Starbucks Invites You to Forge Your Own Path in New Film from Iris

Today, Iris launches its latest integrated brand campaign for Starbucks UK, “Every Table Has a Story” which aims to reinstate Starbucks as an inclusive and inspiring ‘Third Place’ where all are welcome to work, reset, connect and further their passions.

As the nation embraces newfound flexibility, there has been a renaissance in working from coffee shops. For younger generations who’s career prospects have been hit the hardest in the wake of the pandemic, providing space for them to forge their own path is particularly important. Born of a pioneering spirit, Starbucks wanted to celebrate the journeys of enterprising individuals who were already furthering their passions at Starbucks.

The hero film, shot on 16mm film in the same ‘world’ as Starbucks’ previous award-winning campaign, “What’s Your Name?”, shows a year in the life of Kay - an inspiring creative entrepreneur as she weathers the lows and highs of making it on her own, all from the same table at Starbucks.

The hero film will run as 60”, 30”, and 20” ads, across Cinema, BVOD, online video, socials and owned channels, including in-store. But the story doesn’t end there, with the wider campaign shining a light on the personal progress of many - from graphic designers like Ibby, to activists like Kate. All captured to uplift and inspire others to follow their own passions.

The campaign brings to a close the 5 year partnership between Iris and Starbucks UK. Since 2017, Iris has produced award winning creative for the brand, including the “What’s Your Name?” campaign which won a Gold Lion at Cannes for Creative Strategy and was awarded the winner of the Channel 4 Diversity in Advertising Award in 2019, alongside many effective sales activation campaigns. Iris has been integral in growing brand affinity for Starbucks UK, particularly amongst younger generations, and has pushed boundaries by shining a light on the societal issues that affect young people across the country. 

Iris worked closely with production company Sweetshop Films to produce the campaign. Media buying is handled by Havas Media with PR support from Edelman. 

Eli Vasiliou, group creative director at Iris, says of the campaign: “Starbucks’ mission is to inspire and nurture the human spirit, one person, one cup and one neighbourhood at a time. The work we've created over the last 5 years has brought meaning to this ambition. This campaign is no exception. At every table, in every store, real life is playing out. Through a cinematic lens, we've told the small but powerful story of one inspirational woman, leaving behind a legacy that demonstrates the emotional punch of creative storytelling.”