Football Manager 2008 trailer

**Miles Jacobson** · 09-10-2007 13:37

Right. Today's blog had to be postponed for various technical reasons, and was (and still will be) up at some time tomorrow instead.

The blog was to show a promo video for FM08 which I'm somewhat proud of - Frontroom (Sega's creative partner) have done a great job on it.

So, whilst it was postponed, someone forgot to tell the person who was uploading the video to You Tube. And seeing as a few people seem to have found it now, I thought it only fair to officially "leak" it here.

It's only the English language version for now - there will be French, Spanish and Italian ones too.

I hope you like it as much as I do. Feel free to give the link to whoever you want to as the only people who might mind are the people who should have told the youtube uploader to not upload it

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iOwybu4IhR0

**Miles Jacobson** · 09-10-2007 13:37

Right. Today's blog had to be postponed for various technical reasons, and was (and still will be) up at some time tomorrow instead.

The blog was to show a promo video for FM08 which I'm somewhat proud of - Frontroom (Sega's creative partner) have done a great job on it.

So, whilst it was postponed, someone forgot to tell the person who was uploading the video to You Tube. And seeing as a few people seem to have found it now, I thought it only fair to officially "leak" it here.

It's only the English language version for now - there will be French, Spanish and Italian ones too.

I hope you like it as much as I do. Feel free to give the link to whoever you want to as the only people who might mind are the people who should have told the youtube uploader to not upload it

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iOwybu4IhR0

**Martin Allen** · 09-10-2007 13:41

great advert, will SI be showing the advert on TV at any time or will it be internet bsed

**Blink2k** · 09-10-2007 13:43

That's really good, i like that

**Michael F** · 09-10-2007 13:43

sorry i wasnt really that impressed.

**Miles Jacobson** · 09-10-2007 13:47

mallen102000 - internet based. Too long for TV.

Michael Foster - what would impress you then? Dancing panda's playing guitars?

**DJdeMarco** · 09-10-2007 13:47

Love the Rudyard Kipling influence.

**DJdeMarco** · 09-10-2007 13:49

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Miles Jacobson:
Michael Foster - what would impress you then? Dancing panda's playing guitars? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I'd be impressed.

**Stonedroses** · 09-10-2007 13:52

ha ha ha
that was great!

Yes, I am! The Manager!

now where's the game?

**Tweaks** · 09-10-2007 13:54

i think the trailer need more action more power..but its ok..

**dannyboy24** · 09-10-2007 13:54

Your deservedly proud of frontroom, great ad, some people will say it's cliched, but it's not going to stop them buying th game, and will have a fair few people chomping at the bit just that little bit more.

Surely it's easy enough to edit down for TV no?

**Miles Jacobson** · 09-10-2007 13:56

dannyboy24 - nope. We've got an edit for some web ads, but that's still driving people to watch the whole vid. A shame, but such is life.

**How much wood would a wood chuck chuck** · 09-10-2007 13:57

Money spent on the ad could have been used towards bettering the game?

**DJdeMarco** · 09-10-2007 13:57

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Tweaks:
i think the trailer need more action more power..but its ok.. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I think you miss the point though.

FM is about class, not flash.

**DJdeMarco** · 09-10-2007 13:57

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by How much wood would a wood chuck chuck:
Money spent on the ad could have been used towards bettering the game? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

How?

**How much wood would a wood chuck chuck** · 09-10-2007 13:58

Ironing out some of the god awful bug etc?

**Gordon Comstock** · 09-10-2007 14:00

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by How much wood would a wood chuck chuck:
Ironing out some of the god awful bug etc? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>I don't think that any SI personnel were moved off QA to make this video, so that doesn't make much sense.

**How much wood would a wood chuck chuck** · 09-10-2007 14:01

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Andy Jordan:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by How much wood would a wood chuck chuck:
Ironing out some of the god awful bug etc? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>I don't think that any SI personnel were moved off QA to make this video, so that doesn't make much sense. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I don't really recall saying they were?

