Talk about a gift that keeps on giving–since the inception of Kevin the Carrot back in 2016, Aldi UK supermarkets and McCann Manchester have collaborated with Psyop to create holiday magic year after year. Often including nods to classic holiday films, Kevin the Carrot has become a classic in his own right with fans looking to the annual release of his latest adventure as the initiator of the most wonderful time of the year.
Chopped, diced, or julienned–any way you slice it, Kevin will always bring the action. Created in association with Riff Raff Films, this year’s film sends the viewer on a caper braving the broiler, precarious mince pies and other cuisine-related boobie traps as Kevin and Katie try to save the Festive Spirit from the nefarious thieves at Humbug Headquarters. Concluding with a mission accomplished and yet another feather in Kevin’s cap, the Festive Spirit is set free and fills empty tables with holiday feasts underscoring the ever-present message of celebrating the cheer of community and the magic of bringing families together.
Glad to be back in the world of Kevin the Carrot and to be reunited once again with Aldi and McCann, Psyop directors Todd + Kylie (Todd Mueller and Kylie Matulick) continue to up the ante as the sets, effects and storyline continue to evolve alongside the creative partnership.
“Kevin the Carrot is more than a character; he’s become a cherished tradition and a holiday icon. Each year, we’re inspired to create something even more memorable, and this season’s film is truly our most enchanting yet,” said Psyop EP Jim Brattin.
Credits
Client Aldi UK Agency McCann Manchester Dave Price, chief creative officer; Clive Davis, Andy Fenton, creative leads. Agency Production Craft Amanda Riddeal, sr. producer; Lucy Moore, head of broadcast. Production Psyop Jim Brattin, exec producer; Todd Mueller & Kylie Matulick, directors; Jamie Pastor, head of production; Andrea Panda, exec producer, live action; Tina Pavlides, head of production, live action. Amy Fahl, producer; Jill Sachs, associate producer; Gena Jongsukkijpanich, Renegades of Phong, Todd Mueller, Kylie Matulick, Samantha Ballardini, designers; Chris Sage, lead technical director; Cristina Camacho, Steve Hallquist, Billy Morris, FX; Krista Albert, Big Studios, Justin Diamond, Daewoo Koo, modeling; Big Studios, Monika Gelbmann, Chris Sage, Justus Schmidt, Ellie Stalie, lighting; Matthias Bauerle, 2D supervisor/lead compositor; Thomas Sali, 2D animator; Origami Dollar, previs & animation; Big Studios, Origami Dollar, technical animation; Michael Deweese, Max Forward, storyboard artist; Loren Christiansen, editor; Cristina Camacho, character FX; Big Studios, Kevin Kim, Krystal Chinn, Em Mai, Thomas Sali, Justus Schmidt, compositors; Nick Hiatt, matte painting; Kim Stevenson, colorist; Cory Daniels, color assist; Chad Stracensky, Flame & conform. Production Riff Raff Films Tracey Cooper, exec producer; Paz Parasmand, producer; Theo Cassels, production manager.
Stain remover Vanish presents this emotional short film--created by BETC Havas, Sao Paulo, and produced by LOBO--that explores the profound consequences of bullying and highlights the importance of open conversations between parents and children. Titled The Bully Monster, the animated film premiered at the Maquinaria Festival in Rio de Janeiro on February 15 in a special edition featuring family-focused programming.
The film’s protagonist is a boy who experiences bullying at school but keeps silent about his suffering. Isolation turns sadness into insecurity, creating invisible emotional scars that only grow in the absence of dialogue. When his mother notices stains on his uniform, these marks become the starting point for a revealing conversation. As words find space to make themselves heard, the stains begin to fade.
This initiative aligns with the Vanish Saves Your Uniform campaign, which, for the past three years during the back-to-school season, has engaged with parents by positioning the brand as a trusted partner in preserving school uniforms. This year, Vanish decided to broaden the conversation, bringing bullying into the debate as the real stain that can impact a child’s life.
The Bully Monster is being screened as preshow material in movie theaters starting February 20 and will also be available on streaming platforms and digital channels. In addition to the film, the campaign will include out-of-home activations and school initiatives through a partnership with Abrace – Preventive Programs, the founding organization of the “Bullying-Free Schools” program, which has been equipping institutions with resources to combat school violence for 12 years.
“Research indicates that stains on a uniform can... Read More
