A remarkable, simple idea with the potential for great success. I love advertising of this nature.

About the campaign:

“Recently, local businesses in Portland, Maine, helped us launch an ad campaign that cost absolutely nothing. That’s right. Zero. Zilch. Nada. Sure, a big, expensive campaign could have gotten our name out there. But at what cost? See, it’s thinking like this that helps us give 82 cents of every dollar spent directly to the people who need it most. Like our fellow northern New Englanders in need of food, shelter, rehabilitation, elderly services…even disaster assistance. Now more than ever, it’s important to make every dollar count. It’s nice to know The Salvation Army of Northern New England is committed to “Doing The Most Good” with your donations.”

See more here.

Absolut’s “Doing Things Differently Leads to Something Exceptional” is by far one of the most visual, creative, and stunning commercials I have seen this year.

Although I am not overly familiar with Stefan Sagmeister’s “Things I Have Learned In My Life So Far”, a few criticisms of the commercial believe it draws too much inspiration from his work, but I do not. It is superbly and methodically crafted from start to finish. The end product is clean, simple, easy to understand, and forever memorable. When I watch this commercial I feel like I am reading an enthralling short story where all I want to do is keep turning the page to see what’s next. This is what advertising is all about.

The film was created by TBWA\Chiat\Day, directed by acclaimed director Rupert Sanders and designed by production designer James Chinlund.

Press release: “ABSOLUT has always chartered its own routes and done things differently to create a superior vodka and outstanding marketing. With ‘Anthem’ we want to put a stake in the ground and show the ambition of our future communication”, says Anna Malmhake, Global Brand Director at The Absolut Company. “This film gives an artistic nod to our deep creative roots, but more importantly, it delivers a significant promise for the future. ‘Anthem’ conveys our most fundamental brand belief and states that ABSOLUT has a long-term commitment to creativity.””

Behind the scenes videos: