Launched in 2017, the Voodoo Ranger series of IPA craft beers has become an important brand for New Belgium Brewing Co. These hop forward and occasionally hazy New Belgium beers not only taste great, but they have a great marketing effort led by the mascot Voodoo Ranger. You can actually read some of the creation of this skeletal personality over at Frost Motion’s website:
We started with the selected name, Voodoo Ranger. Initial sketches and brainstorming sessions had a focused intention, yet we kept everything open-ended visually as we began to look at a range of options. One crucial milestone came when it was decided that our character would be a skeleton. This was a call that would allow us to portray him in larger then life situations. He could now exist with the ability to operate outside of the realities of this world. This would allow us flexibility in the animation and production stages.
It is difficult to pinpoint all of the influences that inspired us throughout the development process, however it is worth noting that we embraced the 1960’s-70’s rock culture. We were also inspired by unassuming leaders (or witty anti-heroes) that emerged as inspirational icons, almost in-spite of themselves. This was a dynamic we would continue to explore in the written content.
The marketing around Voodoo Ranger has consistently caught our attention. Last year, the mascot even got an action figure, fully poseable with moving joints and a bendable waist so he can entertain in a variety of positions. Plus, there’s a detachable Voodoo Ranger IPA six-pack which you definitely won’t lose. Now, New Belgium is encouraging fans and film makers to create a short film with the action figure for its Pint Size Film Festival. The winner will get $5,000 and have their short premiere at the [adult swim] Festival. There are also second and third place prices for $3,000 and $1,000 respectively.
Pick up a Voodoo Ranger action figure in this Vootique and use PSFF to get $10 off (cause it’s a $20 figure). Our skeletal hero doesn’t have to be the star, but mini Voodoo Ranger should play a role in the movie’s story. The genre is up to you, but keep it PG-21, please. As the website notes: “He isn’t anatomically correct anyway. Poor fella.” Well, he is a skeleton. Official rules are right here. Now, enjoy some videos:
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