**Miles Jacobson** · 09-10-2007 14:01

Bugs are fixed by marketing money? Right......

Hey, I've got a good idea for this thread. Let's talk about the video and the subject, with constructive criticism or praise, rather than pithy, pointless comments

**How much wood would a wood chuck chuck** · 09-10-2007 14:03

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Miles Jacobson:
Bugs are fixed by marketing money? Right...... </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I do apologise. No need to get sarcy

**Miles Jacobson** · 09-10-2007 14:06

I thought there was a need. If we don't market the game, it doesn't sell. If it doesn't sell, then there aren't any more.

**Dreaded Walrus** · 09-10-2007 14:07

To be honest, I actually really enjoyed it, after expecting it to be quite poor from the opening two seconds or so (screaming fan). Captured quite a few of the things that many of us love about the game, explaining them as really short little FM Stories. Nice one.

**dannyboy24** · 09-10-2007 14:07

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by How much wood would a wood chuck chuck:
Money spent on the ad could have been used towards bettering the game? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Fact is Sega will have allocated a certain budget for promoting the game, that includes things like this, it's not money that would otherwise have been spent on more testing and development or something, if it wasn't spent on this it would have been spent on other promotional materials, or just not spent at all.

**BBB** · 09-10-2007 14:07

I like it, it's pretty cool.

**How much wood would a wood chuck chuck** · 09-10-2007 14:07

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Miles Jacobson:
Bugs are fixed by marketing money? Right......

Hey, I've got a good idea for this thread. Let's talk about the video and the subject, with constructive criticism or praise, rather than pithy, pointless comments

</div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Fair play, not a fan of the video.

It didn't have the added edge to pull me in, make me feel part of it and the most important thing, make me want to buy the game (that could also be down to, in my view, a poor demo).

As was said earlier, needs more power, more action, more....ummpphhh.

**Jimbokav1971** · 09-10-2007 14:10

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by DJdeMarco:
Love the Rudyard Kipling influence.

</div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Is that who wrote the poem it was based on?

**Cigol** · 09-10-2007 14:11

This kind of promotional video would work better (in my opinion, and not through any market research knowledge) as a teaser for an upcoming version rather than as a trailer for an imminent release.

I have the demo in front of me, I'm not playing it. I'm waiting for the full version.

Obviously not to diminish the work done, I think it's pretty fantastic - I just think I personally would have been more appreciative if this was something I could soak in a lot earlier (especially as it doesn't offer anything directly related to the game).

If you see what I'm saying!? Anyway, congrats. It's an extremely professional and nice piece of work you have there.

**aaberdeenn** · 09-10-2007 14:11

Quality.

Wp Sports Interactive. Looking forwards to the game.

**Miles Jacobson** · 09-10-2007 14:13

Jimbokav1971 - yes.

Cigol - thing is, it's not really aimed for those on here who already know about the game. The idea is that people see it who don't know that the demo is out, as the people who here about it first send the links to friends and stuff.

I agree that it would have been great to have it earlier - there are so many reasons why it wasn't, but now it's here, I'm very happy...

**Dreaded Walrus** · 09-10-2007 14:14

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Jimbokav1971:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by DJdeMarco:
Love the Rudyard Kipling influence.

</div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Is that who wrote the poem it was based on? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/If%E2%80%94

**Jimbokav1971** · 09-10-2007 14:15

If

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you;
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or being hated, don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise:

If you can dream -- and not make dreams your master;
If you can think -- and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two imposters just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build 'em up with worn-out tools;

If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breathe a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on!"

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with kings -- nor lose the common touch,
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run --
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And -- which is more -- you'll be a Man, my son!

</div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Quality

.

Poem and advert.

**DJdeMarco** · 09-10-2007 14:16

When did The great Mr Kipling (not the one who bakes exceedingly good cakes) ever need more pizzazz.

I really liked the video. It had a touch of quiet confidence about it.

