High Five: Celebrating the Fun in Adland
The work I’m choosing to celebrate is the kind that delivers fun; good advertising that doesn’t feel heavy. The pieces you will see don’t change the world, don’t change lives (well, not dramatically), but if you see them on TV, you won’t change the channel. They have all also picked up Gold and Grand Prix lions at Cannes 2023. Fun advertising - that’s what I’m celebrating today...
Workday - 'Rock Star'
Agency: Ogilvy LA
Production: O Positive
Director: Jim Jenkins
Post: Parliament x Rare Medium TV
Post: Parliament x Rare Medium TV
Editorial: Mack Cut
Sound: Lime Studios x The Elements Music
How insightful is that!? An ad that proves how the positive motivation aspect of organisational behaviour 101 can go too far. Sit back and crunch those numbers, Dave - it takes something else to rock a guitar solo. What doubles down on the fun is the resurrection of Ozzy Osbourne, Joan Jett and Billy Idol as they get back in spandex and deliver the message.
British Airways - 'A British Original'
Agency & Production: Uncommon Creative Studio
What’s your reason to travel? No cliché answers. That’s exactly what this category-breaking piece of work delivers - in spades and smileys. Cultural insight brought first-hand British reasons to leave home. Funny reasons, relatable reasons, weird reasons - just about anything outside the cookie cutter. The simple, clean execution just makes it great outdoor advertising that works.
IKEA - 'Second Best'
Agency: DAVID Madrid
Production: The Lobby x Gradepunk Colour Grading
Director: Michelle Cassis
This super simple ad leaves such an endearing feeling. So relatable to every parent, and a brand that proudly says: "If our business is in people’s homes, then let’s make their lives our business too." These digital tapas are a fun and honest way to ad.
Marmite - 'Baby Scan'
Agency: adam&eveDDB
Production: Biscuit Filmworks
Directors: James Rouse x Benji Howell
Post: Absolute Post
Editorial: WORK Editorial
Sound: Factory Studios
Marmite’s 'Love It or Hate It' DNA remains bottled in its jars. When it comes to ads, it’s love all the way. A brand that never apologises for its product, but instead finds a way to turn polarising preferences into humorous narratives. In this ad, they found a way to predict product love or hate in the next generation. Genius, light-hearted, and FUN.
Honest Eggs Co. - 'Fitchix'
Agency: VMLY&R Australia
Production: AIRBAG
Directors: Alek, Janev x Sara Glaoua
Apart from the pride in seeing VMLY&R on the big stage, this piece of work is not only a spectacularly innovative take on health, but it’s packaged with brutal honesty and all the funnies. An egg that proves its nutritional value, reminds you to check your own health app, and makes you smile.
