Parody infomercial hammers home anti-smoking message

 

 

WASHINGTON — Action on Smoking & Health recently launched an infomercial campaign behind its new faux product, The Wrinkler, which purports to add between 10-20 years of aging to a users face. Using all of the devices typical of an infomercial — scientifically-proven products, a doctor recommendation, a call to action and user testimonials — the mock campaign aims to raise awareness around the dangers of smoking.

 

"Big Tobacco often portrays smoking as exciting and glamorous, like in Philip Morris International’s Be Marlboro campaign. Through this parody video, we hope to illustrate the realities of tobacco use — that instead of making you seem cool and sexy, tobacco actually makes you old and sick," said Laurent Huber, executive director of ASH (Action on Smoking & Health).

 

The parody infomercial was released in advance of World No Tobacco Day on May 31. 

 

According to ASH, the video was created and donated by advertising creative directors Dean Hacohen and Hank Kosinski of New York.