FIGHTING CANCER
The American Cancer Society (ACS) has launched a campaign that is a departure from the organization’s norm. Instead of talking about various forms of the disease, the progress being made by scientists, the importance of raising funds for more research, and preventative/early detection measures, the ACS has recognized that all of this is immaterial if people cannot get the care they need. So ACS and Atlanta ad agency TG Madison have teamed on an initiative spanning TV, print and online designed to raise awareness of the major obstacles that average Americans–including the 47 million who do not have health insurance and the countless others who have inadequate insurance–confront when facing cancer. “The American Cancer Society believes that, after tobacco use, lack of access to quality health care in the United States could be the biggest barrier to continued progress in the fight against cancer,” said Richard C. Wender, M.D., national volunteer president of the ACS. “Reducing suffering and death from cancer may only truly be possible if all Americans are able to visit their doctor for regular check ups, early detection screening tests and prompt, quality cancer treatment if and when they need it.” The TV portion of the campaign consists of three spots directed by Stan Schofield of Schofield Films, New York. They tell the stories of people whose lives have been impacted not just by cancer but by health insurance coverage that is inadequate or nonexistent. For example, a :60 titled “Raina” introduces us to a young family comprised of Raina, her husband Jody and their four-year-old daughter. As we see them in slice-of-life vignettes, we learn that Raina was diagnosed as having cancer. A voiceover relates, “But the treatments that could save her life weren’t fully covered by her insurance and left her family in debt.” As we see the young parents sorting through assorted invoices, the voiceover asks, “Is the choice between caring for yourself and caring for your family really a choice? “The American Cancer Society is making progress against cancer through research, education and support. But it’s not enough if people can’t get the care they need. Together we can overcome this crisis.” The voiceover then urges us to find out what the ACS is doing and how we can help by logging onto cancer.org.
CATCHING DRAFTThe Meribel Ad Festival has named Howard Draft, chairman/CEO of DraftFCB, to serve as president of the 7th annual event slated for Dec. 11-16 in Meribel, France. Some 950 delegates, including 160 clients, are expected to attend the festival, which is highlighted by an awards competition and discussions. Among the speakers are Sir John Hegarty, worldwide creative director of BBH, Steve King, chief exec of Zenith Optimedia Worldwide, Tony Davidson, executive creative director of Wieden+Kennedy, London, and Amir Kassaei, chief creative officer, DDB Group Germany.
PEOPLE IN THE NEWSEditor Christopher Willoughby has joined Irvine, Calif.-based Shelter Post. His earlier roosts included new media company ARTiFACT and post house Space Division. He also founded editing house Two Headed Monster….Exec producer Eric Mueller and designer Faith Miller have joined Minneapolis-based broadcast design/animation studio motion 504…
