This isn't the first time that a commercial shared the same creative DNA as music video — in fact, it's not even the first time for Apple, which had a similar issue with an advertisement that was close to a Postal Service video — and we've all by now lost count about how many music videos were clear homages or recreations of creative stuff from other media.
Amongst many things revealed at Apple's product launch this week, was a new iPhone and a promo spot for it that plays with perspective illusions — quite similar to the OK Go "The Writings On The Wall" video and created by the same production/creative team. Adding fuel to the fire is OK Go band manager Andy Schoun can cite specific conversations between the band and Apple about partnering on that video.
The most interesting thing to me — we've been over the legality and ethical issues about stuff like this before — is this is a hint at how dominant Apple is worldwide. OK Go's video has 10 million views and tons of press and even an MTV VMA, but that must pale in comparison to the marketing reach Apple has via all its platforms and advertising budgets. If it didn't, then there's no way they'd risk being second to a great idea — although you could claim that Apple's genius is not being the first to do something, but to be the best at doing something.
PS: Why has no music video ripped off this great Honda Perspectives ad from last year?
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