A would-be top banana executive talks about his corporate vision. Seated at his desk, he has behind him through the window a view of a sweeping cityscape replete with skyscrapers.
However, this backdrop undergoes an unexpected transformation thanks to the man’s wife, offering a humorous take on this captain of industry’s stature. Still, he’s smart enough to take advantage of FedEx’s simple flat rate shipping option for Express packages.
“Skyscraper” was directed by Jim Jenkins of O Positive who has a long track record of working with FedEx and agency BBDO NY on assorted comedy spots.
Credits
Client FedEx Agency BBDO New York David Lubars, chief creative officer, worldwide; Greg Hahn, chief creative officer, NY; Peter Kain, Gianfranco Arena, executive creative directors; Tom Kraemer, sr. creative director/copywriter; Jens Waernes, sr. creative director/art director; Amy Wertheimer, group executive producer. Production O Positive Jim Jenkins, director; Marc Grill, exec producer; Chris Soos, DP. Editorial No. 6 Jason Macdonald, editor. Post/VFX MPC New York Camila De Biaggi, VFX producer; Alex Lovejoy, VFX creative director. Post Company 3 Tom Poole, colorist. Audio Sound Lounge Tom Jucarone, 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.