Almost like it was holding the best bits back purposefully in order to let the imagination fill in the blanks.

No flashy gadgets
No flipping nonsense
John Sm .... sorry, FM.

**DJdeMarco** · 09-10-2007 14:20

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Jimbokav1971:

Quality

.

Poem and advert. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

It is indeed.

I am not a fan of poetry generally as, more often than not, it is contrived tripe but this is always one that will stick with me.

**Jimbokav1971** · 09-10-2007 14:22

At the risk of turning this into "poetry corner" I've always liked the one that goes on about a corner of a foreign land that will forever be.... England, (or similar).

Going to have a look now

.

**cms186** · 09-10-2007 14:25

nice, I always feel that Black and White vids are either hit or miss, this is a hit, very classy.

**Jimbokav1971** · 09-10-2007 14:25

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">If I should die, think only this of me:

That there's some corner of a foreign field

That is for ever England. There shall be

In that rich earth a richer dust concealed;

A dust whom England bore, shaped, made aware,

Gave, once her flowers to love, her ways to roam,

A body of England's, breathing English air,

Washed by the rivers, blessed by the suns of home.

And think, this heart, all evil shed away,

A pulse in the eternal mind, no less

Gives somewhere back the thoughts by England given;

Her sights and sounds; dreams happy as her day;

And laughter, learnt of friends; and gentleness,

In hearts a peace, under an English heaven.

Rupert Brooke (1887-1915)
</div></BLOCKQUOTE>

**Bud The Weiser** · 09-10-2007 14:27

Lovin that ad quality work guys

**Michael F** · 09-10-2007 14:30

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Jimbokav1971:
Quality

.
Poem and advert. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Quite funny when Mike Bassett reads that poem on Mike Bassett: England Manager & finishes and says "England will be playing four-four ****ing two" and walks out of the press conference. Should of had that in the FM ad tbh

**Nadessico** · 09-10-2007 14:31

Miles, permisson to send this video as a guide to Davie Moyes, we might actually deserve to win for once that way

**DJdeMarco** · 09-10-2007 14:34

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Jimbokav1971:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">If I should die, think only this of me:

..............

Rupert Brooke (1887-1915)
</div></BLOCKQUOTE> </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Very heartfelt.

From reading it and the dates he lived between, I would assume that this was written on the battlefield during world war one.

With this in mind, it gives me a picture of a man with courage. He knew he was not far from death but had the power within to accept it and fight for a brighter future for others that will live on after him.

Poetry corner it is then.

Sure beats the usual bickering.

**Frankie 7** · 09-10-2007 14:37

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Right. Today's blog had to be postponed for various technical reasons, and was (and still will be) up at some time tomorrow instead.

The blog was to show a promo video for FM08 which I'm somewhat proud of - Frontroom (Sega's creative partner) have done a great job on it.

So, whilst it was postponed, someone forgot to tell the person who was uploading the video to You Tube. And seeing as a few people seem to have found it now, I thought it only fair to officially "leak" it here.

It's only the English language version for now - there will be French, Spanish and Italian ones too.

I hope you like it as much as I do. Feel free to give the link to whoever you want to as the only people who might mind are the people who should have told the youtube uploader to not upload it </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Now if that doesn't get the the blood flowing through the veins, Nothing will.

**NickBlues** · 09-10-2007 14:43

Loved it- spine tingling

**Fieldsy** · 09-10-2007 14:43

Really like the advert. Very different to the comedy element of FM2005.

**Jimbokav1971** · 09-10-2007 14:52

Let's be honest.

It's a serious game and deserved a serious ad.

**pandaLUFC** · 09-10-2007 14:55

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Miles Jacobson:
mallen102000 - internet based. Too long for TV.

Michael Foster - what would impress you then? Dancing panda's playing guitars? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Call me...

**KK2003** · 09-10-2007 14:59

Very good that was.

