Super Bowl XLVI · February 5, 2012 · BBDO New York

M&M's: Just My Shell

Complete Production Credits

At a party, a brown-shelled M&M is mistaken for being naked. The red M&M tears off its candy shell and dances to "Sexy and I Know It" by LMFAO — one of the funniest Super Bowl ads of 2012.

Air Date
Feb 5, 2012
Game
Super Bowl XLVI
Achievement
Funniest Ad 2012
Featured Credit
Contributing Writer

Ken "Spanky" Moskowitz

Ken 'Spanky' Moskowitz contributed as a writer on M&M's hilarious Super Bowl XLVI commercial, helping develop the comedic concept and sharp dialogue that made Red M&M's impromptu dance to 'Sexy and I Know It' one of the most memorable moments of Super Bowl 2012.

One of the most-laughed-at Super Bowl ads of 2012 — Red M&M's dance became an instant pop culture moment

Founder, Ad ZombiesFounder, Wedgie CreativeFeatured Keynote SpeakerFractional CMOAdvertising Consultant
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M&M's: Just My Shell

About This Commercial

The Story Behind the Ad

At a party, the brown-shelled M&M is mistaken for being naked — because she is the same color as a human. The misunderstanding causes a stir among partygoers. In response, the red M&M decides to strip off his candy shell and dance to LMFAO's 'Sexy and I Know It,' declaring he is naked too.

The commercial brilliantly plays on the M&M characters' long-established personalities — Red's confident, comedic bravado and Brown's cool, sophisticated demeanor. The ad was perfectly timed to LMFAO's massive hit, which was dominating the charts at the time.

Created by BBDO New York, the commercial was one of the most-discussed ads of Super Bowl XLVI, earning widespread praise for its humor and the seamless integration of a popular song. It reinforced M&M's position as one of the most beloved and entertaining brands in Super Bowl advertising history.

Complete Production Credits

Everyone Who Made It Happen

Brand / Client

Mars, Incorporated
BrandM&M's (Mars, Incorporated)
VP, MarketingAllison Miazga-Bedrick
Brand DirectorSarah Long

Agency / Creative Team

BBDO New York
AgencyBBDO New York
Chief Creative Officer, WorldwideDavid Lubars
Chief Creative Officer, NYGreg Hahn
Executive Creative DirectorGianfranco Arena
Executive Creative DirectorPeter Kain
Creative DirectorDanilo Boer
Art DirectorMarcos Kotlhar
Contributing WriterKen "Spanky" Moskowitz
Head of ProductionDavid Rolfe
Executive ProducerDiane Hill

Production

Moxian Inc.
Production CompanyMoxian Inc.
DirectorPhil Joanou
Executive ProducerRhea Scott
ProducerAris McGarry

Post-Production / Animation

Framestore · Whitehouse Post
Animation / VFXFramestore
VFX SupervisorTim Webber
Editorial CompanyWhitehouse Post
EditorNeil Smith

Music

Featured Track
Featured MusicLMFAO — Sexy and I Know It
Music LicensingInterscope Records