Consider this the birth of a notion as directed by Noam Murro of Biscuit Filmworks for BBDO New York.
This GE short depicts the birth of an idea–which is in the form of an odd looking, initially ostracized creature. Rejected everywhere, this idea finally stumbles into GE’s offices where it is nurtured, realizes its full beauty and potential, and gains the proper credit it deserves.
The film is intended to resonate with recent college graduates thinking about their careers—an audience GE is hoping to reach with this message.
The film will be posted across all of GE’s social channels from Facebook and Twitter to LinkedIn, Tumblr and others.
Credits
Client GE Agency BBDO New York David Lubars, chief creative officer, worldwide; Greg Hahn, chief creative officer, New York, & copywriter; Michael Aimette, executive creative director; Ralph Watson, Matt Vescovo, supervising art directors; Diane Hill, executive producer; Rani Vaz, head of music production. Production Biscuit Filmworks Noam Murro, director; Eric Schmidt, DP; Jay Veal, line producer. Editorial Rock Paper Scissors Stewart Reeves, editor; Luke McIntosh, assistant editor; Malanie Gaglianol producer. VFX Legacy EFX, puppets. Alan Scott, chief of design. VFX Method Studios Gabby Gourrier, EP; Pip Malone, producer; Rob Hodgson, VFX supervisor; Keith Roberts, animation & co-VFX supervisor; Nicole Saccardi, coordinator; Brian Burke, CG supervisor; Matt Williamson, Aaron Schultz, animators; Mark Renton, conform artist; Sandro Blattner, compositor; Lyndsey Horton, Ryan Rogers, riggers; Schoichi Matsubara, lighter; Brian Ripley, texture artist; Chad Roen, modeler; Johnny Andow-Barker, tracking coordinator; Lauren Van Houten, tracking lead; Rebecca McKee, tracking artist; Pam Gonzales, paint artist; Crystie Schrecengost, Marvin Jones, roto & paint artists; Stephanie Sweeney, roto & paint supervisor. Music/Sound Design Emoto Steve Hampton, composer. Audio Post Heard City Keith Reynaud, mixer.
White Ribbon has launched its “My Friend, Max Hate” campaign in Canada featuring this public service film that follows the journey of a young, isolated boy who becomes influenced by a misogynistic online puppet, “Max Hate.” The PSA reveals how online figures in the manosphere--a network of online communities promoting hateful, misogynistic rhetoric which fuels attitudes among young men and boys that contribute to gender-based violence.
“It’s alarming to see the growing impact of the manosphere and how they are conditioning vulnerable populations such as teens, particularly young men,” said Humberto Carolo, White Ribbon CEO. “These misogynistic online groups have existed for years, but their influence has grown under controversial figures, driving an increase in gender-based violence. With the My Friend, Max Hate campaign, our goal is to expose the damaging influence of misogynistic figures and raise awareness, particularly among young men who are often drawn into these toxic online communities.”
Launching two weeks before Safer Internet Day (February 11), the campaign--from Toronto agency Bensimon Byrne--underscores the importance of online safety and protecting youth through clear content boundaries.
White Ribbon is creating an online resource hub that educates individuals on how to recognize harmful online groups and provides support for young men and boys seeking to escape. Additionally, the campaign will launch a TikTok account, @max_hate_, featuring the PSA ‘My Friend, Max Hate’ puppet to expose how these figures gain influence and spread hate in a space that reaches those most influenced, young men.
The PSA was directed by Angie Bird via Toronto-based Westside Studio.
