Exciting News

In a significant move for Gatecrasher, Adam Feilding, Emma Lambert, Henry Billington and Magda Wood have all been elevated to the position of Associate Director, joining current Associate Director Steve Roberts as part of a newly created Management Group. These appoints coincide with Billington also being promoted to the position of Associate Creative Director

The change does not affect the ownership of the agency which remains shared equally among Managing Director Tony Scampoli and Creative Partners Adam Barker and Lori Canalini.

“Steve Roberts, Magda Wood, Emma Lambert, Adam Feilding and Henry Billington have all made significant contributions to the on-going success of the agency and we wanted to recognise that in a meaningful way,” said Scampoli.

“We also wanted to ensure that the future direction of the agency was shaped by fresh and diverse perspectives. We are all very excited for what the group will bring to the agency in the years ahead.”

THE LAST FEW MONTHS + AD PICKS

Here's a new Ad Picks, with some ads that caught my eye over the last few months +

The use of Ai tech is getting better and better. I use it almost everyday in programs like Photoshop, that adds a new level to what you can do.

France did this spot for women's football, tricking you to think it was men playing, but in fact it women.

Imagine googling first aid in an hour of need and getting shown an ad. Well, this is here to help. I really hope it breaks through.

Hoyts Cinema launched this new campaign, playing with the thought that people watch movies nowadays on devices they weren't originally meant to be viewed on. Simple, but effective communication.

I really like the use of graphics in this spot for Instagram, they stuck with me as a treatment. It really carries the story and draws me in. I'm sure I will use this as a reference for clients in the future on how to treat graphics.

Bravo to the craft in this spot. You don't see this level in craft, so it should be appreciated for every little bit for detail. I've always wanted a house with hidden doorways, perhaps not this small though.

One of the quirkiest spots I've ever posted, but I can't get it out of my head. 'As close as you can get to the concert' for a brand new TV. This is best spot of the campaign, but the others are worth a look too if you enjoyed it.

Telsta a telecommunications provider in Australia, did this fun spot supporting local AFL clubs, after the team bus breaks down who do they call? The direction has got many moments with a whole range of characters that make you smile. I've watched this multiple times every time I see it, I can't say that about many ads.

Hope to see you again soon.

NEW WORK - LIVELIGHTER

We were briefed to come up with an activation idea that would encourage people to try cooking more healthy meals at home. The answer, find a fun way to put recipes and ingredients into people’s hands. This stunt was so effective, city workers were queuing up for goodie bags and the chance to be part of the online video of the event. 

Credits

Client: LiveLighter

Agency: Gatecrasher Advertising, Perth 

Creative Directors: Adam Barker, Lori Canalini

Senior Art Director: Henry Billington

Copywriter: Hayley Kaptein

Account team: Tony Scampoli, Emma Lambert, Sara Cunningham

Production company: Stir Fry Content Kitchen

Producer: Elsie Shaw, Jess Seinor

Head of content production: Calle Bolmgren

Editor: Ben Wright

NEW WORK - CANCER COUNCIL WA - CLEAR THE AIR

 The powerful attraction and peer pressure surrounding vaping for young people is almost impossible to counteract. In order to get through the barriers, we decided to use vape industry tactics in our favour. These videos were designed to look like vape ads targeting young people, which then switched to reveal the true nature and hidden harms of the product.

Credits

Client: LiveLighter

Agency: Gatecrasher Advertising, Perth 

Creative Directors: Adam Barker, Lori Canalini

Senior Art Director: Henry Billington

Account team: Emma Lambert, Sara Cunningham

Production company: Stir Fry Content Kitchen

Producer: Elsie Shaw, Jess Seinor

Animator: Cameron Aitkenhead

Sound Design: Ben Wright

NEW WORK - LIFELINE WA

A new recruitment campaign for Lifeline WA.

Credits

Client: Lifeline WA

Agency: Gatecrasher Advertising, Perth 

Creative Directors: Adam Barker

Senior Art Director: Henry Billington

Managing Director Tony Scampoll

MAR/APRIL/MAY AD PICKS

It's been a busy few months with the arrival of my second child in April. 

This made my laugh and was well timed for me by Marmite. The 3D scans of babies are quite alien like and can be a bit weird looking. But when they come out it's one of the best moments of your life.

This is the last baby ad I promise, it's just very clever by IKEA and brave with the product being second best.

This ad made my smile and is a brilliant product demonstration. Please don't try this at home.

A great line and shows how Heinz dominates the ketchup market.