**Blavdes** · 09-10-2007 15:03

TBH it didn't do a lot for me. Not sure what constructive criticism entails exactly, so i'll just say the voice was a bit weak, not inspiring (Sean Bean has the voice and would get the passion across - but costs and everything come into it) And the wording really didn't seem to flow.

I'm sure many hours went into it, but it came across as if the script was hastily written and then the voice actor was shoved in front of a microphone at the last minute.

The idea was spot on, no worries with that; it embodies all that being a football manager is about with the right kind of voice thrown over to try and capture the audience, but overall that extra edge in quality was lacking for me, sorry.

**jjnjnkj@hotmail.com** · 09-10-2007 15:04

The video reminds me to much of the Mike Bassett film.

I'm gonna have to watch that film agan now.

Quality vid BTW.

**Matthew Le God** · 09-10-2007 15:08

Is the voiceover guy Ralph Ineson?

Was the inspiration the film Mike Bassett: England Manager?

**Jimbokav1971** · 09-10-2007 15:12

I can picture tha ctor but I can't name him.

A long face and mousey hair.

Quite a tall skinny bloke with a biggish hooter.

**Jimbokav1971** · 09-10-2007 15:14

Yes.

**Matthew Le God** · 09-10-2007 15:14

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Jimbokav1971:
I can picture tha ctor but I can't name him.

A long face and mousey hair.

Quite a tall skinny bloke with a biggish hooter. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Ralph Ineson who was Chris Finch in The Office

thats my guess

**Beret83** · 09-10-2007 15:14

uh oh........it wont load up for me.......hell!!
Is anyone else finding this?!

**Jimbokav1971** · 09-10-2007 15:15

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Jimbokav1971:
Yes. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Yorkshire's Barry White.

ROFL

.

**aaberdeenn** · 09-10-2007 15:26

Oh and the poem is fffb.

**Jimbokav1971** · 09-10-2007 15:28

The England rugby team used it as an advertising tool back in the early days when Clive Woodward took over. Must have been about 2001.

**DJdeMarco** · 09-10-2007 15:28

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Beret83:
uh oh........it wont load up for me.......hell!!
Is anyone else finding this?! </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

It's fine for me.

Which browser are you using?

Have you installed the flash player and Java?

**Blackcats** · 09-10-2007 15:46

i wasnt expecting much to be honest (no idea no why sorry lads) but that was class, got goosebumps watchin it lol

**sebsy** · 09-10-2007 15:47

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Miles Jacobson:
Bugs are fixed by marketing money? Right......

Hey, I've got a good idea for this thread. Let's talk about the video and the subject, with constructive criticism or praise, rather than pithy, pointless comments

</div></BLOCKQUOTE>

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Miles Jacobson:
Michael Foster - what would impress you then? Dancing panda's playing guitars? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Well played

**sebsy** · 09-10-2007 15:52

Oh and btw, it's an ok advert but far too long imo.

Could easily be at least half that length, it just goes on for far too long.

**Falcon21** · 09-10-2007 20:12

I loved it. Fantastic!

**The Amazing Dale Watkins** · 09-10-2007 21:53

Quality production but oh so dramatic. Don't take yourself too seriously, guys; it doesn't really befit a game like this. If it brings fresh blood to the game I'm all for it, but it kinda raises expectations to an unrealistic level, because the game is nothing like this.

**lee50_10** · 09-10-2007 22:49

cool nice trailer

**Theres only one GV!** · 09-10-2007 23:51

Very good, I think anyone who thinks it sucks erm sucks!
Yeah it might be dramatic but fm can be too.
last day of the season you could be champ. you are drawing then you win! That is drama. Thats football manager My son!

**superayrunited** · 10-10-2007 00:13

I really liked that. Shame it won't be on the TV though.

**Taz & The Devil** · 10-10-2007 00:43

Got to be honest, it bored me stupid. I didnt like trailer at all and if i was a someone who had never played FM before seeing it i wouldnt be playing it after either. Seems everyone else likes it though.

Can we not have the sheep dog back, that was class.

