Local Ad

"Local Ad" is an episode of The Office (U.S. version). It was directed by Jason Reitman, who directed the film Juno, in which Rainn Wilson appears.

Synopsis

Dunder Mifflin's corporate office has hired advertising consultants to create a television commercial. Michael is excited by the opportunity to exhibit creativity, but then dismisses the consultants when it’s revealed that his input will be limited to the final 5 seconds of the commercial, when the branch staff are shown waving at the camera. Corporate accepts Michael’s offer to fund and expeditiously complete his own, alternative commercial by the next day, with the proviso that, if they don't like it better, they'll use the consultants' version.

Pam, who is taking a computer animation class, makes an animated logo for the commercial. Phyllis tries to enlist author Sue Grafton, who is appearing at a book signing at the local mall to appear in the ad.

Andy struggles throughout the show to recall the product name from the famous "Break Me Off a Piece of that Kit Kat Bar" ad campaign, substituting the final three syllables with suggestions of: "applesauce", "Chrysler car", and "football cream."

Headed by Darryl, a group of employees writes a jingle for the commercial, which is rejected by Michael. The singers include Kelly, Andy, Creed and Kevin.

Dwight has largely removed himself to the virtual world of Second Life, but has become Andy’s confidante regarding his relationship with Angela. This is initially painful for him, until Andy confides that, during a makeout session, Angela said, "Oh, D!"; it was the first response he has gotten from their physical contact. While Andy interprets this as the second syllable of his name, Dwight is delighted, because Angela used to call him "D."

The office gathers at a local bar, Poor Richard's, to watch the commercial. Although corporate has rejected Michael’s version of the commercial and aired the original, Jim slips the bartender a DVD of Michael's version, calling it a "Director's Cut." The positive response from the employees and others at the bar cheers Michael up.

Notes

• Describing a moment in his commercial, Michael uses the expression, "Triumph of the Will", seemingly oblivious that this is the title of a Nazi-propaganda film.
• When Andy discusses "D" with Dwight in the break room, he is drinking a Wegman's brand "W-Pop".
• The ad Michael produces uses Vangelis' theme music from Chariots of Fire.
• This is the first mention of the Nashua, New Hampshire branch.