In a genuinely quite pithy piece of work that was no doubt created in order to cash in on the excitement surrounding the latest season of Game of Thrones and its game-changing final episodes, Indian digital agency Chimp&z has figured out who each character from the hit HBO show would be if they were advertising professionals and/or clients. With perfectly selected quotes and bold vector graphics, it's a fun piece of work that underline's the agency's down-to-earth, quirky atmosphere. What reason it serves beyond being a clever piece of client-bait for the agency in unclear, but either way, I'm a big fan.
The agency said of the activation, which went live last week: “We wanted to create something fun. After a lot of creative brain farts we came up with an idea that merges agency life with the upcoming season of the show. Not only giving people in the industry content that they can relate to but also giving people from other industries a relatable insight into daily life at an advertising agency.”
Below I've given my own thoughts on the agency's choices, followed by their own reasoning. In many cases our opinions might differ, but this is probably more down to my own thoughts on the series/books than my opinions on how to run an agency.
Jon Snow as HR - Is it because he knows nothing or because he's really good with people? I'm going to go with the latter. Not only did the man with the perfectly maintained mane of jet black hair (in THAT weather) recently (SPOILER ALERT) come back from the dead, but he was able to bring together thousands of disparate factions to win back Winterfell from the evil Ramsey Bolton. Also, he's probably the only person in Game of Thrones besides Tyrion I can imagine sharing a pint with.
“This character, whether in the show or in your agency is loveable and extremely clueless. They always have no idea what’s going on but try to make peace anyway!”
Cersei Lannister as Creative Director - Everyone's most hated incestuous throne usurper might be evil as they come, but it can't be denied that she's not willing to do quite literally whatever it takes in order to get the job done. What's even more fitting is that, even though she has ruled over the iron throne with an equally iron fist for the last 6 seasons, there are still many out there who sympathise with her plight. Well. That is until episode 10.
“This individual, just like Cersei protects his team with every fibre of his being. Fearless and in a possession of power, they are a force to be reckoned with.”
Grey Worm as Art Director - With an honest heart that's only matched by the sheer ruthlessness of his spear and swordplay, the leader of The Unsullied nurses a kind soul beneath his blustery outer shell. He's also actually quite funny (when he lets his guard down) and there's a certain 'otherness' about him that I think makes him perfect for the Art Director role. The fact he doesn't have any junk doesn't factor into it at all. Honest.
“The chief officer of the Unsullied, he is responsible for his team and always keeps a watch on them, every minute of every hour of every day.”
The Unsullied as Designers - Designers are generally tasked with following demands and doing so without asking questions, a glib generalisation perhaps, but I honestly don't agree with this one so I'm clutching at straws. I personally think they should have gone with the flamboyant Sand Snakes of Dorne for this role. Or maybe I'm just a massive nerd who's reading too far into it?
“These talented bunch of warriors are extremely skilful in their field of battle. They are masters of their chosen art but their allegiance to their masters might not always work in their favour.”
Tyrion Lannister as Copywriter - As a copywriter myself there's no way I'm going to argue with this one, as Tyrion is not only the most popular character on the show, he's arguably the most popular character in all of modern television. Speaking for myself, it's true that I probably drink a little more than I should at the weekend (though my poison of choice is ale, not wine), and there's certainly a similarity when it comes to using our sharp tongues to save ourselves from sticky situations, but otherwise I think they were pandering a little here. Surely this role should have been saved for George RR Martin himself?
“Either you hate them or you absolutely love them. This team usually spends their time making witty retorts or drinking wine (burp) in fact I am cradling a glass of wine as I type this. You might love us or hate us, but you simply cannot ignore us.”
Mace Tyrell, Media - The Tyrells are definitely a savvy bunch, so perfectly placed for a career in media. However, I personally would have gone with Olenna Tyrell, played on the show by the inimitable Dame Diana Rigg.
“Just like the media department of any agency, this department is the master of coin. Unlike the accountant, they are the decision makers when it comes to transferring funds.”
Petyr Baelish, Strategist - OK, this one is far too obvious, but they really couldn't have given the role to anyone else. I do, however, feel sorry for anyone working underneath the man also known as “Littlefinger,” as he'd probably ask you to do some pretty despicable things, all in aid of his own self-serving purposes. So, he'd probably run the agency into the ground after a few weeks or indulge in some seedy corporate espionage and end up wheeled off to a nice white-collar prison, where he'd probably continue to scheme from behind bars. Whatever happened though, it would be fascinating to watch.
“No one can equal the IQ of this team. Their job is to work in the shadows and keep an eye on the happenings of the agency and they do a damn good job of it. They always stay on top of their game and make every situation work in their favour.”
Varys, Client Servicing - One of my favourite characters (and Tyrion's best friend), the genius eunuch we all loved to hate in season one spent the next 5 seasons proving that he was actually perhaps the most human character in the whole show. Also, he has so many fingers in so many pies and always does the best he can for whomever he finds himself in the service of. A perfect fit.
“Varys is the spirit animal of this team, just like the spider these guys are born strategists. In the show, they pass information from one party to another and they always have a backup plan!”
Three-Eyed Raven, SEO specialist - This one kind of speaks for itself right? The ability to see into the future and the past in order to guide the present? Classic SEO work. Though, as with the raven itself, SEO is perhaps not the force to be reckoned with it once once.
“Like the three-eyed raven, the main task of this team is to spread information all across the internet and help people find it.”
Ramsay Bolton, Client Number 1 - Joffrey would have been the more obvious choice here, but the sadistic former bastard (and current dog toy) is the bad guy of the moment right now, and we all know that the first client is never easy.
“This client won’t be content until he spills blood, sweat and tears.”
Melisandre, Client Number 2 - A little better than client one, and might JUST bring you back from the dead (the brink of bankruptcy) if you're lucky. But don't trust them for a second, and be wary of the fact that there might be more to them than meets the eye, and they're probably hiding (and disguising) a lot beneath the frills, the finery, the jewellery. And the boobs.
“This is a trigger happy client who either is on fire or loves setting things on fire.”
Sam Tarly, Intern - Poor old Sam. I believe in you Sam!
Benjamin Hiorns is a freelance writer and struggling musician from Kidderminster in the UK. His favourite Game of Thrones character is Bronn, because he's a foulmouthed badass.
