I love this rock climbing Citibank commercial! But every time I watched it, I kept wondering:

1. Is it REAL?, and
2. WHO in the world is singing that song?

So, I finally looked it up.

1. Yes, it is real. It’s filmed on a rock called “Ancient Art.” Located just outside of Moab, Utah, the single rock formation is shaped from hundreds of years of wind blowing sand across and around the spire in the desert. The commercial features two real-life professional climbers: Katie Brown and Alex Honnold. They are not “actors” nor “stunt” people. They’re both accomplished in the sport of climbing and arguably some of the best at what they do.
2. And the song is titled “Into the Wild” by LP. What an amazing voice.

I love everything about this commercial! A song I am absolutely obsessed with. The authenticity of climbing the rocks as well as using “real” climbers. Even the use of double entendres with the belt, nylons, shoes and rock purchased, challenges typical stereotypes of women. Oh, and in case you didn’t catch it, the girl not only conquers the rock, she buys and pays for everything – including the trip.

Be sure to check out this Business Insider article by Jason Edwards where the agency told exactly how they created the ad, from casting the rock climbers to getting a helicopter to circle around the rock for two days, waiting for that perfect moment

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Stephanie Holland is President and Executive Creative Director for Holland + Holland Advertising,Birmingham, AL. Working in an industry that is dominated by men, she is one of only 3% of the female creative directors in the country. Stephanie works mostly with male advertisers, helping them successfully market to women. Subscribe to She-conomy by Email
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Filed under: Examples of Bad/Good Advertising, Marketing to Single Women, Marketing to Women