Brazilian Driving School Advertises Itself With a Brilliant Spot Inspired by ‘Grand Theft Auto’

Some of the most memorable advertisements draw from pop culture and nostalgia to reach their customers. That's why companies tend to hire legendary actors and incorporate iconic moments into campaigns. A Brazilian driving school took this to the next level and produced a brilliant tribute for its latest marketing stint. Autoescola Brasiliense released a spot that, at first glance, looks like footage from Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, until it becomes clear that this is an all-original video starring real people and featuring the graphs and sounds from the video game.

The spot, produced and edited by filmmaker Anderson Mascarenhas, nails the look and ambiance from GTA: San Andreas down to the littlest details. The way the camera moves behind the vehicles and how the scenes fade is reminiscent of the 2004 video game. However, none of this would be possible without its star, bodybuilder and cosplayer Matheus Senna. He not only captures the look and outfit of GTA: San Andreas‘ protagonist, CJ, but has mastered the awkward and uncanny way the characters moved in video games almost 20 years ago—from the gravity-defying jumps to the way CJ opens a car door.

The video is reminiscent of the driving school side mission in the video game. In this live-action version, CJ has to take some theory lessons in a classroom, which he doesn't enjoy at all. He then learns how to drive a motorcycle, a car, a bus, and a branded trailer truck. Portuguese dialogue pops up to point out what needs to be done to obtain all the driver's licenses as the timer progresses. In the end, the signature “mission completed” graphic appears to celebrate CJ's success.

This isn't the first GTA-inspired video Mascarenhas has starred in; he has also done spots for a car shop and a dealership. He also has recreated the “oh sh** here we go again” meme, complete with running into the wall the way characters in vintage video games did.

One thing is clear—if Rockstar Games ever thought to produce a live-action film of this game, they should bring Mascarenhas in for an audition. To stay up to date with this amazing cosplayer, you can follow him on Instagram.

A Brazilian driving school released an advertisement inspired by Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas and the result is uncanny.

Brazilian Driving School Advertises Itself With a Brilliant Spot Inspired by GTA: San Andreas

Photo: Screenshot from Reddit

At first glance, the ad looks like footage from GTA: San Andreas until it becomes clear that this is an all-original video starring a cosplayer named Matheus Senna.

Brazilian Driving School Advertises Itself With a Brilliant Spot Inspired by GTA: San Andreas

Photo: Screenshot from Reddit

The video is reminiscent of the driving school side mission in the video game.

This isn't the first GTA-inspired video Mascarenhas has starred in; he has also done spots for a car shop and a dealership.

Autoescola Brasiliense: Website | Instagram
Matheus Senna: Instagram | TikTok

h/t: [Reddit]

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Regina Sienra

Regina Sienra is a Contributing Writer at My Modern Met. Based in Mexico City, Mexico, she holds a bachelor’s degree in Communications with specialization in Journalism from the National Autonomous University of Mexico. She has 10+ years’ experience in Digital Media, writing for outlets in both English and Spanish. Her love for the creative arts—especially music and film—drives her forward every day.
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