Ad Matters 22.03.2024

So, what’s the weather going to be like in 2050 then? The big new ad campaign ‘Weather Kids’ hit the silver screens yesterday and it’s featured in our A this week. It follows UNDP’s hugely successful Don’t Choose Extinction which saw a raptor, voiced by Jack Black, walk into the UN and deliver a lecture urging humans to learn from the lessons of the dinosaurs and take action to avoid extinction.

This new one’s a great campaign, with lots of different angles including a call for all parents to take a pledge. This is an ad that every cinema goer is probably going to see over the next few months. So, our wonderful friends at Pearl & Dean have supported us by popping a 15-second ad for our book, up around the new ‘Weather Kids’ ad.

Which is pretty awesome. Here’s the problem, here’s what advertising can do about it…

Sustainable Advertising continues to gain attention through webinars, events, podcasts and even, this week, filming for a documentary.

Meanwhile we’ve got two more great things to watch – this incredible wrap-up of the UK advertising trade mission to SXSW and a showreel from LEAD 2024 which underlines why the summit is THE place to be each year.

Our must reads:

• The data-driven economy is critical in driving the UK’s growth and productivity. Hear about it from Konrad Shek, our Public Policy & Regulation Director. (PoliticsHome)
• Thoughts on Keir Starmer’s ‘access to the arts’ strategy? Here’s what leaders from across the advertising industry have to say about it. (LBB)
• Get the scoop on some of the key tech trends from SXSW 2024. (The Drum)
• This one’s all about how Generative AI is shaking up creator marketing budgets. (Campaign)
• Did you know that the ASA’s latest campaign increased trust in the regulator and positively impacted public trust in UK advertising? (Campaign)

Our pick of recent ads:

• Play is what we’re made for, says Decathlon’s new ‘Ready to play’ campaign by AMV BBDO.
• Want to know where Asda’s Easter eggs come from? Take a look at the ‘Come for the egg’ campaign by Havas London to find out!
• It’s all about the ‘Good times’ in life! Richmond celebrates the quiet moments in this campaign by Saatchi & Saatchi London.
• Alzheimer’s Society’s the ‘Long Goodbye‘ by New Commercial Arts is an impactful one on devastating reality of dementia.

Events:

• Join us at RISE, Creative Equals’ unmissable one-day conference on 24 April focusing on how to deliver best-in-class inclusive marketing. Book your tickets here!
• LEAD North speakers announced! Speakers include Councillor Bev Craig, Gamal Fahnbulleh, Sarah Jenkins, and Jonathan Warburton, amongst others. Join us on May 9 in Manchester and book your tickets here.

And finally… a huge congratulations to the Advertising Producers Association Chief Executive, Steve Davies, who was awarded a Fellowship at last night’s British Arrows in London. Steve is a fantastic ambassador for the ad production community in the UK and around the world – I’ve witnessed him in action first-hand on many occasions and his passion for the role and the sector just shines through. Oh, and the APA show is one of my favourite nights of the year!