Stacy Wall of Imperial Woodpecker directed this spot which features Hotel.com’s spokesman Captain Obvious discussing the convenience of the Hotels.com mobile app after making flirtatious eye contact with a beautiful woman across a crowded bar. As the woman approaches him, Captain Obvious begins to use the app to book a last minute room. Unfortunately for the Captain, it turns out he won’t need a room.
CreditsClient Hotels.com Agency CP+B Dan Donovan, VP/executive creative director; Dave Swartz, VP/executive director of art direction & design; Andrew Lincoln, Matt Talbot, VP/creative directors; Jamin Duncan, Graham McCann, associate creative directors; Marc Wilson, art director; Ross Saunders, copywriter; Chad Hoppenwasser, VP, integrated head of video; Aaron Kovan, VP, executive integrated producer; Chrissy Wamsher, jr. integrated producer; Brian O’Connell, sr. cognitive anthropologist. Production Imperial Woodpecker Stacy Wall, director; Doug Halbert, Charlie Cocuzza, exec producers; Andrew Travelstead, producer; Sam Levy, DP. Post Company 3 NYC Damien Van der Cruyssen, colorist. Editorial No6, NYC Kevin Zimmerman, editor. VFX Method Matthew Engel, producer. Music JSM Joel Simon, Joel Lieb, composers. Sound Design Heard City, NYC Cory Melious, sound designer.
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