High Five: Influencing Emotions
How lucky are we that we get to tell stories that influence people’s emotions? We get to make people laugh and cry and cringe. Having the ability to influence emotions, especially for the simple reason of making someone feel happy, is a gift we should all be grateful for. So, I’d love to focus this piece on emotions and sharing work that resonates with me on a personal level...
DICK’S Sporting Goods - 'Sports Matter: Baseball'
Agency: Anomaly
Production: Epoch
Director: The Mercadantes
Post: Union
Sound: Sound Lounge
Wow, I was at a loss for words and near tears the first time I watched this. As a mother of three and a former athlete and coach, I truly believe sports matter for so many reasons - being a part of a team, meeting and bonding with others, working hard to learn and get better, winning as a team, losing as a team, and what that all feels like. This intimate piece tells the story of a high school baseball player whose parents died. You can clearly see he’s hurting and struggling with his emotions. His teammates and coaches lift him up but also ground him and surround him with people who care. He’s on the mound and present in the game, and for a little while, he’s able to escape his tremendous grief to simply be a kid and play a sport he truly loves. I re-watched this a few weeks ago with colleagues, and it still has the same emotional impact on me eight years later. Well DONE.
Airbnb - 'Pool'
Production & Post: BUCK
Sound: Wave Studios NY
I was watching TV with my youngest when this came on. The first line is: “If you’re finally ready to take a trip without the kids…” My son immediately says, “What? Who wouldn’t want to take their kid with them?!” (Me, Tristan…). This spot and the entire campaign make me smile!! It’s so well executed on every level - the writing, the design, the environments. Hats off to Airbnb and Buck for motivating us to take a vacay with or without kids!!
USTA - 'Dear Serena'
Agency, Production & Post: Boomshot
Director: Brendan Gillen
Serena Williams, the GOAT, The Queen. Streaming tears of joy and female pride on the much-deserved 'Dear Serena' tribute film narrated by Oprah. This film encompasses Serena’s journey and how she’s influenced us all on and off the court. She’s a true champion over and over, and this film is perfection and truly inspiring.
GEICO - 'It's What You Do: Horror Movie'
Agency: The Martin Agency
Production: Hungry Man
Director: Wayne McClammy
Post: Mackenzie Cutler
Sound: Rainmaker Studios
It’s hard to pick a favourite GEICO spot because they’ve consistently been awesome and showcased brilliant comedy throughout the years. But if I were to pick one, it would be the Halloween spot, because my family and I have the lines memorised and frequently quote it IRL instances. Sharp, witty copy, as always, and spot on execution. Thanks, TMA and GEICO, for continuing to make us laugh!
Sandy Hook Promise - 'Evan'
Agency: BBDO New York
Production: SMUGGLER
Director: Henry-Alex Rubin
Post: NO6
Sound: Beta Petrol
This is a mandatory must-watch if you haven’t seen it. We sadly live in a world where gun violence occurs every day and in schools - places we think will be safe for our kids. The first time I watched this spot, directed by Henry-Alex Rubin, I was speechless. It’s brilliantly executed on every level, from what we think is the sweet high school crush story to the end reveal, and everything we missed in between. A huge eye-opener. We’re in this business because we have a voice and the ability to ignite change and awareness in important issues. Thank you to SHP and the team who created this crucial piece. Hopefully, it continues to make a difference.
