Robin gets a taste of ninja action

Robin Padilla has teamed up with famous Hong Kong director Alexi Tan for the new Argentina Corned Beef Extra Long Shreds TV commercial (TVC).

The commercial introduces the new corned beef variant that has the brand’s original taste, with extra long shreds.

Now showing on primetime television, the new TVC uses a look and concept rarely done in local TV commercials. In the tradition of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, the new TVC features stylized fighting scenes where Robin battles ninjas out to disrupt his meal of Argentina Corned Beef.

Despite his busy schedule, shooting six days a week for Basta’t Kasama Kita, Robin was eager to be a part of the Argentina TV commercial.

He also sees the commercial as "an opportunity to try something new and different. Some of the stunts for the TVC involved using a harness, which I’ve never done before," said Robin. He also had to learn some kung fu moves. "The stuntmen have actually worked with Jacky Chan in his movies,"said Robin. "They really know what they’re doing, and for me to be working with them and learning more about martial arts was a great experience."

The new TVC is actually a short film where Robin plays a cop, a role very similar to his character in his TV series. The TVC opens with Robin, who, after a long day’s work, plans to enjoy a meal of his favorite Argentina Corned Beef Extra Long Shreds. But while cooking, ninjas suddenly appear to attack him, and what follows is a brilliant display of fighting scenes and stunts typical of Hong Kong martial arts flicks.

Robin stressed that while the stunts were hard to do, he nonetheless enjoyed the experience, "After all, it’s not everyday that you’re given a chance to work with such a talented and famed director," stressed Robin. "Alexi was just great, and very helpful. He was able to incorporate my own action moves with the more precise movements of kung fu."

Hong Kong-based Alexi is known throughout Asia for his skill in art direction and photography. Some of Alexi’s commercials have been included in Shots, a compilation of the best advertising in the world. Alexi’s two-minute TVC for Acer computers, which was also in feature-film style and where he worked with Othe scar-winning production designer of Crouching Tiger won the London International Advertising Award.

For the new TVC, Alexi introduces a feature-film kind of feel to the production. "Our goal is to get the message of a new and exciting product across while providing viewers with an entertaining piece of film."

Alexi also brings in his love of martial arts. "I love everything about kung fu; there is an artistry behind the movements," related Alexi. "In filming this commercial, I try to add modern elements, or the Hollywood style, to the traditional kung fu fight scene." Alexi brought in his own crew from Hong Kong, from the director of photography to the stunt crew, to keep the martial arts theme authentic.