thenetworkone’s Pick of Festive Work from Independents Around the Globe

The holiday season is already upon us, and with December arriving this weekend, what better time to share some of our favourite festive adverts? Here, we showcase some of the work produced by our member agencies, from every corner of the globe, that we think really captures the festive spirit.

Hullabaloo, Czech Republic

Let’s start by taking a trip to the Czech Republic, where Hullabaloo offers us a charming portrayal of a national tradition, for Penny Market. The wordless advert is strikingly human, and is sure to prompt a few tears from those of us who are left feeling emotionally fragile in the winter season.

“Like everywhere in the world today, the Czech Republic is also not immune to the fear of strangers. Thus, this campaign is based on a deep Czech Xmas tradition where people should set a spare place for a stranger at their table. The voiceover says ‘at Christmas, no one should be alone’” – Martyn Cox, Managing Partner

Valentin Experience, Sweden

Next up, Sweden. Valentin Experience have produced a beautifully executed short film for Volvo Buses. This ad captures the Christmas spirit without feeling too commercial, conveying a simple and effective message and proving that “sometimes, a silent entrance makes all the difference. Just ask Santa.” It’s an impressive effort, considering that the film was produced with only two and a half weeks’ notice!

THINKHOUSE, Ireland

Sometimes, all this Christmas goodwill can feel a bit nauseating. That’s why youth marketing agency THINKHOUSE, from IRELAND produced the refreshingly unsentimental campaign ‘Christmas Showdown’, for Life Style Sports.

Jane McDaid, Founder and Head of Creative Innovation at THINKHOUSE said: “This is an unapologetically, unsentimental Christmas campaign. This is another campaign that we’re proud of because it places the brand comfortably at the heart of youth culture.”

The Richards Group, USA

The Richards Group have created a beautifully-shot commercial for the TV advertising debut of Hobby Lobby, an Arts and Crafts store chain from North America. The team made Iceland their filming location, resulting in sweeping cinematic takes leave a lasting impression. The ad taps into the sentiment of giving and leaves a less materialistic impression than others, finishing with the tagline ‘Christmas is what you make it’, which connects on many levels.

Kolle Rebbe, Germany

Onto Germany, where Kolle Rebbe have created a magical campaign for Swiss department store Globus, creating an enchanting atmosphere. A unique TV commercial forms the heart of the campaign and shows how their products leave a magical mark at Christmas. Bit by bit the products transform the Christmas scenery into a mysterious world in which GLOBUS presents its "magical diversity" for the most beautiful time of the year, capturing the childlike wonder of Christmas.

Tank, Estonia

Tank, along with Estonian telecom operator Elisa decided to intercept the reign of epic holiday tearjerkers with a healthy dose of humour. The message “Three gifts at once!” is brought alive by well-known Estonian comedians the Pius twins who, in this particular campaign, have fittingly become triplets. The bottom line is, if Santa is expected in every home, then three Santas will triple these odds!

TVC voiceover translation:

"Till-till-till! (Ding-ding-ding!) This Christmas Elisa provides you with three gifts at once!"

True Company, Italy

True Company in Italy have opted for a more humorous take on Christmas with their Sun-ta Claus, for Giver Travel. The campaign promotes a magical winter destination: the village of Rovaniemi, Lapland, otherwise known as the home of Santa Claus. The visual is accompanied by the tagline “the sooner you book, the sooner you’ll meet him”, a catchy and tongue-in-cheek slogan.

Engine’s WCRS, UK

And of course, any Christmas list this year wouldn’t be complete without a mention of the Muppets, the starring characters in ‘The Giant Crumpet Show’, a festive offering from Engine’s creative agency, WCRS for Warbutons. The Muppets make a comeback after the runaway success of the 2015 ad. This time around, WCRS add a new cut featuring Statler and Waldorf, but the iconic Miss Piggy steals the show.

“Something magical happens when you hear the opening bars of the classic The Muppet Show Theme Song or hear Kermit's voice. They evoke a kind of nostalgic, homely delight in the cockles unlike anything else. Except, perhaps, the smell and taste of hot buttered Warburtons Giant Crumpets. If it doesn't draw a smile, you might want to see a doctor of some sort.” – Billy Faithfull, Executive Creative Director

Engine’s Mischief PR, UK

Another one from Engine, this time from their PR agency, Mischief PR, who have recruited This Is England’s Stephen Graham and Thomas Turgoose to star in their first film together since 2015, creating a surge of rumours amongst fans. Whilst it isn’t as strictly festive as most other ads, the cheeky humour is a welcome antidote to the barrage of sentimental offerings at this time of year.

Justin Costello, Huawei Director of Marketing, UK and Ireland, said: “We all know the perils of running out of a phone battery, and battery strife is an issue suffered by the vast majority of our nation […] With Christmas being one of the most sociable times of year, there is all the more scope for running out of battery, which is why we’ve launched the Recharge Your Mates campaign, so we can charge the nation when they need it most.”

RPA, USA

Bringing back a firm festive favourite from over the pond, RPA launch the #Grinchtakeover at Honda, putting a new spin on the annual ‘Happy Honda Days’ campaign. The campaign included a fun PR stunt, where the Grinch took over Honda’s twitter account, spreading holiday misery to all.

“In partnership with Universal Pictures and Illumination’s Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch, Honda has discovered that their Happy Honda Days event was stolen by the Grinch during Sunday television programming, leaving an empty Honda dealership and spreading unhappiness across the automaker’s annual holiday campaign”

Stein IAS (MSQ Partners), USA

Finally, to end on a festive thought of goodwill, Stein IAS, part of MSQ Partners, have written and produced an animated children’s Christmas book that captures the spirit of giving for those who need it most. The e-card aims to raise money for the charity Win, the largest provider of shelter and supportive housing for homeless families in New York City.