Denver ad agency Cactus created this spot, “Mayhem Scratch,” for longtime client Colorado Lottery
With a nod in part to bowling-themed films such as The Big Lebowski and Kingpin, the new ad opens with contestants in a local bowling tournament learning that runner-up prize-winners go home with the new scratch-off games from the Colorado Lottery. Thus there’s a major incentive to tank as the bowlers do their best to fail–from throwing balls into the gutter, off the wall and even the ceiling, antics accompanied by deadpan play by play from sports commentators.
“By dropping Mayhem Scratch games into the middle of a bowling league championship, we were able to illustrate the allure of instant cash and create a little mayhem of our own,” said Cactus creative director Shea Tullos. “No bowlers were harmed during the filming of this commercial.”
Brendan Beachman directed via production company Content/s.
Credits
Client Colorado Lottery Agency Cactus, Denver, Colo. Norm Shearer, partner, chief creative officer; Brian Watson, VP, executive creative director; Shea Tullos, creative director; Will Patterson, sr. copywriter; Hailey Simon, sr. art director; Martha Douglas, sr. integrated producer. Production Company Content/s, Littleton, Colo. Brendan Beachman, director; Colin Arndt, DP; Leslie Allen, exec producer; Daniell Taff, line producer. Postproduction & Color 11 Dollar Bill, Boulder, Colo. Wayde Samuel, editor; Clark Jackson, colorist; Brittany Horwege, producer; Lisa Effres, exec producer. Audio Post Coupe Studios, Boulder, Colo. Greg McRae, sound engineer; Aaron Lasko, producer. Music Marmoset Music, Portland, Ore., licensing of “The Bowling Song” by Joe Montgomery
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
