Shaquille O’Neal Surprises Fans in New Papa John’s “Better Day” Campaign

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Papa John’s International, Inc

announces the launch of its new “Better Day” campaign featuring Board of Directors member and franchisee Shaquille O’Neal. The campaign includes three television ads, which will begin airing nationally on Thursday, September 5th, featuring O’Neal making pizzas with Papa John’s team members and engaging Los Angeles residents across the city during deliveries at different locations.

“I had a blast making these commercials and you’ll see that come through on screen,” said O’Neal. “As a Papa John’s board member and franchisee, I’m invested in the business based on my belief that pizza is fun and it brings us all together. The 120,000 team members all over the world make the company what it is, so it was important to help bring that message through in the ads.”

Building from the iconic BETTER INGREDIENTS. BETTER PIZZA.® slogan, the “Better Day” campaign is about more than just the high-quality pizza for which Papa John’s is known; it’s about making a positive impact and bringing fun to guests worldwide. This comes through in the television spots, which feature O’Neal in candid moments with Papa John’s teammates and guests.

“Shaquille has a dynamic presence and sharp business sense. We wanted him to take the wheel in these ads and show it truly is a better day at Papa John’s,” said Karlin Linhardt, Papa John’s global chief marketing officer. “You’ll see in the commercials Shaquille being Shaquille – visiting team members at Papa John’s restaurants, showing off his charisma, embodying the changes so pervasive across Papa John’s.”

The “Better Day” campaign was directed by filmmaker Amir Farhang with Hungry Man Productions. Farhang is a former agency creative turned award-winning director who worked with O’Neal previously, as well as working with brands such as Adidas, Nike and Dove.

This is the first campaign with Papa John’s from its new partner Camp + King.

"These spots are meant to show how Shaquille is not playing a role of “spokesperson,” but instead is playing a real role of being more deeply invested in the company as both a store owner and member of the board,” said Roger Camp, chief creative officer and co-founder of Camp + King.

These commercials are part of a larger campaign, which will include additional candid moments with O’Neal and community engagement in select cities in the coming months, among other elements.

FORMAL CLIENT NAME: Papa John’s

PROJECT: “Better Day” Campaign Launch 2019

Camp + King

Chief Executive Office & Partner: Jamie King

Chief Creative Officer & Partner: Roger Camp

Creative Director, Junior Partner: Rikesh Lal

Creative Director, Junior Partner: Jesse Dillow

Senior Art Director: Melissa Macarian

Senior Copywriter: Rick Morrison

Copywriter: Evan Burton

Director of Production, Junior Partner: Stacy McClain

Executive Producer: Garrett DeLorm

Managing Director – Chicago, Junior Partner: Kristin Barbour

Brand Director: Melissa Stavish

Brand Supervisor: Helen Oddone

Assistant Brand Manager: Rachel Feigelman

Director of Strategy, Junior Partner: David Morrissey

Senior Strategist: Paige Robertson

Designer: Joey Faccio

Director of Print Production: Amy Guzman

Production Company: Hungry Man

Director: Amir Farhang

Managing Partner/Executive Producer: Kevin Byrne

Managing Partner/Executive Producer: Mino Jarjoura

Executive Producer/Director of Sales: Kevin Byrne

Executive Producer: Caleb Dewart

Head of Production: Marian Harkness

Producer: Tine Densmore Bell

Production Supervisor: Alexa Brugger

Post-Production: Cut+Run / Jogger SF

Editor: Ben McCambridge

Editor: Max Holste

Executive Producer: Deanne Mehling

Producer: Cassandra Guardado

Flame Artist: Brendan Crockett

Online Producer: Caylee Banz

Mix: One Union Recording

Senior Engineer: Joaby Deal

Color Grade: Company 3

Senior Colorist – Sean Coleman

Music Supervision: Beta Petrol

Executive Producer: Dayna Turcotte

Producer: CMC Forecast, Dave Suchanek