Part of a yearlong celebration just initiated to commemorate the 75th anniversary of M&M’S, this music video titled “Candyman” is a modern remix of Sammy Davis Jr.’s The Candy Man song (1972).
The song was recreated by singer Aloe Blacc and EDM-artist and producer Zedd in partnership with M&M’S. The entire song can be found on iTunes and Spotify and is accompanied by this full music video that can be found on Zedd’s Vevo channel. A :60 second version debuted during the season premiere of NBC’s The Voice on Monday (2/29).
The video was directed by Stylewar of production house Smuggler, with graphics/VFX from House Special, for BBDO New York. Kirk Kelley of House Special was animation director.
The major initiative is also being accompanied by a dedicated webpage where fans can remix their own version of the iconic song and share on their social pages.
Credits
Client Mars/M&Ms Agency BBDO New York David Lubars, chief creative officer, worldwide; Greg Hahn, chief creative officer, NY; Tim Bayne, executive creative director; Amy Wertheimer, group executive producer; Annie Dietz, producer; Melissa Chester, executive music producer; Kelly Saucier, art director; Casey Vagianos, writer. Celebrity Talent, Music Licensing, and IP Rights Acquisition Brad Sheehan/The Marketing Arm. Music/Sound Modern remix of Sammy Davis Jr.'s "The Candy Man" song. Zedd, EDM artist and producer; Aloe Blacc, singer. Production Smuggler Stylewar, director; Allison Kunzman, exec producer; Brian Etting, line producer; Chris Soos, DP. Editorial Arcade Edit Jen Dean, editor; Sila Soyer, exec producer; Fanny Cruz, producer; Dan Gutterman, Andrew Balasia, assistant editors. Post Company 3 Tim Masick, colorist; Rochelle Brown, producer. Animation/VFX House Special Rex Carter, Flame artist; Zilpha Yost, sr. producer; Natali Torres, production coordinator; Kirk Kelley, animation director; Lourri Hammack, exec producer. Audio Post Sound Lounge Tom Jucarone, engineer; Kate Albers, 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.
