An impromptu celebration breaks out in a diner but soon we realize that we’re witnessing the festivities–including the deployment of confetti-firing canons–in reverse. The good times are depicted in this spot titled “Change It Up” for Denizen from Levi’s.
Created by San Francisco ad agency Heat, the lifestyle commercial was directed by Tristan Holmes via production house Doomsday and lensed by DP Jackson Hunt. Helping to drive the reverse action were a musical score and sound design from Yessian Music, Los Angeles.
Credits
Music/Sound:Yessian Music, Los Angeles; Andy Grush, creative director; David Gold, exec producer; Katie Overcash, producer; Jeff Dittenber, sound design; Michael Yessian, head of production; Brian Yessian, chief creative officer Audio Post: One Union Recording, San Francisco; Joaby Deal, sr. engineer; Vickie Sornslip, exec producer Agency: Heat, San Francisco Production: Doomsday, Los Angeles; Tristan Holmes, director
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.