This spot opens on a picturesque scene of a father and daughter in the middle of a forest, bird watching. Or so we think. As the story unfolds, we realize that it’s not birds they’re spying through binoculars, but breakfast – and specifically pancakes. We watch as they enthusiastically discover IHOP’s blueberry pancakes and original buttermilk pancakes. The daughter then scans the forest and is shocked to find a new and exotic-looking breakfast item as she exclaims, “Holy pancakes! Look at that pancake, dad!” They’re immediately corrected by a rugged Breakfast Hunter whose been in full camouflage next to them the whole time. One can only venture to guess how long he’s been tracking this dish as he explains to them that they have, in fact, discovered the new King’s Hawaiian French Toast Combo from IHOP. He hands the little girl his “forkbow” as he proceeds to sprint towards this rare and delicious dish to capture it with his bare hands.
Titled “Breakfast Watchers,” this IHOP ad was directed by Eric Wareheim, who is one half of the comedy duo Tim & Eric. The commercial was produced by production company PRETTYBIRD. Tabletop portion of the piece was helmed by Trevor Shepard of Woodshop.
Credits
Client IHOP Agency Droga5 NY David Droga, creative chairman; Scott Bell, executive creative director; Todd Rone Parker, Daniel Kelly, creative directors; Nic Bauman, sr. copywriter; Christian Chico, sr. art director; Scott Minniear, jr. copywriter; Jackie Moran, jr. art director; Nate Moore, associate design director; Albie Eloy, designer; Jesse Brihn, Bryan Litman, co-directors, film production; Amanda Revere, executive producer, film; Forrest Holt, producer, film; Ryan McGrath, executive producer, experiential; Madison Goldberg, producer, interactive. Production PRETTYBIRD Eric Wareheim, director; Kerstin Emhoff, co-founder/exec producer; Ali Brown, VP, exec producer; Earl McDaniel, head of production; Bridgitte Pugh, line producer. Production (Tabletop) Woodshop Trevor Shepard, director; Sam Swisher, exec producer; Ursula Camack, producer. Editorial Cut+Run Robert Ryang, editor; Marcia Wigley, sr. producer. Postproduction The Mill NY Kathy Siegal, VFX supervisor; Luis Martin, exec producer. Music Butter Audio Post Heard City Evan Mangiamele, audio engineer.
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
