sound
1m

Cartoon advert for BT that will have you walking in the air.

Buzby the bird was the face (and beak) of British Telecom for over a decade, but few appearances were as effective as this one. This beautifully crafted advert was typical of the high quality of animation that appeared in British advertising in this period, when it was properly resourced. It was produced at Dragon Productions by Sergio Simonetti.

Advertisement for British Telecom. Buzby wakes from hibernation and remembers
just in time to telephone his friend the snowman before the latter melts.

Commercial Television

The launch of ITV on 22 September 1955 brought advertising to the small screen. Commercial television spread rapidly across the country, inviting the salesperson into every living room.

This collection shows how some advertisers struggled to find the right voice and formats for the new medium, while others hit the ground running. Look out for rare examples of the shortlived 'admags' - banned in 1962 for blurring the distinction between programmes and adverts.