John Lewis, Beats, Burberry, McDonalds, Zalando, Penny, SuperValu, Aldi, Coca-cola, Let Her Run, Absolut... it's been a bumper week and the festive season is in full swing
It’s happening! The festive ad season is in full swing – and after the US ad world went on pause for the US election last week there’s a full on blizzard of creativity.
First up, there’s the annual Christmas barometer of creativity, the John Lewis and Partners ad from adam&eveDDB. This year they’ve ditched the formula that’s been working for them the past few years – so in place of the cutesy cover and icon cuddly character they’ve knitted a patchwork of small stories of kindness. Director Oscar Hudson leads a phalanx of animation talent, including Sylvain Chomet and MegaComputeur and Chris Hopewell. Through John Lewis and sister retailer Waitrose, they’re hoping to raise £4m to help struggling families, through charity FareShare.
But while it’s easy to get wrapped up in John Lewis, there’s a host of other strong contenders this week. Beats and Melina Matsoukas are keeping the pressure up with an ad that asks ‘You Love Black Culture, But Do You Love Me?’. Burberry has turned a grimy London street into a stage for some stylish swinging in the rain in a tour de force from Megaforce. McDonald’s UK campaign from Leo Burnett and Passion peers into a mother-son relationship and delivers a true emotional punch, while Zalando delivers a heft package full of feels in a spot that’s all about touch. Down under, BMF and Good Oil have gone for pure silliness with some stylish, synchronised swimming Santas. With all this and more, this week’s Work of the Week is a real selection box – so tuck in!
‘You Love Black Culture, But Do You Love Me?’ Asks Melina Matsoukas-Directed Beats Ad