Bestads Six of the Best Reviewed by Chris Buhrman, ECD, Hanson Dodge, Milwaukee
This week’s guest judge is Chris Buhrman, executive creative director at Hanson Dodge in Milwaukee.
First of all, thank you Best Ads, for inviting me to judge. So much
good work. As with most judging, my choices are colored by my own
experience and personality. In addition, I looked for work that would
move the needle, or as we say at Hanson Dodge, work that would help the
client "make great leaps."
BEST TV
Winner: Images Med Spa 'Let's Feel Good About Looking Good'.
It's not just that they did a great job of tapping into the
reservations their audience feels about undergoing a Botox procedure,
it's that they did it in a way that lets people laugh at all we do to
look our best, while empowering viewers to trust their intuition about
what will make us look good and feel good. I'm betting there will be a
run on Botox procedures, accompanied by a lot of "(blank) yous" to
anyone who questions the decision.
Runner up: Dutch State Lottery 'Believe in Luck with Frummel'.
I'm generally not sucked in by holiday spots that pull at the
heartstrings, but there was something especially poignant that got to
me. Maybe it was the incredibly cute cat (I'm a cat owner), or the shift
in the black cat stereotype, but most likely it was the unexpected
generosity of the man toward his neighbors. I assume he'll get a
kickback after they win.
BEST PRINT
Winner: Foundation Hogar de la Divina Misericordia 'Apples'.
This ad took something I know well, the Adidas logo, and gave it new
meaning. Actually, they made it more meaningful and personal to me. I
thought it was simple and effective.
Runner up: Amnesty International 'Sleeping Politicians'.
These two images intrigued me and compelled me to take a closer look.
And when I did, it evoked a range of uncomfortable feelings: sadness,
disgust and anger. That effect should generate a lot of Tweets.
BEST OUTDOOR
Winner: Prisma 'Social Distancing Plushies'.
A delightful and engaging way to create social distance. Most of the
reminders we get are ugly stickers that look like warning labels. This
idea makes social distancing a joyful experience and the bears doing
double duty as gifts added a layer of warmth from the brand.
Runner up: McDonald's 'Reflections - Fries'.
I had a hard time picking a runner up, but I gave it to McDonald's
because the execution was beautiful and simple. If I was there, I'd be
looking for where they shot the reflection.
BEST INTERACTIVE
Winner: Pony Malta 'She F.C.'.
A very smart hack. Talk about making a great leap. I have no doubt this
will go far toward creating equality in the game. Digital has the
ability to represent all and level the playing field. Besides, my
11-year-old daughter beats me at video games all the time.
Runner up: SimpliSafe 'Social Distancing Sweater'.
This is a fun, smart and timely piece of branding. Even if it is just
for the video, it makes a clear point about SimpliSafe in an
entertaining way. The millions of reluctant huggers out there who live
in a world of huggers need this sweater whether there is a pandemic or
not.
