Work of the Week: 08/11/24

Waitrose has introduced the first part of its Christmas campaign, offering a fresh twist on the classic holiday ad. Created by Saatchi & Saatchi London and directed by BAFTA-winner Lucy Forbes with production by Smuggler, the campaign invites viewers into a lighthearted whodunnit mystery, featuring a star-studded cast. With audiences already hooked, the campaign promises more intrigue with a second instalment set to release in the coming weeks.

Our favourite orange vegetable is back on our screens – and no, not that one.

Kevin the Carrot has made his annual return for Aldi and McCann, celebrating his ninth year as the supermarket’s beloved Christmas mascot. This time, Kevin and his wife embark on a holiday heist to save the Christmas spirit from the evil Humbugs, who threaten to ruin the festivities. As the loveable pair navigate a series of perilous situations and comical ‘booby traps’ to save the day, this action-packed ad leaves us wondering, “Would it even be Christmas without Kevin the Carrot on our screens?”

Housing and homelessness charity Shelter reveals the emotional and harsh reality of living in temporary accommodation in its latest film from Outsider, directed by Nicholas Goffey and Dominic Hawley. The film opens in an imaginary world, where young Mia and her dad are spacewalking across an alien landscape in a joyful playtime scene. But this fantasy is soon interrupted, snapping them back to the stark reality of their temporary housing. With the hard-hitting tagline, “Love alone can’t protect a child from homelessness, but your donations could,” the campaign delivers a powerful call to action.

Now time for a short break from the Christmas ad frenzy to head up north with Uber. Having attended university in Manchester, I can definitely relate to the struggles of a night out in heels, without a coat, and at the mercy of unpredictable northern weather. Highlighting Uber's often unknown presence in communities outside the traditional metropolitan hubs, this tongue-in-cheek campaign showcases everyday situations where an Uber ride would have been the perfect solution. 

IKEA’s latest Christmas campaign from VML Poland brings an adorable canine love story to life, with the digital component managed by Wavemaker. The heartwarming plot follows a dog eager to peer out the window, only for his owners to discover he’s trying to catch a glimpse of the neighbour’s dog, whom he adores. In a relatable twist for pet lovers, IKEA has also launched a contest inviting pet owners to share photos of their pets relaxing with IKEA products.

M&S unveiled its 2024 Christmas Clothing & Home campaign this week, celebrating the transformative effect that Christmas has over us. Directed by Emmy nominated Elliot Power, with creativity from Mother and production from Love Song, the ad features young star Skylar Blu (Britain’s Got Talent, Season 15), who with the help of a magical snow globe, makes her family come together in the most unexpected ways. With enchanting choreography from Corey Baker and a groovy soundtrack courtesy of the Jackson Sisters, this ad is guaranteed to make you tap your feet.

KODE and director Peter Franklyn Banks deliver a heartwarming campaign with Chelsea Football Club and the Chelsea Foundation, calling for donations to support charities tackling homelessness. The film follows a young fan who is transported to a club Christmas photoshoot, where he meets his hero, Cole Palmer. Featuring a diverse range of sporting and global stars, the campaign highlights the strength of the club’s unity. In the spirit of giving, Chelsea will donate a portion of the proceeds from its festive retail range to the Chelsea Foundation, supporting homelessness charities in London.

Inspired by Roald Dahl’s timeless story, Sainsbury's brings the beloved BFG to life by enlisting the help of ‘Sophie,’ played by a real Sainsbury’s employee, in a whimsical culinary adventure from New Commercial Arts. Directed by Sam Brown, with Stephen Fry’s enchanting voice-over and a custom soundtrack by Alex Baranowski, this magical campaign taps into the nostalgia and the warmth of the BFG’s spirit.

A lovable, stomping Humbug takes centre stage in this Christmas ad from Clemenger BBDO Australia for the country’s largest department store. Causing merry mayhem, Humbug embodies the spirit of those who might feel a bit “bah humbug” about the season. Celebrating Myer’s gift selection for both the naughty and the nice, this joyous campaign is for all the humbugs just trying to make it to the New Year.

This charming Christmas spot tells the story of an iconic global character who’s often spotted but rarely truly seen: Waldo, from the classic Where’s Waldo? series. In this heartwarming film from Orchard Creative, Waldo travels the world, spotted by people everywhere he goes. But only when he returns home and receives a perfectly personalised Etsy gift from his best friend does he finally feel truly “seen”. This campaign beautifully highlights how Etsy sellers aren’t just making products – they’re creating moments of connection.

Shaun the Sheep and his flock are back for more adventures with Barbour, as part of their 2024 Christmas campaign with Aardman. In this delightful story, the farmer’s dog, Bitzer, struggles to conduct a very chilly choir of Shaun and the flock through some Christmas carols. But as their “baas” start to freeze, Bitzer dashes off on his bike and returns with cosy Barbour gifts for everyone.