We are Unlimited has released a batch of fun new work that, according to a spokeswoman, contains 30 pieces of original content from the agency.
And they are perfect for those who have been calling for McDonalds to use buttermilk in their Crispy Chicken Tenders. Or just happen to have a Grandma fetish. Let’s go with the former.
Through light-hearted humor, which McDonald’s has always excelled at, the new campaign features lovable and wise grandmothers talking about how there are no hard feelings towards their families for liking McDonald’s new Buttermilk Crispy Chicken Tenders.
In this spot titled “Sunday Dinner,” a grandmother with time on her hands now decides to try new hobbies that range from doing stand-up to checking out Tinder for a friend.
Another one, “Woe is Me,” features sarcastic grandmothers who feign upset that they don’t have to cook dinner.
A pretty funny :15 second cut down, called “VR” features the same grandmother from “Sunday Dinner” using her extra time to, you guessed it, explore virtual reality.
The spots are well-written and simple, not trying to be too cool which so much of advertising is attempting to do these days. They feel very McDonald’s in attitude and that’s not a bad thing. And the tenders actually make me want to try them.
But that said, I do have to ding the spots on the lack of diversity in the cast. Now having been on the creative side I know what it’s like to do casting. Sometimes you just find people who simply fit the role. But in looking hard at the spots, they lack diversity in even the extra roles.
I see Burrell listed in the credits and I’m sure there will be an African American-targeted spot, but aside from one Asian grandmother speaking role, there is not one person of color.
In light of what happened with Dove this week and Pepsi earlier in the year, agencies have got to do better to represent the way world really is. It doesn’t have to feel forced, but if you have a cast of extras, throw a chocolate chip into that cookie. Please?
CREDITS
CLIENT: McDonald’s
U.S. Chief Marketing Officer: Morgan Flatley
Sr. Director, Brand & Marketing Content: Julie Wenger
Manager, Brand & Marketing Content: Ivonne Loza
Supervisor, Brand & Marketing Content: Ariane Mendel
Marketing Manager, Digital Campaigns & Content: Emily Charron
Marketing Supervisor, Social Content & Engagement: Stephanie Servin
Manager, US Marketing & Planning: Keishon Williams
CREATIVE AGENCY: We Are Unlimited
Chief Creative Officer, DDB North America: Ari Weiss
Chief Creative Officer, We Are Unlimited: Toygar Bazarkaya
Creative Director: Mark Wegwerth
Creative Director: Chris Cole
Creative Director: Vic Sanchez
Creative Director: Jon Morgan
Art Director: Rachel Bottlinger
Copywriter: Jessi Pelzel
Designer: Kristen Walters
Chief Production Officer: Jon Ellis
Senior Content Producer: Ross Greenblat
Group Business Director: Melanie Behling
Account Director: Sarah Stahurski
Account Supervisor: Taylor Knowles
SVP, Partners & Platforms: Justin Hood
PRODUCTION COMPANY: O Positive
Director: Brian Billow
Executive Producer: Ralph Laucella
Director of Photography: Larry Fong
EDITORIAL: Cutters
Editor: Grant Gustafson
Producer: Heather Richardson
AUDIO POST: Another Country
Audio Engineer: Pete Erazmus
Executive Producer: Tim Kohn
FINISH/EFX: The Mill
Colorist: Luke Morrison
Flame Artists: Randy McEntee
Senior Producer: Erica Hilbert
Burrell Group
V.P., Group Creative Director: Rebecca Williams
Art Director: Mark Oosthuizen
Copywriter: Dave Linne
Contact Colin Costello at colin@reelchicago.com or follow him on Twitter @colincostello.com.
