David Reviews
 It's the work, stupid.
Latest Work
    • Papaya launch Young Directors CompetitionPapaya Films have launched the sixth edition of their Young Directors Competition.
    • Sweet DreamsA night club designed for sleeping - no, it's not the latest Millennial fad, it's the premise of this quirky ad for IKEA.
    • Lyft Your SpiritsA guy fulfils the dreams of many commuters in this entertaining ad for ride-sharing app Lyft.
    • This Is My Truth, Tell Me YoursThis excellent ad for the New York Times follows in the footsteps of previous ads, but its length enables us to appreciate in full the sheer effort that goes into producing a story.
    • The most offended a man can get.Gillette has received significant backlash for its new slogan, swapping 'The best a man can get' for 'The best a man can be'.
    • First contact.A welcome return for Babbel's resident spokes-alien finds Alexi in a spot of bother.
    • Boss Mentality Bosch breathe life into an old meme in this entertaining ad, which draws attention to their range of smart products.
    • Alan Friel joins Dark Energy.Dark Energy's ongoing talent search has now led them to seasoned filmmaker Alan Friel.
    • No WordsThe Truth Project has released this hard-hitting film about speaking out against sexual abuse.
    • Tonal TakeoverApple encourage customers to fully embrace colour with this visually arresting ad.
    • Prepare to try.This is a change of pace for the Beeb's pre-Six Nations advertising drive.
    • Aisle be back.While the rest of us look to the future with mounting trepidation, Tesco revel in past glories with this 30" commercial.

CRAFTWORKS

We have great news for fans of CraftWorks. 2019 will see it return in a multitude of different formats.

These will include several shows at BAFTA in London - the first being on Monday, February 11th.

Watch this space for further announcements.

There are sponsorship opportunites associated with its return, please contact Jason Stone on 0141 776 7766 if you'd like to know more.
Papaya launch Young Directors Competition

Papaya Films have launched the sixth edition of their Young Directors Competition.

Aimed at helping aspiring filmmakers break into the ad industry, the contest sees participants write prompted director's treatments and create films for nine brands following the release of briefs on the 14th of January. The competition has also expanded its efforts to support and educate young filmmakers this year, as they run workshops dedicated to various aspects of making commercials.
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IKEA
"The Nightclub"		 90s
16 January 2019

A night club designed for sleeping - no, it's not the latest Millennial fad, it's the premise of this appealingly quirky ad for IKEA. The furniture giant has tapped Juan Cabral - who was also behind their iconic 'Beds' commercial - to draw attention to their extensive range of bedroom accessories... and he certainly delivers.

The film puts an entirely different, ahem, spin on the nightly routine, as a diverse group of revellers brush their teeth, wash their faces, and then snuggle up into the huge number of beds arranged around a trendy club. From king sizes to singles, the brand has every sleeping surface covered.

Lit with washes of neon light and accompanied by Roy Orbison, the film has a dreamy, surreal quality - one which only increases when the exploding sheep show up. Really lovely work - we'd even try and stay awake long enough to watch it again.
Lyft
"Nope Yep"		 60s
16 January 2019

A guy fulfils the dreams of many commuters in this entertaining ad for ride-sharing app Lyft. Faced with a traffic jam on the way to work, he makes the spontaneous decision to go about his day differently... in dramatic fashion.

The film has some lovely comic moments, as the guy reverse-speeds his way home - nope-ing all the way. From drivers so distracted they don't realise they've crashed to a thoroughly bewildered police officer, the supporting characters are just as well-cast as the main guy, who quickly hails a Lyft to drive him around.

The benefits of not being your own driver are highlighted in the latter part of the ad, as the guy starts saying 'yep' to his day once he isn't stressed about the road... and after he's had a few drinks. It offers a smart illustration of the app's benefits, and may well take it from 'not-Uber' to recognition in its own right.
New York Times
"The Truth Is Worth It: Resolve"		 2 mins
16 January 2019

This excellent ad for the New York Times follows in the footsteps of previous films, including the hard-hitting Rigour, but its length enables us to appreciate in full the sheer effort that goes into producing a story.

It focuses on the ethnic cleansing of the Rohingya. A journalist who manages to get into Myanmar is closely chaperoned and fed the government's line, but manages to hear the truth through their ingenuity and perseverance.

