Mother Nature Audits Apple’s Carbon Footprint in Sketch Starring CEO Tim Cook and Octavia Spencer

In 2020, Apple promised to bring its entire carbon footprint to net zero by 2030 - and last night’s ‘Wonderlust’ event made sure to remind iPhone fans that the company is well on track.

During the event, which saw the announcement of new products like the iPhone 15 and Apple Watch Series 9, the tech company played a new five-minute film dedicated to sharing how it’s achieving carbon neutrality. But who’s asking the important questions? Well, none other than Mother Nature herself.

Directed by Stink director, Rhys Thomas, the comedic sketch takes place within an Apple boardroom as CEO Tim Cook and his colleagues nervously await the arrival of the personified protector of the planet. After Mother Nature makes her thunderous entrance, played by the Oscar-winning Octavia Spencer (‘The Help’, ‘The Shape of Water’, ‘Ma’), she begins to question Apple’s progress towards its 2030 net zero goal.

The staff excitedly reel through the status report, explaining how through innovations in materials, clean energy, low-carbon shipping and restoring natural ecosystems, the innovative company is reducing its carbon footprint. And to seal the deal, the board unveil the latest series of Apple Watches - the brand’s very first carbon-neutral product.

Also during the Wonderlust event, another film - this one created in partnership with TBWA\ Media Arts Lab and Sanctuary director Goh Iromoto - showcased more of the product features of the Apple Watch. 

Titled ‘Another Birthday’, the documentary-style film shares stories of people who have had their lives saved or otherwise significantly improved by the iPhone or Apple Watch. From helping to detect cancer symptoms to sending an SOS alert during an emergency, the interviewees discuss the gratitude they have for the products, accompanied by a montage of intimate moments from their lives today.

After the event, Apple also shared its latest addition to the ‘Shot on iPhone’ series - this time taking to the world of music videos, shooting Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Olivia Rodrigo’s ‘get him back!’ video on the new iPhone 15 Pro models. TBWA\ Media Arts Lab created an integrated campaign for TV and socials that delve behind the scenes of the process, which can be viewed here.