As part of its new public awareness campaign, “Advantage Humans,” for the American Cancer Society, DDB Chicago has turned out four TV spots directed by cancer survivor Rodrigo Garcia Saiz of Central Films North. The PSAs bring the range of raw emotions associated with cancer to life, including “Courage,” a title which we initially think refers to a teenage boy in a tuxedo appearing to muster enough courage to knock on the front door of his prom date's house. But the actual “courage” is on the other side of the door as his date, a girl who has lost her hair from chemotherapy and/or radiation treatment, steps out for a big evening.

The overall campaign breaks down barriers in the way the American Cancer Society talks about cancer. At the center of the initiative is an integrated brand and donation-driving program that profiles a variety of human traits and emotions in a range of inspiring true and portrayed stories of cancer patients, survivors and loved ones. The campaign–the first from DDB Chicago for the Society–is supported via print, outdoor, television, digital and social and will run through December 2015.

Credits

Client American Cancer Society Agency DDB Chicago John Maxham, chief creative officer; Jean Batthany, executive creative director; Karin Rose, Marybeth Adduci, Marisa Groenweghe, Kathleen Tax, creative directors; Colleen Keesey, art director; Diane Jackson, chief production officer; Debora den Iseger, executive producer; Joe Tipre, sr. producer; David Chriswick, group strategy director. Production Central Films North Rodrigo Garcia Saiz, director; Beto Casillas, DP; John Barreiro, exec producer. Editorial Whitehouse Post, Chicago Carlos Lowenstein, Glorily Velez, editors; Dawn Guzowski, producer. Postproduction/VFX The Mill Chicago Luke Morrison, colorist; Samantha Letzler, post producer/VFX producer; Randy McEntree, VFX. Audio Post The Studio Nicholas Papeleo, mixer; Stacey Simcik, audio post producer.

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