The use of the supers are everything. Spare and economic, they demonstrate exactly how the articles come about... and evoke the danger that accompanies them. An affecting reminder of journalistic integrity in a world of 'fake news'.
Gillette
"We Believe"		 1 min 50s
15 January 2019

Such are the times we live in that Gillette has received significant backlash for its new slogan, swapping ‘The best a man can get' for 'The best a man can be'. One might think that espousing such virtues as not bullying or assaulting others would be beyond reproach... but here we are.

Even in this dark and significantly strange era, this film provides a glimmer of hope. Emphasising the power men have to stand up and be counted, it reminds them that history - in the form of their sons - is watching and learning from their actions.

Director Kim Gehrig handles the material skilfully here, cutting through abrasive rhetoric about 'witch hunts' and 'fake news' to frame positive action as the simple, smart choice. If men call each other out on their bad behaviour, the film posits, then perhaps said behaviour will stop... imagine that.
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Five Star Work
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IKEA
"The Nightclub"		 90s
16 Jan 2019
A night club designed for sleeping - no, it's not the latest Millennial fad, it's the premise of this appealingly quirky ad for IKEA. The furniture giant have tapped Juan Cabral to draw attention to their extensive range of bedroom accessories. The film puts an entirely different, ahem, spin on the nightly routine, as a diverse group of revellers snuggle up into beds arranged around a trendy club.
New York Times
"The Truth Is Worth It: Resolve"		 2 mins
16 Jan 2019
This excellent ad for the New York Times follows in the footsteps of previous ads, but its length enables us to appreciate in full the sheer effort that goes into producing a story. It focuses on the ethnic cleansing of the Rohingya. A journalist who manages to get into Myanmar is closely chaperoned, and fed the government's line, but manages to hear the truth too.
Gillette
"We Believe"		 1 min 50s
15 Jan 2019
Such are the times we live in that Gillette has received significant backlash for its new slogan, swapping ‘The best a man can get' for 'The best a man can be'. One might think that espousing such virtues as not bullying or assaulting others would be beyond reproach... but here we are. Still, at least Kim Gehrig's film offers a glimmer of hope.
Babbel
"Alien Problems"		 30s
15 Jan 2019
A welcome return for Babbel's resident spokes-alien finds Alexi in a spot of bother: he can't imagine learning a new language quickly enough to greet the neighbours or regale dinner party guests with a droll anecdote. Crippled by uncertainty, the tongue-tied being seems doomed to a misunderstood spell on Earth - and that's where the advertised learning app comes in.
Bosch
"Like a Bosch"		 75s
15 Jan 2019
Bosch breathe new life into an old meme with this entertaining ad, which draws attention to their range of integrated smart products. From controlling the heating from his phone to turning the oven off and on remotely, the protagonist promises to carry out his daily tasks - you guessed it - "like a Bosch".
Truth Project
"Speech Bubbles"		 60s
14 Jan 2019
The Truth Project has released this hard-hitting ad about speaking out against sexual abuse. MullenLowe's quiet film carries a potent sense of foreboding, as it flits between scenes with one common thread: blank speech bubbles above characters' heads. It's a striking effect, and one which makes the organisation's message extremely clear.
Apple
"Color Flood"		 60s
12 Jan 2019
Apple encourage customers to fully embrace colour with this visually arresting ad. Boasting a sizeable cast of substantial with Prague as their playground, it's yet another memorable outing for the tech giant. Directed by Rupert Sanders, the tightly-choreographed film has a surreal feel as waves of brightly-coloured jumpsuits create moving works of art.
Refuge
"Mistletoe"		 60s
11 Jan 2019
This clever ad for domestic violence charity Refuge offers a visceral demonstration of how a relationship can turn upside down. A woman relates her excitement about spending Christmas with her partner to the camera, only for the tone to shift dramatically when the script is reversed. Impactful and compellingly executed.
Family Action
"Monsters"		 90s
11 Jan 2019
Support group Family Action make the demons we face real in this compelling commercial. A series of vignettes show seemingly happy families going about their lives - albeit with something unusual lurking close by. It's only after a second glance that we understand the variety of monsters haunting them - stress, post-natal depression, and alcoholism.
