This charming tale for Milka–taking the form of a 90-second film–marks the chocolate maker’s first pan-European Christmas campaign. Directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet (the French filmmaker whose credits include the feature Amelie) via Tobago Films, Paris, for Wieden+Kennedy Amsterdam, “The Time Machine” tells the story of a boy who can’t wait for Xmas to come. He and his family live in Lilaberg, the idyllic fictional town at the heart of the brand’s global “Tenderness is inside” brand platform. The lad sets out to build a time machine from scratch so he can fast forward to Xmas eve. To make his dream come true, his family works together to make an early Xmas miracle come true.
The story underscores Milka’s belief that there’s no need to wait for Christmas to share some special time with loved ones.
Jeunet said, “In order to make effective work I need to start with a good story – something that I like, that touches me, that makes me laugh. Something that I can add my own twist and style to in order to make it even better. And this was the case in creating The Time Machine. I have to say the story is perfectly tailored; a Christmas tale rich in atmosphere, a little boy with a gift for inventing things, a surreal machine, and emotion. Basically everything I am fond of. Collaborating with Milka and W+K Amsterdam has been a real pleasure, and I think it’s palpable through the film. It’s actually one of my favorite ads I’ve ever made.”
The film rolls out across Europe and in the lead up to Christmas will air in over 13 markets including Germany, France, Austria and Poland. Digital and social executions further accompany the film online in each market.
CreditsClient Mondelez/Milka Agency Wieden+Kennedy Amsterdam Mark Bernath, Eric Quennoy, executive creative directors; Szymon Rose, Daniel Schaefer, creative directors; Victor Monclus, Jeff Lam, art directors; Will Lowe, David Neevel, copywriters; Joe Togneri, head of broadcast production; Samantha Cox, Soey Lim, broadcast producers; Nusara Chinnaphasaen, planner; Wes Young, communications planner; Katie Finn, project manager. Production Tobago Films, Paris Jean-Pierre Jeunet, director; Thomas Hardmeier, DP; Olivier Thaon, Nicolas Maman, producers; Michele Arnould, exec producer. Editorial McMurphy, Paris Maryline Monthieux, editor. Audio Post Wave Studios, London Aaron Reynolds, sound designer/mixer. Music Woodwork Music Phil Kay, composer. Postproduction McMurphy Paris Bruno Maillard, Christophe Croidieu, Tristan Barbaron, Flame; Guillaume Nadaud, Thomas Lefebre, Charles Blanchard, 3D; Didier Le Fouest, colorist; Alexandre Boiron, Sebastien Gros, producer.
Top Spot of the Week: iPhone 16, Director David Shane “Write Smarter” With Apple Intelligence
Created by Apple’s in-house agency and directed by David Shane of production company O Positive, this commercial is one of two which continues the Apple Intelligence campaign for the iPhone 16.
Apple Intelligence is the personal intelligence system that can make users look, feel and be smarter. In the case of this “Write smarter” ad, we meet an office worker who leverages Apple Intelligence on his iPhone 16 Pro to dramatically improve his barely literate email to one that is professional, concise and has a measure of eloquence--much to the surprise and amazement of his boss.
This slice of office life highlights the value of key Apple Intelligence upgrades, including Writing Tools which work wonders with the quality of how one communicates and connects with others.
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