The fast-food giant Burger King has partnered with MTV to create a 75-second short film featuring multi-platinum Grammy award-winning Dancehall superstar Sean Paul. The film is scheduled to premiere during the Video Music Awards (VMAs) live broadcast on Wednesday (September 11).
The collaboration marks Burger King’s fifth consecutive year partnering with Paramount and MTV, but it’s the company’s first time introducing a product inspired by the VMAs, according to a release. The Frozen Pink Lemonade, described as a deliciously refreshing, sweet, yet tart frozen beverage, will be available throughout the US starting August 29.
Pat O’Toole, Burger King North America’s chief marketing officer, expressed excitement about the partnership, stating, “We’re excited to be the frozen drink of the VMAs—a drink that’s just as cool and vibrant as the show itself, and I can’t think of a better venue to showcase our new drink for music and BK fans alike.”
The short film, produced by Paramount Brand Studio, aims to capture the new drink’s refreshing qualities, which make it a perfect complement to the high-energy atmosphere of the VMAs. Alongside Sean Paul, the film will also feature the French duo Les Twins.
“We are always looking to drive cultural moments in the VMAs for our partners by creating seamless extensions to this tentpole experience,” said Dario Spina, Chief Marketing Officer, Paramount Brand Studio. “Burger King has been an incredible, long-standing partner in achieving that goal year after year and we can’t wait for fans to experience all we have in store during one of music’s biggest nights.”
Sean Paul’s involvement adds big star power to the campaign, given his numerous musical accolades and history with the VMAs. The Scorcha hitmaker has been nominated for multiple VMAs in the past, including ‘Best Dance Video’ for Temperature in 2006 and both ‘Best New Artist in a Video’ and ‘Best Dance Video’ for Get Busy in 2003.
To celebrate the launch, Burger King is offering several promotional events. A “VMAs Block Party” will be held at Domino Park in Williamsburg, Brooklyn on September 8, where fans can sample the new drink and receive co-branded giveaways. Additionally, VMA attendees can try the Frozen Pink Lemonade at a pop-up stand in New York’s UBS Arena before the show.
Royal Perks members can also enjoy a free small Frozen Pink Lemonade with a purchase of $1 or more through the BK app from August 29 to September 11.