ITV’s streaming platform, ITVX, launches its new season of available comedies with an aptly timed series of advertisements starring actors from ITVX exclusive shows. Included in the mix of spots in the “Comedy is Back in the Building” campaign from agency ITV Creative–and directed by JILL, the team of Phil Morrison and Joe Ventura, via production house Epoch Film UK–is this piece titled “Stand Up Desk.”
JILL’s Ventura said, “Phil and I largely prefer the style of comedy where it takes place in an ordinary world where jokes happen to crop up organically. We wanted to avoid being hams when it came to this campaign in every sense–from casting to what lenses we used – in order to honor the unique rhythms in British humor. ITV has played such a vital role in the world of comedy in the U.K. and beyond, so we knew that we had to nail that element in particular.”
Credits
Client ITV, ITVX Agency ITV Creative Nike Garner, director of creative; Chris Vernon, executive creative director; Victoria Barnard, campaign management & strategic planning; Katie burrow, head of campaign production; Jonathan Truin, Matt Legg, Joaquin & Bailey, creatives; Mike Lomas, Ben Peers, sr. designers; Luke Fraser, sr. producer; James Hillhouse, lead strategist; Rosie Gilligan, campaign lead; Ella Clay, Mike Johnson, sr. campaign managers; Nana Hughes, head of scripted comedy; Jane Stiller, chief marketing officer; Paul Ridsdale, director of marketing; Ed Ross, sr. head of marketing; Simon Ricks, marketing lead; Hannah Costello, marketing manager. Production Company Epoch Films UK JILL (Phil Morrison, Joe Ventura), director; Jacki Calleiro, executive producer; Ewen Brown, producer; Sam Dawking, 1st AD; Mott Hupfel, DP; Olly Williams, production designer; Hannahy Edwards, wardrobe; Rachel Hearle, makeup artist. Editorial Work Editorial Mark Edinoff, editor; Lola Cookman, edit producer. Postproduction Coffe & TV Johnny Fairburn, post producer; Nick John, VFX supervisor; Davide Pascolo, Rory Whittle, VFX artists; Simona Cristea, colorist. Audio 750mph Miichalis Anthis, sound engineer; Aishah Amodu, sound producer.
The Ad Council, partnering with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Administration for Children and Families (ACF) and AdoptUSKids, launched a public service campaign, created pro bono by Edelman, which aims to inspire prospective parents to consider adopting a teen from foster care.
This centerpiece PSA titled “The Rewards”--directed by The Hudson Dusters (Michael Kuhn and Niles Roth) via Greenpoint Pictures--spotlights real adoptive families who have personally experienced the mutual benefits of adoption. This longer form PSA (and cutdown versions) begins with a touching display of openness and vulnerability as adoptive parents reflect on their adoption journeys and their initial questions and hesitations about adopting a teen. Then, in a deeply emotional turn, the adoptive parents witness their children recounting the profound rewards of adoption in their lives. The teens speak of the love they share with their parents and how the decision to become a family is reciprocal. The campaign directs viewers to the AdoptUSKids website to learn more about adopting a teen from foster care.
