Work of the Week: 10/11/23
Christmas festivities are well and truly upon us, at least when it comes to adland’s offerings this week. Namely, we’ve seen the most anticipated ad of the year – John Lewis’ Christmas special, this year coming to us from Megaforce and Saatchi & Saatchi – featuring a very unusual Christmas tree.
We’ve also seen festive offerings from our favourite animated Aldi carrot, Kevin, Coca-Cola’s classic red and white truck drove by with many Santas in lieu and even a little something from Australia Post’s familiar-looking protagonist, Nick. All in all, it’s shaping up to be quite the mix of heart warming spots.
Aside from that and away from the festivities, there are also two non-Christmas related spots which have found their way into this week’s best. The first is Uber’s new train offerings, delivered with comedic flair. And the second comes from Jack Daniel's and encourages us to lose ourselves in the music.
Aldi - Kevin and the Christmas Factory
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Kevin the Carrot makes a return to supermarket Aldi’s 2023 Christmas advert. In the spot created by agency McCann UK and directed by Todd Mueller and Kylie Matulick – otherwise known as Todd + Kylie – Kevin visits William Conker’s magical Christmas Factory. Accompanied by his ‘Grate Grandad’, Kevin embarks on his tour of the festive goodie-filled factory, encountering all sorts of mischievous characters, including dancing Plumty Dumptys and a Spoilt Little Sprout! With lots going on, we’re sure you’ll go back and watch this several times, to enjoy each little detail.
John Lewis & Partners - The Perfect Tree
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The highly anticipated first campaign by Saatchi & Saatchi for John Lewis captures a new take on Christmas, which is a little less traditional than before. In the film directed by Megaforce – the foursome of Leo Berne, Clement Gallet, Charles Brisgand and Raphaël Rodriguez – a giant Venus fly trap named Snapper takes the place of a traditional tree. Championing the ‘Let Your Traditions Grow’ motto, the focus of the spot is on a young boy who lovingly nurtures the plant from seed and encourages viewers to celebrate the new traditions which come with every season.
Uber - Trains, now on Uber
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Uber revealed a shocking new feature in its latest ad – you can now book trains on the app! Leaning into the humour of this revelation, the spot by agency Mother, sees users roll up to the window of train drivers, in a way that a traditional Uber ride would operate. It leans into the behaviours and language that have become synonymous with everyone’s Uber experience - the awkward wave to the driver, confirming you're getting into the right car, and so on. So there we have it, trains, rides and food, all in one place.
Jack Daniel's - In the Moment
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'In The Moment,' the latest spot from Jack Daniel’s and agency Energy BBDO, gives meaning to losing yourself in the music and celebrating the moment. With a backing track of 'Back in Black' by AC/DC, we see several epic guitar solos, as players get well and truly into the moment. Showcasing the link between the brand and cultural moments, director Omar Jones shot everything in black and white, 16mm film, heightening the bold spirit the brand wanted to showcase.
Australia Post - Delivering Christmas for Australia
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Australia Post’s newest intern looks oddly familiar… maybe it’s just us. Created by The Monkeys, part of Accenture Song, the campaign follows a jolly Santa Claus who goes undercover to work out the intricacies behind delivering gifts. Paired up with postie Alex, Nick discovers that no magic is needed in this role. Directed by Tony Rogers from Guilty, Nick discovers some taller-than-usual workers, sees that post is delivered through doors rather than chimneys and the spot in general carries all the classic, festive undertones around the more practical service.
Coca-Cola - The World Needs More Santas
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When the red and white Coca-Cola truck rolls onto our screens, we know Christmas is on our doorstep. This year, the drinks brand partnered with WPP to shine a light on Santa Claus, a symbol of kindness, generosity, and goodwill. ‘The World Needs More Santas’, celebrates the spirit of the festive icon in all of us, regardless of whether it's helping a neighbour, sharing the last Coca-Cola, or lending a hand to a stranger in need, we can all come together this season to create a little bit of ‘Real Magic’.
Morrisons - More of The Winning Feeling
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An oven glove comes to life in supermarket Morrisons’ Christmas ad. Created with agency Leo Burnett and directed by Tim McNaughton, it sees the mits come alive to sing their support for hosts and chefs as they prepare their celebratory feasts on the big day. Set to a rendition of American rock band Starship’s classic power ballad ‘Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now’, the variety of new, old, silicone, traditional and even a few sassy gloves all show their personality and silliness in this festive spot.
McDonald's - Fancy a McDonald's Christmas
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Building on the 'Raise Your Arches' campaign, McDonald's is back this Christmas with a spot, created by Leo Burnett UK, inviting the nation to ask friends, family and co-workers ‘Fancy a McDonald’s?’ this festive period. Celebrating the little moments McDonald’s can bring during the festive period, the 90 second feel-good shows just how irresistible an invite to McDonald’s is, as hoards of people gather at the mere mention of a Maccies. Directed by Shannon Murphy, we see people leave the mundane behind to spice up their day with a cheeky meal from the golden arches, which are calling their names.
