Brands Make Spooky Ads for Halloween, Part I

Update: Heinz pulls its ketchup-smiles after complaints about racism

Boooo-yah! Let’s take a look at some ads to put you in the Halloween mood.

Six Flags, “Tick. Tick. Tick.’ – TMA

To promote the purchase of season passes to its various parks, Six Flags created a six-minute video that might make you jump. Developed by TMA, “Tick. Tick. Tick.” shows what happens to four people who keep fear waiting. Targeting teens and young adults, the vid will run on YouTube and across the park’s social channels.

Dietz & Watson, ‘The Gabaghoul’ – Red Tettemer O’Connell + Partners

The Gabaghoul is back for Dietz & Watson hot dogs. Initially played by Sopranos’ Vincent Pastore, the character is now portrayed by Steve Schirripa (also from the iconic gangster show). Created by Red Tettemer O’Connell + Partners, the campaign is packed—like a toasted bun—with beef and giggles. Charlie the mummy co-stars un the spot below.

Samuel Adams, ‘At-Home Séance Kit’ – MullenLowe

Share a cold one with a cold one … if you dare! Sam Adams created an At-Home Séance Kit that costs $18.03—that’s the year Adams died. The package includes instructions on how to summon the ghost of Sammy. Along with the brew itself, you get a vial of Boston dirt, a pair of pint glasses and an Octoberfest “Can-dle.”

Opendoor, ‘Vampire’ – VaynerMedia

Opendoor illustrates how easy it is to sell a home at any the time of year. A :30 shows a woman working in a low-lit room. She goes to the window and spies her neighbor picking garlic from her garden. Looks like it’s time to pull up stakes.

Heinz, ‘Smiles’ – Gut New York

This one generated complaints of racism, and Heinz apologized, pulling the ads, which had launched in Europe. The ketchup smiles were meant to evoke Batman’s Joker. But some found the inclusion of a Black model too reminiscent of blackface minstrel-show imagery.