ADdicted: Autodesk Divine Ad

Using God as your spokesperson is a bold decision for any marketer to make.

But in the case of this Autodesk ad, I think it works.

Really, really well, in fact.

The ad, called "Let There Be Anything", is a global campaign created by Autodesk's new agency of record, Giant Spoon; it features actor Tony Hale as God, playfully comparing his own creations to those created using Autodesk products.

"As you know, in the beginning, I created heaven and Earth... but then you guys got pretty good at making stuff too. I mean, man! Who's got two thumbs and mutual respect for humanity? This deity!"

It's a terrific gag if you're a B2B SAAS company whose software helps other companies design and create great things.

Of course, I say this as someone with a good sense of humour... who also considers himself to be Agnostic (despite a Roman Catholic upbringing and to the eternal disappointment of his mother).

But I'm not at all surprised at some of the outrage this ad has generated online from Catholics who feel it's sacrilegious.

I won't tell those outraged Catholics to get a sense of humour. (Although...)

But I will say that all great brands (and most great ads) are polarizing, so the fact that this ad is generating passion on both sides of the emotional spectrum is a sign it's doing its job.

You could almost say this Autodesk ad is divine.

And for that, I'm sure the Autodesk and Giant Spoon teams are singing Hallelujah.