The Reel 360 Team is the first to lament when retailers begin Christmas advertising earlier and earlier. As soon as Halloween ends, Xmas decorations go up.
Thanksgiving is now just a dinner to carb up before shopping at midnight for bargains.
Even Macy’s on State Street in Chicago just lit their Xmas tree.
Yes, on November 2.
However, speaking of Macy’s, we can’t be too hard on them as the wonderful Xmas spot created by BBDO, New York which begins running today is our “Reel Ad of the Week.”
Good, original emotional stories are always in season for us at Reel 360 and the spot, titled “Santa Girl” encapsulates all of the above.
That’s what we have here in this two-minute spot starring The Florida Project’s Brooklyn Prince.
After seeing Santa in Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on TV, our hero, Virginia, decides she wants to spread joy throughout the world just like St. Nick. When she voices that dream at school, she is quickly challenged by a fellow classmate who tells her she can’t be Santa – because she’s a girl.
Virginia’s parents create a plan to make her wish come true and show their daughter the wonder of the holidays. In the middle of the night on Christmas Eve, Virginia awakens to find the family truck transformed into a magical, glowing sleigh loaded with gifts from Macy’s.
With her belief fully restored and stronger than ever, Virginia takes to the snowy streets in her new “sleigh” to leave gifts on her neighbor’s doorsteps – spreading wonder and joy all over her sleeping town.
Watch the heart-warming two-minute spot, directed by Oscar-nominated Garth Davis, below:
ALSO READ: Macys Great Tree Lighting
“At Macy’s, we know the power of celebration, bringing friends and family of all generations together, whether shopping in our stores or enjoying our iconic events,” said Rich Lennox, Macy’s chief marketing officer.
“With Santa Girl, we’ve created one of our most powerful campaigns to date, bringing to life the magic and wonder of the season, while further positioning Macy’s as the gift authority and Believe as the emotional epicenter of the holidays.”
The 30-second anthemic spot will air across television, online video and social, along with robust supportive content, including an extended two-minute version, available on youtube.com/macys, that feels more like watching a film than a traditional ad. Also contributing to the story is the Emmy-winning cinematographer Adam Arkapaw (True Detective) and Oscar-nominated, Emmy-winning composer Dustin O’Halloran (Lion).
Additionally, this year’s iconic Macy’s Herald Square holiday windows on Broadway titled “Believe in the Wonder” are inspired by Santa Girl. The theme is brought to life by combining modern technological and interactive elements with old school artistry; forming a unique connection that results in an original and imaginative display for visitors of all ages from around the world.
The new commercial reminds both young and old that anything is possible if you believe.
Credits
CLIENT: Macy’s
CREATIVE AGENCY: BBDO New York
WORLDWIDE CHIEF CREATIVE OFFICER: David Lubars
CHIEF CREATIVE OFFICER NEW YORK: Greg Hahn
EVP, EXECUTIVE CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Danilo Boer
EVP, EXECUTIVE CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Marcos Kotlhar
CREATIVE: Matt Brink
CREATIVE: Adam Livesey
CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Taylor Marsh
SENIOR ART DIRECTOR: Sho Matsuzaki
VP, GROUP EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Dan Blaney
PRODUCER: Corie Rosenblatt
SVP, DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS AFFAIRS: Bernadette Naughten
SVP, PRODUCTION SERVICES DIRECTOR: Jessica Nugent
SENIOR BUSINESS AFFAIRS MANAGER: Adele Solomon
VP, PLANNING DIRECTOR: Steve Panawek
SENIOR STRATEGIC PLANNER: Alexandra Britt
EVP, SENIOR DIRECTOR: Corey Cirillo
ACCOUNT DIRECTOR: Justin Perrelli
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE: Maddy Bell
PRODUCTION: RESET Content
DIRECTOR: Garth Davis
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Megan Moore
DIRECTOR OF PRODUCTION: Dave Morrison
LINE PRODUCER: Matt MacLennan
DP: Adam Arkapaw
EDITORIAL: WORK Editorial
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Erica Thompson
PRODUCER: Chris Delarenal
EDITOR: Neil Smith
ASSISTANT EDITOR: Audrey Weiner
SOURCE: BBDO, New York
Contact Colin Costello at colin@reel360.com.