This really caught my attention; a striking visual display representing idea of a war of words. As the words are spoken the other person gets impacted, without either even throwing a punch, showing abusive language can affect people more than you think. Haven’t seen anything like this and it’s done so well.

I hope you enjoyed the ads, I'll catch you soon.

JAN/FEB AD PICKS

There's been some brilliant ads to start the year, let's jump straight into Ad Picks 2023.

This is a very clever medium for a car ad. Don't use big billboards like everyone else, use little ones only you reserving camera will pick up, It's a place you always look at too (I hope).

This Super Bowl for GM Motors made me laugh, Will Ferrell in a role he was born to play. There are some very clever moments, including Stranger Things. I loved the zombie bite connecting the start and end of the spot.

An ad asking people to make an ad? Intresting right? 

This mobile phone company in New Zealand did exactly that, for the many people who want to get their voice onto radio. They called up a number and left a message reading out the copy from the billboard. Each billboard had specific messaging as per location.

'Squarespace a website that makes websites' is brilliant. A Matrix feeling spot with Adam Driver. I liked the grade and the whole feeling of the spot.

The Yellow stickers on supermarket food show that it's been reduced, what do you make with all of these random bits of food? Some people can only afford these items. This company has created an app cookbook, scanning these barcodes will give you recipe suggestions, smart.

I can see this really making a difference.

This French spot is over 2 minutes. but how this story plays out it's pretty much a short film and it's worth it in the end for Canal +.

NEW WORK - ROAD SAFETY COMMISSION

RSC and GC roll together safely.

 

With the growing popularity of eRideables transportation devices, the Road Safety Commission of WA recently launched an online campaign to remind all road users of the need to share our roads and paths safely.

The brief was to convey all of the new regulations relating to path usage, but do it in a way acknowledged and fostered shared responsibility by all.

Credits

Client: Road Safety Commission WA

Agency: Gatecrasher Advertising, Perth 

Creative Directors: Adam Barker, Lori Canalini

Senior Art Director: Henry Billington

Copywriter: Adam Barker

Account team: Magda Wood, Sara Cunningham

Production company: Stir Fry Content Kitchen

Producer: Elsie Shaw

Editor: Ben Wright

Make up: Sally Phipps

Animator: Cameron Aitkenhead

Client team: Joanna Hynes, Kirsten Brent

CHRISTMAS AD PICKS

Christmas ads seem to come out earlier every year, decorations and mince pies are out the day after Halloween. I wanted to share a few spots that have sparkled for me this year.

A lovely piece of storytelling about a dad bringing his child's favourite snow globe to life, it helps when you get Taika Waititi directing the spot.

Elf one of everyone's favorite Christmas film, has been used in the new ASDA supermarket spot. They've used the actual footage from the film and brought it into the ASDA store, clever. The rotoscoping would have been fun on this one.

Some of the John Lewis spots in the last few years haven't been as good as some of the first few, I've felt, but this one sits up there. I love the feeling of this spot, it feels very real and relatable to learning something new too. Making people more aware of adoption at the end is great.

The world cup happening around Christmas is strange, this ad from the betting company Paddy Power brings Christmas and football together in some very fun snippets. I love the flair up the Turkey.

Have a great break and thanks for reading.

SEPT/OCT/NOV AD PICKS

Quite a few good ads that have caught my eye these last few months, enjoy.

With agencies sometimes creating ads just to win awards, this ad sums it up brilliantly. The 'Left-handed mango chutney' plays with this in a dinner party scene. 

My favourite bit is he only sold 6 jars, his wife buying 4. But he did get 12 billion impressions, brand engagement by 112% and won the Grand Prix. 

More ads should be done tackling this, I'm laughing even thinking about it.

FYP is a music video for Durex, getting more people to use them. I reckon this will get a lot of shares for the right audience too. It's a very Lonely Island style video (I'm on a boat and more).

A true love story in this one for Volvo trucks, who are back with a fun spot. 

The craft in every aspect of this ad is beautiful, for an Insurance company too, it really stands out.

Inployable, is bigger than just this spot creating a recruitment drive for employers to give people with down syndrome a chance. I fondly remember Tuck in Ozark and thought how great it was to get more down syndrome roles in TV and film too.

Virtual beauty isn't real, the representation is lacking. Dove with their 'Real Beauty' campaigns have created real characters based off real people in the spot. Gaming companies should take note.

A very clever use of media, putting these spots right at the end of a popular Murder Mystery TV show in New Zealand. They added an extra scene with the same actors who died in that episode, wishing they had life insurance. 

A good spot to end it this time too, I hope you enjoyed these spots as much as I did.

