Brian Billow of production house O Positive directed and co-wrote (with Jay Manheimer) this satirical campaign in which Presidents Abraham Lincoln and Donald Trump square off in a series of lakeside chats.
Trump imparts his wisdom to Lincoln on topics ranging from the pandemic to skipping taxes and even a proposed Commander-in-chief change possibly in the offing for Mount Rushmore.
The latter is the subject of this tongue-in-cheek installment of the “Abe and Trump Being Frank” series with plans for Trump’s visage to replace that of Theodore Roosevelt. (Trump would evoke the "statue of limitations.")
While the topics are different from episode to episode in this campaign series, one message is constant–make sure to cast your vote in the fast approaching national election.
Billow is an alum of SHOOT’s 2008 New Directors Showcase.
Credits
Creative Jay Manheimer, Brian Billow, writers. Production O Positive Brian Billow, director; Ralph Laucella, exec producer; Grayson Bithell, line producer; Sameet Patadia, production manager; Vanessa Golenia, social media producer; Sebastian Pfaffenbichler, DP; Maia Jovan, production designer; Greg McCollum, first AD. Editorial Arcade Edit Geoff Hounsell, Sean Lagrange, Dean Miyahira, editors; Alexa Atkin, editorial producer. Finishing & Grade The Mill John Leonti, creative director; Anastasia Von Rahl, exec producer; Bret Aros, associate producer; Logan Highlen, colorist; Patrick Dirks, 2D artist; Chris “Badger” Knight. Music N.O.R.E. Hazardis Soundz, Spkilla, producers.
White Ribbon has launched its “My Friend, Max Hate” campaign in Canada featuring this public service film that follows the journey of a young, isolated boy who becomes influenced by a misogynistic online puppet, “Max Hate.” The PSA reveals how online figures in the manosphere--a network of online communities promoting hateful, misogynistic rhetoric which fuels attitudes among young men and boys that contribute to gender-based violence.
“It’s alarming to see the growing impact of the manosphere and how they are conditioning vulnerable populations such as teens, particularly young men,” said Humberto Carolo, White Ribbon CEO. “These misogynistic online groups have existed for years, but their influence has grown under controversial figures, driving an increase in gender-based violence. With the My Friend, Max Hate campaign, our goal is to expose the damaging influence of misogynistic figures and raise awareness, particularly among young men who are often drawn into these toxic online communities.”
Launching two weeks before Safer Internet Day (February 11), the campaign--from Toronto agency Bensimon Byrne--underscores the importance of online safety and protecting youth through clear content boundaries.
White Ribbon is creating an online resource hub that educates individuals on how to recognize harmful online groups and provides support for young men and boys seeking to escape. Additionally, the campaign will launch a TikTok account, @max_hate_, featuring the PSA ‘My Friend, Max Hate’ puppet to expose how these figures gain influence and spread hate in a space that reaches those most influenced, young men.
The PSA was directed by Angie Bird via Toronto-based Westside Studio.
