Verizon Fios Tried Adding Hidden Fees to Items at a NYC Bodega

There’s something timeless about hidden-camera videos showing people’s reactions when they’re clearly being overcharged for a product or service.

It’s a gag that’s anchored scores of ads over the years, but keeps on giving in a new video from McCann New York for Verizon FiOS. The agency turned a corner store in New York City into a “Cornered Store,” then filmed real people reacting to absurdly high prices for ordinary items—thanks to dumb “hidden fees,” like the ones added to bills by cable companies that are Fios’ competition.

Their reactions never fail to amuse:

“Other cable providers charge extra fees, Verizon Fios doesn’t,” the brand says. “Mix and match on Fios, and know exactly what you’re paying every time—no extra fees, no surprises.” 

The campaign is running online and in social.

CREDITS

Verizon:
Diego Scotti, Chief Marketing Officer
Andrew McKechnie, SVP, Chief Creative Officer
Dave Bowen, VP, Marketing Communications
Colby Schneider, Director, Marketing Communications
James Hogan, Manager, Brand Creative
Olga Bermudez Paiva, Manager, Brand Creative
Emily Plunkett Fleischer, Broadcast Production

McCann NY:
Thomas Murphy, Co-Chief Creative Officer, New York
Sean Bryan, Co-Chief Creative Officer, New York
Matthew Curry, EVP, Deputy Chief Creative Officer
Dan Donovan, EVP, Deputy Chief Creative Officer
Nic Wehmeyer, Creative Director
Cody Timore, Associate Creative Director
John McAdorey, EVP, Executive Producer
Dave Herman, SVP, Executive Producer
Eric DJ BunnyEars Johnson, SVP Executive Music Producer
Dominic Whittles, EVP, Managing Director
Liz Der, SVP, Executive Account Director
Sue Han, SVP, Group Account Director
Justin Perrelli, Account Director
Christine Kappesser, Account Supervisor
Jordan Hamilton, Account Executive
Eloy Cano, Assistant Account Executive
Jennifer Peterson, SVP Executive Strategy Director
Daniel Lammon, Strategy Director
Krista Spindler, Project Manager
 
Production:
Hey Wonderful
Sam Cadman, Director
Michael Di Girolamo, Founder, Managing Director
Sarah McMurray, EP, Partner
Earl McDaniel, EP, Head of Production
JD Davidson, Producer

Editorial: No6 Editorial & Finishing
Corina Dennison, Executive Producer
Laura Molinaro, Senior Producer 
Amanda Slamin, Senior Producer 
James Duffy, Editor
Patrick Saxer, Assistant Editor
John Shea, Senior Flame Artist
Mark Reyes, Flame Assist
Stephen Picano -colorist

Audio Post: Sonic Union
Justine Cortale – Producer
Steve Rosen – Mixer
David Papa – Mixer

Music: JSM
Joel Simon – CEO/CCO – Co-Composer
Jeff Fiorello – Executive Producer
Rebeca Riter – Co-Composer
Andrew Manning – Producer
Norm Felker – Producer