In this video for his new single, “Preach,” John Legend confronts a myriad of social issues affecting marginalized communities.
“The idea behind the song is that sometimes we can get so frustrated by the news and what’s going on and there’s this scatter going on in ourselves,” Legend stated. “Do we become apathetic? Do we become engaged? Do we just talk about it, or do we do something?”
The Dominique DeLeon-directed video opens with the singer lying awake in bed beside wife Chrissy Teigen before taking a harrowing look at a handful of issues taking root in America: School shootings, children being separated from parents at the border, law enforcement’s aggressive tactics toward African-Americans during traffic stops and more.
The video also employs YouTube’s fundraising feature to set a goal of $50,000 in donations for FreeAmerica, which “exists to amplify the voices of individuals impacted by the criminal justice system and those who are working to change it. By challenging stereotypes, breaking down barriers, and uplifting solutions, we are helping to end mass incarceration and invest in just, equitable, and thriving communities across the United States.”
CreditsProduction AJR Films Dominique DeLeon, director; Peter da Silva, Kelsey Gilchrist, producers; Holly Hubbell, Marita Gomsrud, production managers; Jonas Morales, 1st AD; Christian Labarta, 2nd AD; Schnel Francis, director’s assistant; Sing Yam, Todd Banhazl, DPs; Ben Steen, Jeff Caples, 1st assistant camera; Drew Barnett, Walter Dandy, 2nd assistant camera; Xavier Thompson, Liam Clark, Aaron Gantt, Steadicam operators.
Barilla, LePub Navigate Subway Commute To “Togetherness”
On World Pasta Day, October 25, Barilla partnered with the NYC subway to turn its iconic “Spaghetti n°5” pasta boxes into “Togetherness Tickets,” offering free subway rides. At a special Barilla newsstand near Hudson Yards station, commuters could pick up a pasta box that, with a tech insert, worked like a regular subway ticket to open the turnstiles.
More than just a ticket, Barilla’s campaign was an invitation for individuals to step out of their solitary routines and connect with their loved ones over a delicious pasta meal. According to a global survey commissioned by Barilla in August 2023, 60% of respondents confessed to eating alone more frequently over the past two years, forsaking shared meals for a quick bite on their own.
The primary reason cited for this shift toward solitary dining is busy work schedules. A significant 48% of people surveyed lamented that their working hours kept them from sharing meals with their loved ones, highlighting the impact of our on-the-go lifestyles on quality time spent with family and friends. Additionally, geographical distances from family and friends contributed to the rise of solitary meals, with 37% acknowledging it as a growing obstacle.
Although people are increasingly eating alone, as a resounding 63% of people admitted to eating solo during the week, a remarkable 93% believe that regularly sharing meals has a positive impact on relationships with friends and family. Building on this emerging desire, Barilla wanted to remind us of the impact of food and more specifically pasta, in fostering better human connections.
Sometimes a friend or family member is just a few subway stops away. So get together and share a pasta meal with a box of Barilla, which also serves as a... Read More