Ricky Gervais has been branded a “genius” by his X followers after supposedly conquering the “perfect” marketing pitch in the only way he knows how – through comedy.
Earlier this year, The Office star announced he had purchased and created his own vodka brand, Dutch Barn, with Ellers Farm Distillery.
Promoting the product for the first time, Gervais posted an image of himself alongside crates of the Vodka on his X account and said: “Just dropped off 600 bottles of Dutch Barn Vodka at Costco in Watford. Always working.”
He was applauded for the fact he was working with British farmers at the time and now he’s recently unveiled another advert for the vodka.
During the 40-second clip – which was shared to Instagram with the caption “worst advert ever” – Gervais is joined by a “doctor” who quickly points out that he is an actor being paid for the shoot.
Introducing themselves, Gervais quipped: “Hi, I’m Ricky Gervais, co-owner of Dutch Barn vodka and with me today, Dr Patterson. Now this is an advert so you are not a real doctor?”
Ricky put on a skit about the dangers of drinking alcohol
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“No, no I am an actor,” the actor simply replied before Gervais joked: “Like George Clooney in E.R. So Doctor, can you tell us some of the dangers of alcohol?”
Reading from the clipboard in a monotone voice, the actor reeled off: “Well there is loads, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, liver disease, weakening the immune system, digestive problems, depression, violence and accidents.”
Ending the advert, Gervais simply pointed to the bottle which was sitting on a table and said: “Dutch Barn.”
Fans of Gervais were left in hysterics at the advert, with one commenting underneath: “Brilliant. Kudos to the creative for the script.”
“The best commercial for Vodka EVER!” another penned before a third added: “Well, the doctor definitely sold me on Dutch Barn. Sounds great!”
Another praised: “The timing is just brilliant, love it.”
“Revolutionary advertising!” an impressed fan wrote before a sixth praised: “This is top of the ladder, a guru. Genius.” (sic)
This isn’t the first time Gervais has used his comedy to intrigue his intended audience, as he joked the spirits could make him “hundreds of millions of pounds” – adding the environmental benefits were a secondary positive factor.
Ricky Gervais has been applauded for his marketing
Happy with the co-ownership, Ellers Farm Distillery wrote on its website: “The foundation of our story is built on the simple principle of balancing people, planet and profit.
“We understand that restoring and protecting our planet and treating people with respect is for the good of everyone.
“But let’s remember that we’re building a distillery and intend to have a little fun along the way!”