“Handy Hygiene Tips with Wally VandeHand” was the merger of multiple ideas we pitched the Wisconsin Department of Health Services in response to their request for a humorous, informative campaign focused on infection prevention.
A late-night talk show format gave us the opportunity to have the type of fun that happens in that environment while welcoming guests who could provide practical infection prevention information. And as the body part most associated with the spread of germs, a hand puppet was a natural selection for the host.
Wally quickly became a star, earning accolades from his fan base, our client and on the awards circuit.
We introduced Wally throughout the state of Wisconsin during a six-month campaign targeting health care workers/facilities and the general public with:
Digital Display
Television
Online Video
Social Media
Wally sees more than he hopes to when taking a closer look at where germs live.
We pit soap against hand sanitizer to see which one comes out on top.
The appearance: We considered several iterations for Wally’s appearance including a side view and a version with hair. In the end, we kept it simple with a straight-on view complemented by a simple “W” adorning a sweatshirt to give Wally an All-American look. What a stud.
The name: We sought to give our new star a moniker that was, above all, memorable. “Wally” felt inviting, just like the character we intended to create. When it came to the last name, there was no avoiding having a little fun with a pun!
Our partners at Hinckley Studios nailed it in bringing Wisconsin to life on the “Handy Hygiene Tips” set to make Wally look and feel right at home. Click a circle to learn about a set piece.
Cabin on the lake maybe?
Considering his throng of adoring fans, Wally likes to keep his whereabouts on a need-to-know basis, but based on the set decor, we’re guessing E Hygiene Way is Up North somewhere.
He's got a cheesehand to match
No, Wally can’t clap, but he cheers hard for a certain team in the northeast corner of the state — just like the rest of us. This green and gold hoodie is his favorite.
Wally ♥ Wisconsin
Wally has plenty of pride in the Badger state, and he’s not afraid to show it.
It was thiiiiiiiisss big!!
Though wearing a glove to stay warm while ice fishing presents a unique challenge for Wally, you can’t keep him off the ice when they’re bitin.’
Driving home his message
A little vanity is OK for a big-time star like Wally, and “Personal Protective Equipment” is essential to his message of infection prevention.
He's equally adept throwing left or right-handed
Everyone needs an indoor activity to keep them busy during Wisco winters, and Wally certainly knows his way around a game of 301.
The "World's Best Hand Puppet" mugs were out of stock
What’s a late-night host without a coffee mug? Wally keeps it simple but does take his cup of Joe with plenty of cream – all the easier to earn a laugh with his cream mustache.
He also provided the opponent some handy infection prevention tips
You had to be there to truly appreciate the astonishing one-handed catch Wally made with this ball during his high school state championship game.
We're still waiting for that callback, Mr. Fauci
Though Wally’s guests usually join via satellite feed, he keeps this custom-made, comfy seat open should a guest pop by.
Too many people are using cleaning products wrong. Our health expert sets us straight.
You’d be surprised what everyone’s touchin’; tips to help protect yourself.
Our very own copywriter, Johnny Beehner, is a natural behind the mic touring the country as a standup comedian. Turns out, he’s just as great scrunching up his 6-foot-5 frame under a tiny table to bring Wally to life with the perfect blend of humor and well-timed hand gestures.
Q: How did you find Wally’s voice? A: I just listened to my wife, a lifelong Wisconsin native, speak naturally, and did my best to reproduce her beloved Wisco dialect.
Q: What was it like hand-acting from underneath the set? A: Other than the hand cramping that still comes and goes, it was great. Our partners at Hinckley Studios made it REALLY comfortable for me, with a foam mat, fan, some lights, and monitors so I could see what I was doing.
Q: Wally sure is handsome. A: That’s not really a question, but thank you. So am I.
Too many people are using cleaning products wrong. Our health expert sets us straight.
Life doesn’t stop when we’re sick. Wally’s got advice to safely move forward when not feeling your best.
“This has been the most unique and fun health education effort I’ve worked on thus far with DHS. I couldn’t be more proud of the great team that brought Wally to life!”
— Mariah Welke, Public Health Educator, Wisconsin Department of Health Services