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---
title: Generic Brand Video Parody by Dissolve Is Perfection
description: Every single advertising stereotype in one hilarious package
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author: Laura Stampler
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article:published_time: 2014-03-25T20:49:49.000Z
article:modified_time: 2026-04-13T07:08:09.740Z
og:title: Here&#x27;s an Amazing Parody of Every Generic Brand Video You&#x27;ve Ever Seen
og:description: Every single advertising stereotype in one hilarious package
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twitter:title: Here&#x27;s an Amazing Parody of Every Generic Brand Video You&#x27;ve Ever Seen
twitter:description: Every single advertising stereotype in one hilarious package
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# This 'Generic Brand Video' Parody Is About Nothing And Everything And Is, Thus, Perfection

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by 

[Laura Stampler](https://time.com/author/laura-stampler/)


## Laura Stampler


Mar 25, 2014 8:49 PM UTC

by 

[Laura Stampler](https://time.com/author/laura-stampler/)


## Laura Stampler


Mar 25, 2014 8:49 PM UTC

“Equality, innovation, honesty and advancement… are all words we choose from a list,” a lulling voice says to upbeat — inspiring, even! — music all over an occasionally confusing stream of stock photos: Scientists with beakers, rushing cars, a woodpecker in a rainforest somewhere.

What is this video and why does it feel so familiar? It is an amalgamation of every single generic brand video that you’ve ever seen, regardless of what it’s for. It’s every awful advertising trend in under three minutes.

The pitch-perfect parody was created by stock video footage [Dissolve](http://dissolve.com/showreels/this-is-a-generic-brand-video), using a script written by [Kendra Esh in an equally brilliant McSweeney’s piece.](http://www.mcsweeneys.net/articles/this-is-a-generic-brand-video)

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