ITV has given the low budget social media video for Charlie’s Bar in Enniskillen a prime advertising spot just before the UTV News, after it went viral online with millions of viewers.
Originally launched on Instagram, the advert shows an elderly man suffering from loneliness before finding companionship in Charlie’s Bar with a friendly dog and its owners who join him for a drink. It ends with a quote from poet WB Yeats:
"There are no strangers here, only friends you haven't yet met".
The advert was commissioned by Una Burns, the manager of Charlie’s Bar in Enniskillen, and cost just £700 to make.
It will now reach even more viewers when it is broadcast on UTV on Friday 1st December at the top of the ‘UTV Live’ news programme, bringing the smallest of advertisers to the mass reach platform of ITV.
Simon Daglish, Deputy Managing Director, ITV Commercial, said:
“ITV's unique ability to reflect and magnify the goodwill and joy of Christmas is unrivalled, so this year we have been particularly touched by this advert which showcases the joy of belonging at this time of year. Charlie's Bar has showcased everything about Christmas that we love.”
Una Burns, Charlie’s Bar Manager, said:
“We are completely delighted, it’s just a dream come true for us, and we are blown away by the reaction. To have this aired on UTV alongside massive everyday brands is surreal. Hopefully this will help keep the conversation going about loneliness and the importance of friendship.”
Content Creator Aoife Teague, who made the ad for the bar said:
"I am completely overwhelmed by the response. I have had people from all over the world in Canada, America, and Australia reach out to me with messages of kindness, how touched they were, how it resonated, some simply sending good wishes. The video took 3 hours to film and around 20 hours to edit.
“Christmas can be a magical time for many, yet we often forget that it can be an extremely difficult time for others. It was important that this video shed light on those who may struggle during the festive season and to remind them that they are not alone.
“I am so thankful to ITV for the free airtime which gives us the opportunity to spread our message of kindness further and reach those who may not be on social media."