High Five: Recent Faves from Somesuch's Femi Ladi
My selection of ads is quite nostalgic for me - especially the football-related spots, as I loved them before I even knew what advertising (or directing ads) was even about...
Nike - 'The Mission'
For me, this is one of the greatest football ads ever. I love how epic this was. The heist, the suspense, the players and the explosions, it had everything! I watched this spot so many times that I am proud to say I perfected Edgar Davids' skill at 1:14.
Nike - 'The Cage'
Nike - The Cage! I remember Nike cages popping up in London and one literally outside my house so this really stirs up good emotions. 3 vs 3 the best players in the world, I was obsessed with this ad. I remember winning one of the balls, and I was scared to play with it because it was so beautiful to me. It’s not just the ad, I loved the whole campaign and rollout.
Pepsi - 'Manchester United'
Agency: AMV BBDO
This ad is also stuck in my memory, considering not one player kicked a ball in it, it still had such a lasting impression on me. It featured Manchester United and Real Madrid players and no one came off corny. It also ended on a bit of a cliffhanger, though I'm not sure if I ever saw a part two?
Canal + - 'The Bear'
Agency: BETC Paris
Production: Iconoclast x Anonymous Content
Sound: Gum Paris
Outside of football, this is probably my favourite ad of all time. I would have loved to make this film, its epic, its funny, a heartwarming script that speaks to me and my passion directly. It's executed beautifully.
Guinness - 'Paint the Town Black'
Agency: Saatchi & Saatchi London
Production: Somesuch & Co
Post: Framestore CFC
Editorial: Trim Editorial
Sound: Wave
This is another favourite of mine, I love the feeling it gives me. I generally like ads with some scale to it, and world creation. I really enjoyed the simplicity of the creative and how well it was executed. It's these sorts of scripts that I love to land in my inbox.
PS) Special mention to Daniel's Assassin's Creed Ancient Egypt spot which would defo have made my top six...
