Ads of the Week: Asda employs Buddy the Elf and Aldi’s Kevin the Carrot returns
There was also a fun festive spot from Lidl that detailed the star power of a toy bear, while Greta Thunberg’s ‘Fridays for the Future’ movement called out politicians’ climate change efforts before the US mid-term elections.
Buddy the Elf starred in Asda’s Christmas ad / Asda
Every Wednesday, The Drum picks the top global campaigns from our Creative Works. You can submit your new work here.
This week, Asda recruited a very enthusiastic team member in Buddy the Elf, using footage from the hit Warner Bros movie, Aldi paid homage to Nike’s famous Airport 1998 World Cup ad as the nation’s most-loved carrot made a glorious comeback, and Glenmorangie invited whisky drinkers into its theatrical world.
Asda: Have your Elf a Merry Christmas by Havas London
Made famous by actor Will Ferrell, Buddy the Elf is once again spreading cheer for all to hear. Using footage from the hit Warner Bros film, Asda recruited the lovable character as a festive colleague. Read our interview with Havas London’s Vicki Maguire to find out how they made the ad here.
Aldi: Feast of Football by McCann
Remember Nike’s famous Airport 1998 World Cup ad? Aldi has taken inspiration from the iconic spot for this Christmas ad, which featured Kevin the Carrot and co. Leaning into the anticipation surrounding this year’s World Cup, the ad marked the seventh consecutive year that the root vegetable has landed the starring role.
Glenmorange: It’s Kind Of Delicious and Wonderful by DDB Paris
This colorful brand campaign is the work of renowned photographer Miles Aldridge. In the ad, viewers saw six different imaginative scenes. There was a hot air balloon ride, a walk through luscious botanical gardens and even a retro-inspired arcade.
Lidl: Lidl Bear by Accenture Song
Lidl’s festive ad campaign told the story of a toy bear who surprisingly became an overnight celebrity. In the spot, viewers saw him pen a memoir and even record a hit Christmas jingle, but all the while his previous owner just longed to have him back at home with her.
Fridays for Future: Aliens by Fred & Farid Los Angeles
This poster campaign took inspiration from retro sci-fi movies and showed different environments under attack from humans in scenes that looked eerily similar to aliens attacking a foreign planet.
It was released in the run-up to the US Midterm elections to highlight that many politicians deny climate change and, because of this, irreparable damage is being done to the planet.
McDonald’s: Wakanda Forever Happy Meal by DDB Chicago
To celebrate the release of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, fans in the US can now get their hands on a superhero toy when they buy McDonald‘s Happy Meals.
The coinciding short film detailed how important representation is – especially to young people. In the video, viewers saw a cast of Black children talking about the feeling they get when they see someone on screen that looks like them.
Barbour: One of a Kind-ness by Againstallodds
Barbour enlisted the help of Paddington Bear to spread Christmas cheer this festive season. In the ad, the lovable character was delivering gifts when he noticed that his grumpy neighbor was feeling a little left out of all the festivities. To cheer him up, the marmalade sandwich-loving bear decided to get him a jacket as a gift.
Argos: Avalanche by The&Partnership
Argos is celebrating the chaos that sometimes ensues when family and friends get together at Christmas time. In the ad, viewers saw a couple nervously anticipating the arrival of their guests. According to the woman, they were expecting only a few visitors, but as a huge crowd of neighbors began to make its way to the couple’s home, she started to panic.
As the lively group ran towards the hosts, spilling trifle and champagne everywhere, the pair braced themselves for a full-on but fun day.
Sainsbury’s: Once Upon a Pud by Wieden+Kennedy London
Alison Hammond adopted the role of a picky countess for this year’s Sainsbury’s Christmas ad. Narrated by Stephen Fry, the ad showed chefs presenting various festive dishes to the royal, hoping that she approved of them.
Mars Wrigley: Lonely Bounty by Taylor Herring
Bounty, the Marmite of the chocolate world, was the focus of a polarizing Christmas campaign by Mars Wrigley as it sought to find a new home for the ostracized treat.
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