This piece of branded content titled The Surprise for Interac–directed by Tomas Mankovsky of OPC for Toronto agency Zulu Alpha Kilo–follows a boy who works hard to earn himself enough money seemingly with the goal being to buy a puppy. Bringing his new piggy-bank with him every step of the way, the boy washes cars, paints garages, and even keeps the proceeds from a lost tooth.
Struggling with credit card debt and its effects, the boy’s father reflects on his own payment behavior after watching his son learn the value of paying with his own money.
“We’re never too old to learn,” says Zak Mroueh, chief creative officer/founder of Zulu Alpha Kilo. “We want Canadians who watch #TheSurprise to see that life is truly better when you use your own money.”
The video–which is highlighted by a surprise ending–will primarily live online with a 360 campaign directing Canadians to watch the film. This will include a 90 second version of the story playing in theatres across the country, in-theatre movie posters, digital, social and two 15 second teaser spots.
The creative and strategic platform encouraging Canadians to use their own money with Interac Debit is going into its third year in the market.
Client Interac Association Agency Zulu Alpha Kilo Zak Mroueh, chief creative officer; Allen Oke, executive creative director; Fiorella Martinez, art director; Jacob Pacey, writer; Tara Handley, producer; Heidi Philip, Emma Brooks, strategy team. Production OPC Tomas Mankovsky, director; Ian Webb, producer; Steve Annis, DP; Shasta Lutz, casting director. Video Post/Editing Saints Ross Burchall, editor. Postproduction Alter Ego Tricia Hagoriles, colorist. Audio Post/Music Eggplant Adam Damelin, audio director; Nicola Treadgold producer; Brad Tigwell, engineer. Song: Bahamas “Lost in the Light” Media Agency Media Experts. French Creative (for Quebec marketplace) TANK
Chipotle, Venables Bell & Partners, Hornet Debut Animated Short “Unfolded” In The Metaverse
Chipotle Mexican Grill has rolled out this animated short film, “Unfolded,” which showcases sustainable agriculture comparable to Chipotle’s Food With Integrity principles. Chipotle premiered the film last week as a national TV ad on Roblox to showcase the importance of the farming community that grows real ingredients like those served in Chipotle’s restaurants. Chipotle is billed as the first restaurant brand to unveil a national TV ad in the metaverse. Free entrees were given to the first 50,000 Chipotle Rewards members who viewed the ad on Roblox
In conjunction with the film and as part of the commitment it announced in 2021 to contribute $5 million to support young farmers, Chipotle is donating $2 million across four leading universities, The Ohio State University, Cal State Monterey Bay, Colorado State University and the University of Florida, to support the future of farming. These donations are funded from Chipotle’s initiative to contribute 5% of profits from its sales of Tractor Beverages to support farmers.
Inspired by the company’s purpose to Cultivate a Better World, “Unfolded” brings viewers through an animated world, diving into a Chipotle bag that unfolds into a paper world. The short film depicts industrial farms transformed into vibrant, polyculture farms with diverse and organic crops, symbolizing Chipotle’s efforts to support farmers who prioritize sustainable agricultural practices. The brand serves Responsibly Raised® proteins, and dairy from pasture-raised cows, as seen from an allegorical Chipotle truck moving through farmland on its way to its final destination. The film, created by Venables Bell & Partners and directed by Yves Geleyn via animation studio Hornet, ends with fresh, colorful produce being... Read More