Black women-owned businesses are vital to the economy and are among the hardest hit by the impacts of the pandemic. Mastercard is announcing the Strivers Initiative, a consumer-facing platform, elevating the visibility of Black female business owners overcoming obstacles to maintain and grow their business, as role models for the community and future generations. The initiative kicks off with this national Mastercard spot featuring Black women business owners from across the U.S. and Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Jennifer Hudson.
In the commercial–directed by Child and produced by female-owned production house Little Minx for agency McCann XBC–Hudson’s rendition of “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” produced by will.i.am, serves as an anthem for Black women business owners across the country who are paving their Path to Priceless and whose businesses serve as pillars for their communities.
The initiative will include a grant program in partnership with Fearless Fund, a VC fund built by women of color for women of color. This will be complemented by a multi-city educational road show driving awareness of the state of women and minority-owned business in cities across the U.S. and providing insights into progressive actions cities can take to foster an equitable business climate.
CreditsClient Mastercard Agency McCann XBC Pierre Lipton, global executive creative director; Pete Jones, Cinzia Crociani, executive creative directors; Caro Rebello, Artur Lipori, creative directors; Amanda Caldari, sr. copywriter; Marina Ferraz, art director; Ana Miraglia, copywriter; Tatjana Gall, designer; Judy Nierman, SVP, executive producer; Doug Harrison, producer; Eric Johnson, executive integrated music producer; Dan Gross, music producer; Oriol Bombi, EVP, global strategy director; Danielle Noto, VP, strategy director; Emily Kearns, social strategy director; Kristen Levy, social strategist; Colleen Gleason, sr. strategist. Production Little Minx Child, director; Rhea Scott, president; Helen Hollien, exec producer; Annalise Rowane, line producer; Rachel Morrison, DP. Editorial Rock Paper Scissors Chris Mitchell, Frank Snider, editors; Lisa Barnable, producer. Postproduction Method Studios
Top Spot of the Week: Director Jake Scott, Paramount Brand Studios “Make Your Gameday Epic” In “Gladiator II”-Inspired Pepsi Spot
Nearly 20 years after Pepsi’s “Roman Empire” made its mark on pop culture, the brand is returning to the arena with a colossal Gladiator-themed campaign titled, “Make Your Gameday Epic™.” Celebrating the start of the 2024 NFL season and the highly anticipated release of Paramount Pictures’ Gladiator II in theaters on Nov. 22, this short film--directed by Jake Scott via RSA Films for Paramount Brand Studio features Megan Thee Stallion, as Empress Megan, leading a legion of NFL superstars turned Gridiron Gladiators, including Josh Allen, Derrick Henry, Justin Jefferson and Travis Kelce, locked in an epic battle with ice-cold Pepsi at the heart of the action. A brand-new gameday anthem from three-time, Grammy award-winning artist Megan Thee Stallion soundtracks the campaign. The unmistakable “boom, boom, clap” from Queen’s epic track “We Will Rock You” is featured on a fresh sample with cutting new lyrics from Megan. The new track became available on all major music streaming platforms, and ahead of Megan hosting the 2024 MTV VMAs last night (9.11), where the track and music-video inspired spot were heard and seen throughout the show. “I’m honored to follow in the footsteps of the legends who appeared in this Gladiator campaign 20 years ago and proud to have carved my own new legacy,” said Megan Thee Stallion. “Pepsi really brought the worlds of music, sports and entertainment together in a powerful way to set off the new NFL season.” The spot opens with Lamorne Morris and Jake Lacy peering into a can of Pepsi Zero Sugar as it transforms into a colosseum. Empress Megan calls the shots, and the royal roster of NFL players are at her command as they all vie for her favor and a sip of an ice-cold Pepsi... Read More