The Ad Experiment - Gavin Faulkner
Documentary Video; Film
12:22
The Ad Experiment follows filmmaker Gavin Faulkner through his process of recreating three major-brand advertisements from McDonald’s, Toyota, and Coca-Cola. Using minimal equipment, budget, and time, he tests whether resourcefulness can rival high-end commercial production.
Gavin Faulkner is a filmmaker working primarily in film and digital media. His work explores the relationship between authenticity, production value, and audience perception. Day to day he works producing automotive content for YouTube, while his personal projects center on human stories and recorded interviews. He is currently expanding his practice into commercial and branded filmmaking.
The Ad Experiment
The Ad Experiment follows filmmaker Gavin Faulkner through his process of recreating three advertisements from McDonald’s, Toyota, and Coca-Cola using minimal equipment, budget, and time. The project asks whether creativity and practical skill can rival high-end commercial production. By documenting each stage from setup and to the final product, Faulkner reveals the behind-the-scenes techniques often hidden in professional advertising. The piece not only compares outcomes but also examines how budget and resources shape audience perception of quality. Through this experiment, Faulkner explores the boundaries between professional and independent filmmaking while reflecting on his own growth, challenges, and discoveries as a filmmaker.