**The Eagleman** · 10-10-2007 00:52

I thought it was great, well done to all.

**msteuk** · 10-10-2007 01:29

In fairness it's a decent ad. It does what it's meant to do, which is make you want to play FM. Got to say though, the acting with the manager doing the celebratory fist-pump at the end is pretty funny.

Whether FM will deliver on all the things one anticipates from watching the ad is another matter...

**Hitesh** · 10-10-2007 01:30

Good trailer! Well made too...and it gave me something to watch while I'm at work so its all good!

**Super Bladesman** · 10-10-2007 01:38

Sweet.

**smileylad** · 10-10-2007 01:55

Nice take on Rudyard Kipling's poem 'IF' and it's even voiced by the bloke that played 'Finchey' in 'The Office', lol. Great job!

**Fulham_Mic** · 10-10-2007 02:02

Maybe you could have also used ...

If you can get your players to close down, when the match engine won't let you

Or perhaps ...

If you can get Milan to accept Â£100 million for a six month loan of there Â£12 million rated striker, when they claim the wage contribution is not enough

Or even ...

If you can tolerate 7 of your 11 key players being banned at least once before Christmas because of them gaining 5 yellow cards

And finally ...

If you can keep your job at Leeds, even when the board don't take into account the 15 point deduction when assessing your form

Then it would have fell in more with the game.

Just a suggestion.

-Mic

**Nick Habershon** · 10-10-2007 02:35

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by sebsy:
Oh and btw, it's an ok advert but far too long imo.

Could easily be at least half that length, it just goes on for far too long. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

War and Peace. Ulysses. The Iliad. Too long. Could easily have been at least half that length.

Basing an advert on a literary work means you do just that. Attention spans just aren't what they used to be.

**James07?** · 10-10-2007 02:44

Honest opinion?

It looks nice, butâ€¦

The original poem is mawkish, overly sentimental and overtly political. Really, whoever said we could â€˜agerâ€™ to the last line should have been laughed out of the room. Whoever then took that idea and decided to add incredibly clunky football related terms on top of it should never work in advertising again.

It would have worked if itâ€™d had all been a bit tongue in cheek, but it really doesnâ€™t give that impression. Itâ€™s a computer game. Itâ€™s meant to be fun. Itâ€™s isnâ€™t war. It isnâ€™t serious. Itâ€™s not a fundamentally important piece of art. As Dale said above it all seems too earnest and serious.

Also, it really doesnâ€™t provide any genuine impression of what the game is like whatsoeverâ€¦and as for the choice of voice overâ€¦blimey. Was Andrew Lincoln busy that day? I assume this fella was picked because heâ€™s associate with football via the skybet adverts? Pity, as WCR pointed out that for your primary target audience heâ€™s mainly known as a stupid, bigoted bully?

**Nick Habershon** · 10-10-2007 03:27

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by James07?:
Honest opinion?

It looks nice, butâ€¦

The original poem is mawkish, overly sentimental and overtly political. Really, whoever said we could â€˜agerâ€™ to the last line should have been laughed out of the room. Whoever then took that idea and decided to add incredibly clunky football related terms on top of it should never work in advertising again.

It would have worked if itâ€™d had all been a bit tongue in cheek, but it really doesnâ€™t give that impression. Itâ€™s a computer game. Itâ€™s meant to be fun. Itâ€™s isnâ€™t war. It isnâ€™t serious. Itâ€™s not a fundamentally important piece of art. As Dale said above it all seems too earnest and serious.

Also, it really doesnâ€™t provide any genuine impression of what the game is like whatsoeverâ€¦and as for the choice of voice overâ€¦blimey. Was Andrew Lincoln busy that day? I assume this fella was picked because heâ€™s associate with football via the skybet adverts? Pity, as WCR pointed out that for your primary target audience heâ€™s mainly known as a stupid, bigoted bully? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Was it an unintentional tautology to describe it as mawkish and overtly sentimental? As for 'overtly political', I would be interested to see what you mean by this. Are you referring to Kipling himself, the poem, his poetry? You are of course entitled to your opinion though.

