Christopher Briney, the charismatic star of “The Summer I Turned Pretty,” has taken centre stage in Verizon’s latest marketing initiative, showcasing the brand’s loyalty program through a captivating campaign entitled “Go Crazy.” The 28-year-old actor, who previously enchanted audiences as the brooding Conrad Fisher, has assumed the role of a lovesick heartthrob in a two-minute dramatic advertisement that artfully mingles nostalgia with modern appeal.
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Set against the backdrop of Whitesnake’s iconic track “Is This Love,” Briney appears in a vintage-style setting, portrayed as a character steeped in longing. Transforming into a quintessential bad boy, he is clad in a classic leather jacket, paired with a white T-shirt and blue jeans, complete with dark sunglasses. The narrative unfolds as he expresses his yearning with the poignant line, “I’ll be waiting,” before embracing a woman and speeding off in a striking red Ford Mustang Convertible.
Throughout the advertisement, Briney’s character is depicted as he roams the town, lost in thought while gazing at his phone and lamenting over missed notifications. The climax reveals a surprising twist: it turns out that his longing is not directed at the woman but is instead tied to anxiously awaiting a Verizon Shine drop. In a moment of triumph, he ultimately chooses a $5 Starbucks gift card over an incoming video call from her, raising his arms in celebration reminiscent of a classic scene from “The Breakfast Club.”
This heartwarming yet comedic short film draws inspiration from glossy ‘90s music videos while incorporating elements reminiscent of “The Summer I Turned Pretty.” As the narrative unfolds, Briney stops at a convenience store and a roadside fruit stand, connecting with moments that will resonate with longtime fans of the series. He expresses pleasure in these nods, stating, “Of course, you’ve got to have some nice nods to the fans.”
Briney, who recently featured in “Dalíland,” enjoyed embracing the melodramatic emotion of the project. He described the advertisement as somewhat tongue-in-cheek, stating, “It’s just sort of a little over-the-top, and it’s — not quite funny, but it is a little tongue-in-cheek.” The opportunity to explore this nostalgic theme was particularly exciting for him, as he and the team aimed to capture sentiments from a different time.
Verizon’s marketing strategy has seen a slew of contemporary stars linking with the brand, marking a shift toward a youthful and relatable approach. Briney was drawn to this innovative method of advertising, commenting on how Verizon allows creatives to place their unique spin on projects while creatively embedding the brand’s message. “What they kept saying is they wanted it to not really feel like a Verizon ad until the end, and they were open to playing with humour,” he noted.
The Verizon Shine initiative provides users with instant perks, including exclusive merchandise releases and early access to tickets. Leslie Berland, the Chief Marketing Officer at Verizon, emphasised the excitement surrounding this project, stating, “With this project, we set out to deliver a true gift to fans everywhere: the Chris Briney that everyone has been yearning for in an entirely new light.”
The advertisement also afforded Briney the chance to drive a convertible for the first time, although this experience proved exhilarating in ways he didn’t quite expect. “I’ve never driven, I don’t think, any vintage car, really, and it was cool,” he remarked, recounting the adrenaline of driving with a camera suspended from the vehicle. The presence of a police escort added a layer of security to the canny shooting setup.
When not delighting audiences in front of the camera, Briney enjoys serene moments back home, where he dotes on his two beloved cats and indulges in his passion for video games like NBA2K. As he navigates a burgeoning schedule that includes an array of upcoming releases, including the festive rom-com “Clashing Through the Snow,” the coming-of-age drama “The Julia Set,” and a return to “The Summer I Turned Pretty,” Briney remains tight-lipped about any details concerning the latter project.
In conclusion, Christopher Briney continues to carve a niche for himself in the hearts of audiences, capitalising on his charm while taking on ambitious projects. With his role in Verizon’s “Go Crazy” campaign, he balances burgeoning fame with an engaging nod to nostalgia, tantalising fans and inviting them to share in the newfound glories of modern technology.