A Sweet Cadbury Surprise on a Quiet Night

Cadbury commercial, Bus Ride, is anything but ordinary. Directed by Johan Stahl and produced by Hanzo Films, the ad made its debut across Asia on June 3rd 2022. The ad quickly charmed audiences with its playful take on the phrase, “don’t judge a book by its cover.”

Set on a late-night city bus, the scene begins with a mother trying to calm her restless young son. Tensions rise as passengers shift uncomfortably—until a rather serious-looking man boards the bus. Dressed in all black and carrying an intimidating presence, he instantly grabs everyone’s attention. But just as the mood seems to peak in discomfort, the commercial flips the script.

With a wink of humor, the man pulls out a Cadbury chocolate bar. He flashes some delightfully silly expressions. Slowly, he wins over both the boy and his mother. The ad leaves viewers with a smile and the feel-good message, “Goodness That Melts Your Heart.”

Shooting for Simplicity with Heart

Shot over two nights in the bustling streets of Kuala Lumpur, the production aimed to capture the intimacy and spontaneity of the story. The team opted for a lightweight camera setup inside a moving bus, allowing them to stay close to the actors and preserve the rawness of their expressions.

Casting was a key part of the process. After an extensive search across Southeast Asia, the team found “Rabbit”—an actor who effortlessly switched from stern to sweet, bringing the character’s transformation to life.

Director Johan Stahl noted how important it was to keep the performances authentic, especially given the subtle build-up and the surprise comedic twist. “To make the story work, it all had to feel real,” he said.

Back to Basics, and It Works

This campaign stands out not for flashy visuals or high-end effects, but for its return to classic storytelling. It’s proof that sometimes, all you need is a strong idea, great casting, and a little chocolate.

Watch the Ad and Learn More

To watch the full film, head over to the Cadbury Bus Ride work page. For more production insights and behind-the-scenes details, check out the feature on SHOTS Magazine.