
In 2015 SotW did not feature much work coming from brands. I find to be a shame, as there is a a great amount of creativity and talent that is operating in the branded and advertising space, including many of the filmmakers featured on the site. We support creative short form storytelling, and that storytelling deserves to recognized in its many disparate forms.
If you want to enjoy bite-size advertising narratives, the holiday season is the time to look. Inspired by the phenomenal viral success of the annual John Lewis holiday ad, a culture has emerged the last few years around a very particular kind of piece, one designed to tug at your heartstrings with maximum force. Sure, it’s manipulative, but the amount of emotion these creators are able to pack into short runtimes is phenomenally clever, and enjoying large commercial budgets, the level of animation craft in the 3 pieces we’ve pulled out for you today is exceptional. I for one am supremely susceptible their charms, and if you are too, I suggest you have a tissue at hand for these…
Otto “The Letter”
Dir: Marie Hyon, Marco Spier of Psyop (Stink) for Heimat Berlin
Not really sure what Otto is, or what they make, but they have commissioned a fantastic ad. When a mailman discovers an ancient, misplaced letter, he’ll go to great lengths to ensure that its Christmas wish comes true. Director by Psyop founders Hyon and Spier, this NYC/LA based company is universally considered one of the best animation shops in the world.
Sainsbury’s “Mog’s Christmas Calamity”
Dir: James Rouse (Outsider) for AMVBBDO
A beloved UK literary character, Mog, the calamitous cat, hasn’t been heard of since dying in his 16th and final book, which came out in 2002. English supermarket Sainsbury, has resurrected the character for their seasonal advert, with a brand new story from the original creator Judith Kerr. When Mog is alerted to a burning roast, usual calamitous hijinks ensue, but through the destruction, Mog and the family will have an opportunity to find out what the season is really about.
Loteria de Navidad
Dir: againstallodds (Passion Pictures) for Leo Burnett Madrid
Commissioned for the Spanish Lottery, this charming tale centers on the night watchman for a mannequin factory. Despite his lonely existence he seeks to spread joy to his co-workers whom he never sees.