Hey Coke: Party

1958
Sound

Party with a pre-fame Anna Karina in this early British Coke ad.

Don't be alone out there, we can't start the party without you. Whether it's the then unknown Danish model Anna Karina that gets the gathering going, or the ubiquitous Coca-Cola in everyone's hand, do you really want to miss out? This is one of the earliest screen ads Coke made for the UK market, with the future French New Wave star as its public face.

Check out the beach party and masquerade ball versions from the same series (also on BFI Player), and you will note some common trends. For example it seems to be forbidden to drink Coke from a bottle without a straw.

Celebrity Sells

A celebrity endorsement is one of the advertisers' most powerful weapons.

For generations, movie stars, television personalities and sporting heroes have all bought in to selling out. A famous face can trigger a string of associations that advertisers hope will reflect well on the product. And for new faces, an advertising gig can be the path to recognition, and a career which enables you to be the star turn.

Behind the camera, too, advertising commissions can kickstart a career or offer a lucrative sideline. Directors like Alan Parker, Ridley Scott and Hugh Hudson got an early boost from advertising work, and many continued to shoot ads long after they 'made it' in features.