The Locker Room - Talkmore | Clapboard Ad Archive

Talkmore’s 2018 campaign The Locker Room, created by Norwegian agency TRY, delivers a poignant narrative within the Electronics and Technology category by centering on a young hockey player named Tom who wrestles with coming out as gay to his teammates. This film uses a deeply human story to embody the brand’s commitment to inclusivity and emotional support, portraying Tom’s hesitation and vulnerability as he almost reveals his sexual orientation but ultimately pulls back, only to discover his teammates have proactively created a secret Facebook group titled For us that know Tom is gay and don’t give a shit, signaling unconditional acceptance and solidarity. This narrative device positions Talkmore’s connectivity solutions as more than just technology; they become enablers of community and personal liberation, illustrating the brand’s values through the genuine warmth and relief that Tom experiences when embraced by his team. The campaign’s choice to use English broadens its accessibility beyond Norway, enhancing its emotional resonance across cultures while reinforcing Talkmore’s positioning as a forward-thinking, socially conscious brand. What Clapboard’s taxonomy would classify as FORMAT#5—Exemplary Story is exemplified here by the product’s integral role in the plot’s resolution, with the secret Facebook group functioning as a direct extension of Talkmore’s service, symbolizing the power of communication to foster acceptance. This authentic, character-driven approach avoids clichés or tokenism, instead offering a sincere look at the challenges of coming out in a traditionally masculine environment and the transformative power of peer support facilitated by digital connectivity. Clapboard rates this 69/100. The Locker Room matters because it demonstrates how technology brands can authentically engage with social issues through storytelling that foregrounds human connection, setting a benchmark for inclusivity campaigns within the electronics sector.