Cadillac and Weber Shandwick tasked harvest films and director Elizabeth Banks with showcasing the new 2021 Cadillac Escalade’s “Hands-free” driver assistance feature, "Super Cruise" (which also includes “Lane Change”). Then add to the mix a cast of A-list celebrities including Sofia Vergara, Joe Manganiello, the Jonas Brothers, Tiffany Haddish, Stephen “tWitch” Boss and his wife Allison Holker Boss, and put them behind the wheel of a real life test drive through the vast topographies that only Los Angeles can offer. What you end up capturing are incredibly candid and unrehearsed reactions anchored in the reality of what it feels like to truly “Let Go.”
“The brand’s focus on the new Super Cruise feature is Cadillac’s way of ensuring it’s continuing to be viewed as a technology leader” said Banks. “The first time you use a new technology like Super Cruise, there’s always a ‘letting go’ moment, where you gradually begin to trust it more and more,” added Banks. “I wanted to capture and then build on that moment. It really showed how much a thoughtful technology like Super Cruise can help transform your everyday experience.”
“We didn’t select Elizabeth Banks because she’s Elizabeth Banks,” added Weber Shandwick’s executive creative director, Iain Lanivich. “But from the moment we first walked her through the idea, to the last shot, she had the best grasp of what we were going for and remained laser-focused on maintaining the simplicity of the idea.”
This :90 in the “It’s Time to Let Go” campaign incorporates all the celebs. Four additional :60s will be released focusing on the specific journey of each individual duo.
CreditsClient Cadillac Agency Weber Shandwick, Detroit Steve Janisse, executive VP; Iain Lanivich, executive creative director; Tony Krause, group creative director; Chris Coole, sr. producer; Tommy Simon, sr. copywriter; Caitlin Kirby sr. art director Production Company harvest films, Santa Monica, Calif. Elizabeth Banks, director; Bonnie Goldfarb, co-founder/exec producer; Niko Whelan, head of production; Leslie Owen, line producer; Bill Pope, DP; Tracey Gallacher, production designer. Editorial Cut+Run, Santa Monica, Calif. Jay Nelson, editor; Michelle Eskin, managing director; Amburr Farls, exec producer; Jared Thomas, sr. post producer. VFX Jogger Studios, Santa Monica, Calif. Andy Brown, creative director/lead Flame artist; Diana Cheng, head of production; Michael Vaglienty, Wes Waldron, Flame artists; Jorge Tanaka, Flame assist; Adolfo Martinelli, colorist.
The Best Work You May Never See: Ad Council, U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs, GSD&M, Director Andre Muir Show Us “The Bravest Thing”
As Suicide Prevention Month begins, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Ad Council teamed with agency GSD&M to roll out PSAs for their national campaign: “Don’t Wait. Reach Out.” The initiative, which started in 2021, urges Veterans who are facing challenges to visit VA.gov/REACH, a comprehensive website that helps them access the many resources available.
The PSAs, including this one titled “The Bravest Thing,” were directed by Andre Muir of production house SMUGGLER. “The Bravest Thing” acknowledges that it can be hard for Veterans to reach out if they’re struggling--but in the eyes of their loved ones, seeking help is an act of bravery. By featuring Veterans alongside their friends and family, the film encourages Veterans to open up if they’re struggling and reminds everyone that they can play a role in supporting Veterans in their lives.
“When a Veteran is ready to reach out, VA is ready to provide services and support. One of the bravest things Veterans can do is ask for help,” said Dr. Matthew Miller, executive director, VA Office of Suicide Prevention. “These new messages are powerful and compassionate additions to the ‘Don’t Wait. Reach Out.’ campaign that features the voices of loved ones, underscoring the vital role that family and friends play in supporting Veterans. We all play a role in suicide prevention and this call to action engages community and connections, which are crucial in preventing Veteran suicide. Through this campaign, we can spread hope that Veterans, and all of us, can overcome crises and difficult life challenges.”
6,392 Veterans lost their lives to suicide in 2021, according to the latest data from the 2023 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report.... Read More