JULY/AUG AD PICKS

It's Ad Picks time.

I love a good fantasy game and I was surprised this was never done before, having a mixed male and female players in one fantasy league. I hope to see more of these in the next few years.

This next ad is very clever, playing with scenes in horror films that always happen and the stupid things they do 'running away from the killer, rather than grabbing something big and sharp, dumb'. It's for American Red Cross getting blood donors, as so many people like watching blood spilled not many people give blood

What would you trade? A man (Cheestring in disguise) buys a billboard with one Cheestring for a trade, seeing what he could trade it for. It went crazy viral with people offering all kinds of things. 

It's the same idea as the book 'The Red paper clip', that a person starts with a paperclip and keeps trading his next item for a better item until he gets a house. It is well worth a read.

Ai generators are amazing and quite scary at the same time. The other day I watched a video talking about Ai taking over from artists in the future. Heinz Ketchup jumped on the bandwagon with a fun campaign seeing what artwork it would create for 'Ketchup'. With there distinctive shaped bottle.

I hope you enjoyed reading this months Ad Picks, see you soon.

MAY/JUNE AD PICKS

Hi, I'm sharing a few ads that have caught my eye over the last couple of months.

Time to check your privacy settings on your phone. This iPhone ad brings to life the scary realities in an auction settings, making you really aware that there are people out there bidding for your data.

QR codes are now on everything after the rise of them with COVID check in's and after phones cameras finally integrated them. They have their place and when used correctly they work well, but don't just stick them on as an after though. This is a great creative example of the right use of them, integrating it into the ad.

A beautiful crafted print ad for Guinness, it doesn't even need a line. I like how the 'Guinness' logo is designed into the layout.

This cheeky stunt for Ribena around the Jubilee made me laugh, using Harry and Megan lookalikes.

What stood out for you over the last couple of months?

MAR/ARP AD PICKS

Welcome to Ad Picks March/April Edition.

I used to love playing Tony Hawk's games as a kid, I never had good balance so stuck to the game. I like this clever activation playing on skateboarders scratching their boards, in this activation they scratch the board to reveal special hidden prizes.

This new Snickers ad made me laugh, a very awaked moment brought to life very well. A moment that I hope you never experience.

The classic Jeep grill. Using airplane windows this time, even though it's showing travel via planes, the scenes it shows makes you want to drive a Jeep on the other end of your flight. Clever, well done Jeep.

Walking your dog at night can be dangerous for both owner and drivers crossing the roads. I love these high vis fashion outfits for your dog to stand out and be saved.

A clever use of the McDonalds 'M'. this time promoting putting litter in the right place. Macca's bags are always on the streets, so it's great to see them putting a message out there like this.

Thanks for reading, see you soon.

JAN/FEB AD PICKS

Hello 2022.

I'm a big fan of Bluey, having watched multiple kids cartoons with my son. It's one of the funniest and most engaging for kids and adults. Air bnb have created the actually house as a listing to stay in, It's more than just advertising, love it.

Sadly it booked up very fast, but it's fun reading the listing check it out here.

Jon Hamm not being on Apple TV and persuading him to be in an ad promoting it and telling you who is on it, well done. It's engaging and putting the product first and foremost throughout the whole ad without feeling forced.

This is going to hurt, is a book you must read. It's the stories of a junior doctor in the UK working 97 hour weeks, from gory to hilarious stories, you won't put it down. 

The BBC in the UK have just put it on our screens, to promote it they have created this billboard with Doctors pagers (I hope not real active ones though).

My favourite Super Bowl ad this year goes to GM Motors bringing back Dr Evil. I love Austin Powers and to bring back the key cast in this way was great to see. 

Sometimes when ads bring back actors replaying previous roles it can feel a bit forced and they've aged a bit too much for it, but this was fun.

I hope you enjoyed it and checked out some ads you may have not seen yet.

NEW WORK - SUNSMART

Taking a completely fresh approach to skin cancer prevention, this campaign is based on the theme ‘Two sides of the Sun’. It leverages the insight that the sun has a positive and nurturing side when the UV is below 3, but when it’s 3 or above, its damaging and destructive side takes over.

Credits

Client: SunSmart

Agency: Gatecrasher Advertising, Perth 

Creative Directors: Adam Barker, Lori Canalini

Senior Art Director: Henry Billington

Copywriter: Adam Barker

Production company: Stir Fry Content Kitchen

Producer: Anouk Ratnawibhushana

Director: Matt Pitcher

DOP: Ross Metcalf

NOV/DEC AD PICKS - CHRISTMAS EDITION

I'm getting my last Ad Picks in for the year before the break. I've picked out my favourite Christmas ads this year (they all seem to come out at the start of November now) and a gaming spot too.

