Great Big Rollin' Railroad Remake Contest

To celebrate Union Pacific's 150th Anniversary in 2012, UP commissioned a contest to remake the classic 1970s television commercial. More than 200 entries were received, with the winning entry coming from Brock and Nellie Boyts of Los Angeles, California. 

Watch the Original

Union Pacific's classic 1970s "We Can Handle It" television commercials featured hand-clapping, foot-stomping employees from across the Union Pacific network singing the "Great Big Rollin' Railroad" lyrics in a variety of settings, some more on key than others.

Winners

Brock and Nellie Boyts won the $15,000 grand prize. Their video used Brock's 3D animation skills and Nellie's musical talents to bring the UP story to life.

Myk Friedman, first runner-up, won $5,000 for his animation that put a fun spin on the original commercial. It gives tribute to Union Pacific's history and employees using caricatures and hidden references in the background to keep the viewers engaged.

Jarrod and Jaime Gollihare, second runners-up, also won $5,000 for their video that used household items as instruments to make their audio unique.

Semi-Finalists

Six semi-finalists each won $1000 for their contributions.