With the help of David Gandy, Martini have found themselves a new face.
Yuri Buzzi beat off stiff competition to be crowned the winner of Martini's Kisser Casting Talent Campaign.
The 33-year-old Italian was chosen from 35 finalists, and was crowned last month. He's scooped a starring role in the brand's new ads, alongside 10 ladies, as well as a €150,000 paycheck.
'Luck is an attitude', so says the campaign's slogan, but Yuri certainly seems to have had more than luck on his side.
We chatted to him about what it means to win the worldwide campaign and how he'll follow in David's footsteps.
How does it feel to be the new face of Martini?
I'm very happy, this is a huge opportunity and it's going to change my life. I'm enjoying every moment.
What made you decide to enter the competition?
I was at work and saw the page for the Kisser Casting Talent Search on Facebook. I saw the phrase 'luck is an attitude' and thought, that's how I live my life. I believe you make your own luck in life, so I knew I had to enter, and signed up there and then.
What do you think made you stand out from other applicants?
I'm really determined, If I want something I won't give up. I'm always pursuing my dreams, and my dream is to be an actor, so I work hard for it every day. I'm a fighter.
David Gandy helped to launch the competition, how do you feel about stepping into his shoes?
He's an inspiration and I'd like to meet him soon. He's an international model and, while it's my dream to act, he got started just like me - in a competition, so I hope to have the same success as him.
As part of the campaign you have to kiss 10 women, that must have been quite a big perk...
Yes, they were great, though it was very Italian - not sensual, just friendly.
Where would you like this opportunity to take you?
At the moment I think it's opened a huge door, there's so many options before me. I'm dedicated to becoming a great actor and would like to work around the world. TV and cinema really appeal to me, and I'd love to do theatre, too.
Would you like to pursue modelling?
No, I don't think I'm tall enough. I could be something different I suppose, but I think I'm more suited to acting.
Look out for Yuri in the ad, which debuts on 28th November, or log on to the Facebook page to see behind-the-scenes footage of the campaign.
Martini's New Man
11:32AM, Nov 08, 2011
