BICster Vera Keiter's Aviation Gin Spot Toasts Leapers.

6/12/2020 Unknown 0 Comments



Those born on February 29th -- "Leaplings," "Leapers," whatever you choose to call them – only get to officially celebrate their birthday every four years. This year, Aviation Gin celebrated 84-year-old Arlene Manko's 21st birthday who finally hit legal drinking age in 2020 by not only giving her that long awaited first drink (a tall glass of gin and soda with a wedge of orange), but her own commercial: "Arlene's Big Leap." The spot, inspired by BICsters Vera Golikova Keiter (BIC '15) and Delilah Kim (BIC instructor), was a joint effort with their agency 160over90 and Ryan Reynold's production company Maximum Effort. The actor also owns a stake in the brand.



In the spot, Arlene claims she followed the rules and waited the 30,679 days until she turned 21 because you don’t get in trouble when you do what you’re told. She claims she’s no angel as she’s seen going into a convenience store and showing her ID dressed in various disguises. Once the day finally arrives, Arlene is ready to party. Watch the commercial here >>


Creative Partners Vera Golikova Keiter and Delilah Kim have been working together for years since meeting at BBDO. They were not only recognized in The Drum's 2018 50 Under 30, but have taught B3011 Multi-Media Executions in the BIC Creative track for the last two years. They're on teaching hiatus this Fall as they take on a new role at Facebook on the West Coast. 


The Aviation Gin project exemplifies how a strong strategic insight can lead to inspiration for a fun and unusually creative idea. In addition to the strategy and creative being totally in sync, Vera notes that they "got lucky with a brave and forward-thinking client who was not worried about legal and just went with his gut." The ad is a toast to all of those born on the same day of February 29th and "have had to patiently wait all these years to finally ring in their 21st birthday."