By Jamal Dumas
A record number of viewers tuned in to Superbowl XLIX on Sunday, February 1, and an uncoordinated and rebellious shark was not the only breakout star.
Graham and Nelson Talbot, both graduates of the SFU film program, produced and directed a 30-second advertisement for Doritos featuring a flying pig, as part of the Doritos Crash the Super Bowl Contest.
The twins took the second place title, winning a cash prize totalling $50,000.
Graham commented on his first reactions after the winners were announced. “It was the most intense feeling I’ve ever felt in my entire life” said Graham.
Both Graham and Nelson were present in Phoenix, Arizona to watch the football championship game in person. Graham was even treated to a private box with the other finalists and executives from Doritos.
“I saw the first shot of my spot come up and I just erupted out of my chair. I couldn’t even contain myself. I just started screaming,” he said.
Graham described watching the Super Bowl in person as “one of many people’s bucket list items.”
The top prize, totaling $1 million, went to a man from Illinois. Graham acknowledged his competitor’s efforts. “That was my number one pick,” he stated. “I’m happy for him, I would be happy for any of the finalists to win, because all of them are such great people.”
Asked if he would have changed anything about his spot, Graham said, “If there was one thing I would change, it’s the very last shot of our commercial. I just wish it had a little more punch or a little more impact. Besides that, I feel like we accomplished our concept we set out to shoot.”
While Graham intends to take the next few days to relax and “field the media blitz,” above all else, he wants “consistent work for the future.”
When asked where he intends to go from this high point, Graham said, “I want to be able to keep telling stories and making movies as long as I can, and hopefully this is going to help me do that.”