I personally think this is reading way too much into it and changing it into something it's not. It is modelled on a famous poem, as has already been mentioned countless times, and is not intended as anything else but that. It attempts to convey some of the trials and tribulations associated with managing a football team. As with the original, it is all about motivation and inspiration. Also key attributes of football management, would you not agree? As for the comments about the voice-over. You can make any associations you like but at the end of the day it's a voice-over by an actor. No silly walks, no comic gags and certainly no role/character association as you seem to be insinuating by referring to 'stupid, bigoted bully'.

This sort of thing can be fun until it's over-analysed. Take it at face value.

**James07?** · 10-10-2007 03:34

mawkish=bland (I know it's not the normal definition but I'm trying to wriggle).

The peom is about the Jameson Raid which led to the 2nd Boer War, so yes, it's political.

The actor has a very recognisable voice. Almost anyone hearing it will think 'ahh, the idiot from the office'.

As for the 'fun' thing...the advert itself isn't fun. It's not designed to be fun. That's why I don't think it works. It should be fun. It's a computer game.

**James07?** · 10-10-2007 03:35

saying that, if I'm missing some underlying tongue in cheek comedy that underpins the entire thing, then fair play.

**msteuk** · 10-10-2007 03:45

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by James07?:
As for the 'fun' thing...the advert itself isn't fun. It's not designed to be fun. That's why I don't think it works. It should be fun. It's a computer game. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Adverts for games like Call of Duty and Medal of Honour play on the seriousness and sentimentality of war. They certainly don't make war seem 'fun', strictly speaking. But they work.

As for the political thing, I don't think it's a fair critique to say, 'It's all well and good referencing Kipling, but this advert really doesn't get to grips with the Boer War context that Kipling's work is entrenched in'. The advert shouldn't be expected to do that, and that, if you like, might be the fun aspect you're looking for: messing around with a Kipling poem, putting it in an entirely unfamiliar context.

And I'd disagree with the poem being 'overtly' political in the first place.

**James07?** · 10-10-2007 04:05

adverts that I've seen for things like CofD usually show people shooting stuff, things blowing up etc etc which by their very nature are fun for the target audience?

I've not said that the advert needs to take the context of the original poem into account...

How can a poem inspired by a individual who led a raid intended to overthrow a government not be seen as political?

**leftback in the changing room** · 10-10-2007 04:22

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">
I hope you like it as much as I do. Feel free to give the link to whoever you want to as the only people who might mind are the people who should have told the youtube uploader to not upload it

</div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Well personally I really, really liked it! "You'll be a manager my son" indeed!

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Michael Foster - what would impress you then? Dancing panda's playing guitars? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

That can be easily resolved by getting the Flaming Lips to do the soundtrack next time.

**msteuk** · 10-10-2007 04:23

It's the 'overtly' thing I'm taking issue with. There's no overt political content at all.

**leftback in the changing room** · 10-10-2007 04:29

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by James07?:
The peom is about the Jameson Raid which led to the 2nd Boer War, so yes, it's political.

The actor has a very recognisable voice. Almost anyone hearing it will think 'ahh, the idiot from the office'. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I take it that you are not leading the calls for the England football team to run out to "Jerusalem" then

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">As for the 'fun' thing...the advert itself isn't fun. It's not designed to be fun. That's why I don't think it works. It should be fun. It's a computer game. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Who said computer games are fun? Computer games are distractions designed to engender competetiveness and demonstrate technical capability. 'Fun' is an undefinable abstract concept.

And taken at face value, it is a suitable homage to a classic popular poem, reproduced for a market of football management simulation fans.

**msteuk** · 10-10-2007 04:32

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by James07?:
adverts that I've seen for things like CofD usually show people shooting stuff, things blowing up etc etc which by their very nature are fun for the target audience? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Must be different to the one's I've seen. The one I can remember well was a MoH ad which showed non-shooty scenes from the game set to the recital of a Wilfred Owen poem.

