A FEW FAVOURITE CAMPAIGNS FROM THE LAST MONTH
DOVE CARE FOR MEN WHO CARE SHOW ME THE MANÉ TOGETHER STANDING TALL TALKING G.O.A.T’S WITH MJ
Dove Men + Care take an emotive approach, spotlighting
rugby legend and all round good guy Scott Fardy in this short
film. Western Union have taken a smart approach to the limited
time which sponsors have to use players on sponsor days, by
using Liverpool star Sadio Mané’s Uncle, Sana, as the star of
their new advert. Rugby features again and hits you right in the heart. BT Sport,
who have become synonymous with rugby by not only
broadcasting but also investing in and championing the sport. Divert attention from the real action, to get the result. The
fake is one of the most effective and beautifully
choreographed moves in American Football. NBC have just
pulled off one of the greatest advertising diversion plays of all
time.
The film reflects on Scott’s actions when the 2011 tsunami
struck as he was playing his rugby out in Kamaishi, Japan.
Instead of packing bags and going back to his native land of
Australia, as many offered to organise for him, Fardy gave
back to the community who had welcomed him with open
arms. He rolled up his sleeves and, along with his Kamaishi
team mates, helped out the city during its time of struggle,
handing out supplies and clearing up the debris. The fact that
that he stands at 6ft 5 and weighs in at 112kg of pure muscle
might have helped a bit! In Scott’s own words, “Rugby
people are like that, they don’t turn their back on people
when times get tough.”
Through the efforts of Scott, his team mates and the people
of the city of Kamaishi, not only is the city on the mend, it is
even a host city for the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan,
hosting matches at its impressive Recovery Memorial
Stadium.
Dove, a skin care brand who focus on sensitive skin and
breaking down stereotypes, have found a great
spokesperson to show that even the biggest men can be
sensitive. Watch this space as this is only part one of a series.
In the advert, Sadio sends his uncle Sana money via Western
Union, so Sana can see his nephew in action in the Premier
League on a shiny new big screen television.
By using someone else as the protagonist, they are able to
keep the focus on Sadio Mané, without needing him for
filming time. The advert captures a real example of how to
use the Western Union app, while building brand trust and
driving authenticity, through using an international star. It
also gives an insight into a cultural phenomenon, of
Senegalese migrants always supporting their family back
home.
Through a bit of deeper research on a player and his life
outside of football, Western Union were able to pull off a
visually rich advert, with a heartfelt message behind it, while
staying within their sponsorship parameters.
They further their introspective ‘shoulder to shoulder’ series
with a look at a very difficult and sensitive subject which has
always been underlying in Irish rugby – the fact that the
country has been divided into two warring factions for many
years, with things getting extremely tumultuous during the
70s, 80s and 90s.
Despite this, Irish rugby has prevailed and persevered. They
have taken the rugby mindset, one which was is so
embedded in the sport, that bigger things don’t matter when
you are on the pitch.
BT continue to do brilliant work in the rugby sphere and
although this is technically not a partnership, it is definitely a
feel good watch.
Fans were led to believe that Michael Jordan himself was
calling out LeBron James, for a one on one match to settle
who owns the number 23. Even LeBron himself got caught
up in the excitement, jokingly taking MJ up on his offer. The
clip has garnered over 8 million views and likes up in similarly
high numbers.
Although fans will be disappointed to hear that Jordan was
talking about the NFL’s Greatest Quarterback debate, that
between Green Bay’s Aaron Rodgers, or New England’s Tom
Brady, not between Michael Jordan and LeBron James, the
attention now drawn to the game has made it a must watch
for any American sport fan. The two Quarterbacks, met this
week for only the second time in their illustrious careers.
Another fumble doomed Green Bay as Brady outduelled
Rodges in the battle for the G.O.A.T title.