Three people run triumphantly out of a Big Lots store carrying shopping bags. “We got ‘em,” a young man exclaims. They jump into a car, joining two other friends. Their commute begins and instead of the radio coming on, the passengers and driver team on an a cappella appreciation of what’s in those bags–Hostess snacks such as Twinkies, Ho Hos, Ding Dongs and Snowballs.
This offbeat spot heralds Big Lots becoming the official Hostess thrift outlet.
Jeff Jenkins directed via AdDigital for agency O’Keefe Reinhard & Paul.
Credits
Client Big Lots Agency O’Keefe Reinhard & Paul. Matt Reinhard, creative director; Sue Gillan, director of creative services; Cooper Johnson, Vinny DeGaetano, Aaron Fronk, writers; Scott Mitchell, executive producer. Production AdDigital Jeff Jenkins, director; Tom Mooney, Dan Klein, exec producers. Editorial Whiskey & Bananas Studio Jeff Jenkins, editor. Music Beacon Street Studios John Nau, Andrew Feltenstein, composers; Caitlin Rocklen, producer.
FCB Health New York, an IPG Health company, and SAFE Project have joined forces to create “The Snowball,” a short film that spotlights winter as a common catalyst for dangerous increases in alcohol consumption. In collaboration with creative studio LOBO, “The Snowball” combines a compelling visual metaphor with cutting-edge animation and a haunting soundtrack from Billie Holiday.
As millions embrace “Dry January,” the onset of colder, shorter winter days still leads to an uptick in alcohol misuse, which can lead to liver cirrhosis and other medical maladies and dangerous consequences for one’s life. Speaking to casual drinkers, “The Snowball” visually illustrates how anyone is at risk of becoming addicted to alcohol during this time of year when external climate variables can lead to excess consumption, even if the drinker does not immediately realize it.
Making good on the metaphor, the film follows one man as a quick liquor run gradually devolves into a full-blown addiction as a snowball gradually grows beside him, engulfing his whole life and eventually causing his demise. Set to the tune of Billie Holiday’s “Everything I Have Is Yours,” the film’s pathos is drawn from the sonic integrity of Holiday’s original recording maintained in the sound design as well as the singer’s tragic battle with substance abuse.
This entirely animated film was created using a hands-on, collaborative process rooted in traditional animation techniques, with every aspect of the artwork creation, design, and craftsmanship crafted entirely by human hands. AI-driven tools and processes were brought in during the animation rendering stage, helping the film achieve a distinct visual style that would have been difficult to achieve through... Read More