Amazon Prime ads are always worth keeping an eye out for, they're always really engaging, hit insights brilliantly and most of all enjoyable. This is their 2021 Christmas ad 'An unlucky friendship' where a zoo night worker becomes friends with a laughing hyena. 

At first I thought it's a very intresting animal choice, but it's a brilliant decision. I bet it would have been a hard animal to sell into the client.

 

I wasn't a fan of the John Lewis spot this year. Instead I loved this Coca Cola one. It felt a lot more real and in the Christmas spirit. 

I really enjoy making things out of cardboard with my son, the other day using an empty wrapping paper tube to make part of a great race track for a Hot Wheels car. I'll give this a go when I get more boxes next year.

This last spot is the odd one out, but I was worth sharing.

When you play Call of Duty and get peckish, where do you eat with getting shot? Heinz identified hidden spots on the map to snack, if this takes off they won't be safe anymore. Eat with no defeat is a great line too.

Have a great Christmas and New Year. See you next year.

SEPT/OCT AD PICKS

Welcome to Ad Picks. I write these to share ads that have stood out to me and made me laugh, smile or even cry. I hope you enjoy reading it.

Lego are known for their people to have the same sized arms and classic legs forever. The Canadian Paralympic committee have created this expansion pack, 20 custom pieces that suit every set that you can 3D print. I'm surprised this hasn't been done and I'd love to see Lego add this to their sets in the future. It makes everyone feel a lot more equal.

Trying to kill your partner/farther for his life insurance, 100% illegal, but 100% funny and well done.

A simple and clever type print ad I spotted today, that I had to share as it points to one of my favourite sayings 'Keep it simple stupid'.

I remember as a kid doing an activity at Scouts, that you had blindfold yourself to experience what it's like to be blind. It was pretty scary and I remember it well, really struggling to find items. I can't imagine what it's like to go shopping blind. This ad raises awareness in a clever creative pop up store.

I catch you in a couple of months for the last one of this year. Then we'll be in 2022.

NEW WORK - HIF

Bringing to life HIF’s new strategic focus on greater customer ‘choice’, we recently launched a new brand campaign based on the creative theme of ‘What if? The campaign is designed to help establish the new positioning ‘Freedom to choose’ while at the same time creating strong brand linkage to the message, a challenge often faced in the alphabet soup of health insurance brand acronyms.

Credits:

Client: HIF
Agency: Gatecrasher, Perth
Creative Director/Writer: Adam Barker 
Creative Director: Lori Canalini
Senior Art Director: Henry Billington
Account Director: Magda Wood

Production: Stir Fry Content Kitchen
Animation: Cameron Aitkenhead

JULY/AUG AD PICKS

It's Ad Picks time.

Starting this month with a funny spot from Amazon, it's a modern take on Rapunzel and it made me laugh. Nice production values too.

I saw this ad during the Olympics multiple times and its stopped me putting multiple plastic bags in the red waste bin. It's not the most overly creative ad, but it shows advertising works when done well and with one key takeaway message. Save the environment people.

The Wiggles and Simon Cowell the perfect combination finally put together. Being a dad to a 2 and a half year old, listening and watching the Wiggles daily, adding Simon into the mix cracked me right up. The Grey Wiggle. The writing is brilliant, I love the calamari line aimed at Henry the Octopus the best.

I hope you enjoyed it, if there's anything you think I missed out, please send it over or comment below.

MAY/JUNE AD PICKS

My push-up challenge is done and next up is writing this edition of Ad Picks.

Guinness is a bit like Coke or McDonalds, they own those colours. This simple, but very clever ad showing things around with the world with the black and white colours.

I'm loving these ads that are making history and getting things added into computer games. A great example from last year or so was Burger King sponsoring Stevenage F.C. So their logo was within the FIFA game. People where winning the Champions League with a team in the fourth division. 

Now a player destined for glory, who got tragely lost his life in 2006 to knife crime has been added into FIFA for QPR. JD Sports are part behind this with his charity his family setup. 

Keep and eye out for him next time you play and spread this story.

5G build for gamers, this is a slightly longer ad, but I wanted to share it with all of the awesome visual tricks they've used. All of the lagging and disappearing backgrounds in games that we used to see in the past. 4G surely wasn't this bad though?

I hope you enjoyed reading this Ad Picks. Please let me know if there's anything that caught your eye this month.