**Alurny** · 10-10-2007 04:39

Amazing advert as posted in the other thread. Inspiring! Will it get on TV?

**erikvandoezum** · 10-10-2007 04:52

Pity the standard Hollywood voice was missing

Could have been something like,

"this october, a story about a man who faces his dreams, wolflike media attention and a horrible board... he faith of his team rests solely in his hands... and he has only ninety minutes..."

No jokes, Miles it looks very nice! Even though I have been playing the demo this made me even more eager to get the real deal!!

**Ter** · 10-10-2007 04:52

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">As for the 'fun' thing...the advert itself isn't fun. It's not designed to be fun. That's why I don't think it works. It should be fun. It's a computer game </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Maybe we should just forget trying to do something different and stick with the farmer and his dog forever.

**erikvandoezum** · 10-10-2007 04:53

Oh yeah and I also kind of like the panda idea

**Law_Man** · 10-10-2007 05:04

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Miles Jacobson:
Right. Today's blog had to be postponed for various technical reasons, and was (and still will be) up at some time tomorrow instead.

The blog was to show a promo video for FM08 which I'm somewhat proud of - Frontroom (Sega's creative partner) have done a great job on it.

So, whilst it was postponed, someone forgot to tell the person who was uploading the video to You Tube. And seeing as a few people seem to have found it now, I thought it only fair to officially "leak" it here.

It's only the English language version for now - there will be French, Spanish and Italian ones too.

I hope you like it as much as I do. Feel free to give the link to whoever you want to as the only people who might mind are the people who should have told the youtube uploader to not upload it

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iOwybu4IhR0 </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Really well done on this, I reckon it will definately catch on once it hits people's facebook's etc. Snippits surely could be cut for the odd TV/Radio add too.

The only only only slightest way of making it better would have been to get the real Sean Bean for the voiceover...!

KUTGW

**leftback in the changing room** · 10-10-2007 05:18

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Ter:
<snipped>

Maybe we should just forget trying to do something different and stick with the farmer and his dog forever. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Is that an Easter Egg in FM08?

**Naryana** · 10-10-2007 05:31

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by James07?:It should be fun. It's a computer game. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

To parody a Shankly misquote: It's not a matter of fun or enjoyment, its much more.

**Wasma** · 10-10-2007 05:51

looking back perhaps this previous advert for football manager was better

http://youtube.com/watch?v=ZY25fo_pt1g

**Jay_88** · 10-10-2007 11:25

I thought it was really good, don't think it was overly serious, quite a clever idea. Whoever's moaning about it is analysing it too much.

**Evon** · 10-10-2007 11:30

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Miles Jacobson:
mallen102000 - internet based. Too long for TV.

Michael Foster - what would impress you then? Dancing panda's playing guitars? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

What is it with you and pandas? You've already mentioned them in your blog.

**Sparky_07** · 10-10-2007 12:05

Its got a nice little touch to it sends shivers down my spine

**rslm_18** · 10-10-2007 13:44

Loved the ad Miles,btw,you should get an oscar for this...congrats.

**Miles Jacobson** · 10-10-2007 14:28

Evon - I like panda's. Is that a crime?

**Parmie** · 10-10-2007 16:13

Call me old fashioned by I thought an advert should advertise the product.

With FM08 being so close to FM07 you need to big up new features etc.

**Theres only one GV!** · 10-10-2007 17:31

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Wasma:
looking back perhaps this previous advert for football manager was better

http://youtube.com/watch?v=ZY25fo_pt1g </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
Very funny! i was sure that it was bleeped before though wasn't it?

**TopToffee** · 10-10-2007 19:54

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Miles Jacobson:
Evon - I like panda's. Is that a crime? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

i think that more or less depends on how *much* you like them...

**hoddle1404** · 10-10-2007 22:43

Fantastic trailer. Simple..inspirational.classic...It inspires us to play the game and manage the team to success...

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