High Five has been a regular part of LBB’s UK coverage, serving as a monthly roundup of the five best campaigns to launch. Moving into 2021, High Five is going global and we’ll be bringing you the best work from across the globe packaged into these neat, beautiful and super useful packages on a daily basis.
Up today is McCann Detroit co-CCO Brad Emmett, right off the back of his agency's high profile Super Bowl spot for General Motors with Will Ferrell, Awkwafina and Kenan Thompson. He's served up a campaign that's (in his opinion) funnier than every 2021 Super Bowl ad, a Marvel comic book featuring nurses, and a cheeky but worthwhile addition from America's northern neighbours.
General Motors - 'No Way Norway'
Agency: McCann Detroit
In this idea, Will Ferrell has learned that per-capita, the adorable country of Norway is kicking our butts in EV sales. Well, Will is not going to stand for this. He is going on a self-proclaimed mission to tell the super-photogenic people of Norway that General Motors is coming for them thanks to GM Ultium platform. This platform will allow GM to bring 30 new EVs to market by 2025. Oslo la vista, Norway!
Jolly Rancher - 'Jolly Rancher'
Agency: Erich and Kallman
When was the last time you laughed at an ad? I mean a real belly laugh? Super Bowl? I think these spots are possibly funnier than any Super Bowl ad this year. They are so stupid and funny which is what makes them great. Don’t think too hard about why a literal Jolly Rancher is riding a Jolly Rancher. It doesn’t matter. It’s candy, people!
AHN + Marvel - 'The Vitals'
Agency: Doner
After months of Covid-19 advertising, I was becoming a bit numb until something new and different came to market. This idea was an important reminder that our nurses, the unsung heroes of the medical community, are still out there fighting to save our lives every day. But what made this work really special is that the stories were told by those who know more about being a superhero than anyone. I’m talking about Marvel comic book artists and writers. These Sharpie wielding storytellers deftly reminded us that the nurses at Allegheny Health are always there, just in the nick-of-time, to save someone’s life.
Click here to read more about the campaign.
Heinz - 'Draw Ketchup'
Agency: Rethink
I know this one Canadian, but it’s worth a mention. This is one of the best ideas I’ve seen in a long time. Its simplicity makes me angry. Brilliant! Brilliant! Brilliant! Brilliant! Brilliant! Brilliant! Brilliant! Brilliant! Brilliant! Brilliant! Brilliant! Brilliant! Brilliant! Brilliant! Brilliant! Brilliant! Brilliant! Brilliant! Brilliant! Brilliant! Brilliant! Brilliant! Brilliant! Brilliant! Brilliant! Brilliant! Brilliant! Brilliant! Brilliant! Brilliant! Brilliant! Brilliant! Brilliant! Brilliant! Brilliant! Brilliant! Brilliant! Brilliant! Brilliant! Brilliant! Brilliant! Brilliant! Brilliant! Brilliant! Brilliant! Brilliant! Brilliant! Brilliant! Brilliant! Brilliant! Brilliant! Brilliant! Brilliant! Brilliant! Brilliant! Brilliant! Brilliant! Brilliant! Brilliant! Brilliant! Brilliant!
Bud Light Seltzer Lemonade - 'Last Year’s Lemons'
Agency: Wieden and Kennedy NY
“2020 was a lemon of a year.” That is the quote of the Super Bowl! And that is exactly why I enjoyed this spot while drinking my gin and tonic, sorry Bud. The essence of this idea reminded me of the days when Super Bowl commercials were easy to understand and left football fans everywhere satisfied and smiling. I mean, lemons falling from the sky destroying the fabric of our everyday lives is just funny.