Road Safety (Republic of Ireland)
"Noel Clancy"		 60s
10 Jan 2019
A poignant outing from Ireland's road safety campaign highlights a little-mentioned risk of the road: unaccompanied learner drivers. Focusing on Noel Clancy's tragic story, it reminds viewers that there are issues beyond drunk and distracted driving which need to be addressed just as pointedly.
Walmart
"Famous Cars"		 90s
9 Jan 2019
Supermarket chain Walmart enlists some of the most famous vehicles in pop culture to draw attention to their new pickup shopping service. From the Batmobile to the Mystery Machine, the ad offers blink and you'll miss it reminders of iconic transportation - as a wealth of characters grab their groceries on the go.
HLN
"Frozen Moments 2019"		 60s
8 Jan 2019
US TV network HLN (formerly known as Headline News) is launching a range of original programming - with much of it capitalizing on the rapidly expanding true crime pop culture boom. This accompanying ad presents a facsimile of moments which give a flavour of the upcoming shows, accompanied by an atmospheric version of Simon and Garfunkel's 'Scarborough Fair'.
Double Check
"Plug"		 44s
9 Jan 2019
More conscientious failure from Brexit campaigners Double Check as the second-referendum backers pit husband and wife against a faulty plug. Like previous ads in this wry series, common sense is hard to come by - hence why a devil-may-care attitude towards the mains results in a nasty electric shock for hubby.
Center Parcs
"I Am Dad"		 60s
8 Jan 2019
Center Parcs frame themselves as a seat of pastoral liberation in this mellow 60" ad, which kicks off a new campaign for the forest-centric holiday brand. Aimed at viewers who feel their work-life balance is out of whack, the film charts the exploits of Dave Parson - and who he isn't at the weekend. an attractive proposition, especially for those sensitive to the January blues.
Double Check
"Passport"		 30s
8 Jan 2019
Second-Brexit-referendum supporters Double Check riff on a holiday staple in this wry 30" film, as a couple ponder whether to ensure their passports are packed before they leave for the airport. The woman thinks it's worth a look; her partner simply replies: "Let's just leave". After all, what's the worst that could happen?
Double Check
"Straighteners"		 33s
8 Jan 2019
Ahh, Brexit. You have to laugh don't you? Or question reality on an hourly basis. For those in the former camp, this ad from second-referendum backers Double Check offers a droll but pointed take on our current political malaise. Set well away from negotiation tables and toxic debate chambers, the ad depicts a couple with a dilemma: check upstairs to see if the hair straighteners are switched off, or walk on and risk an inferno.
Penny
"Arctic"		 1 min 55s
4 Jan 2019
This touching commercial for German supermarket Penny reminds us that Christmas needn't be a spending contest. The accompanying visuals are charmingly animated, as the film charts a mother's struggle to provide everything her child could want while balancing a tight budget. Just when we thought we were finally burnt out on the spirit of the season.
Thomas Cook
"Different Beds"		 60s
5 Jan 2019
This is a very curious conceit... but it works. The ad introduces us to a man with a very unusual problem: every time he goes to sleep, he has no idea where he'll wake up. Now, you may be thinking: that was me in my 20s - but, no, not like that. Or you may be thinking - as this is an ad for Thomas Cook - perhaps it's this fellow's job to test out different resorts or something. But, no, it's not that either.
Army Recruitment
"Your Resilience"		 60s
2 Jan 2019
A young woman has a job at a supermarket and has been tasked with sorting out the trolleys. She is methodical and - for reasons that aren't entirely clear - this gets on the wick of one of her colleagues who abuses her for being 'slow'. This sequence is juxtaposed with footage of her in a very different situation... one where her patience and attention to detail is highly values.
Adidas
"Alpha Edge (Director's Cut)"		 60s
4 Jan 2018
A breathless pep talk provides the soundtrack to this Adidas commercial from director Jovan Todorovic, who follows his 2018 International Women's Day film with another fetching blend of physical exertion and still photography. The end result is slick and pacy, but that's nothing compared to the bloke on VO duties.
Pizza Hut
"Now That's Delivering"		 1 min 54s
3 Jan 2019
Pizza Hut's New Year's resolution is to goad the competition whenever possible. That's according to this amusing piece from Iris and directors Fatal Farm, which takes aim at fellow pizza chain Domino's in not-so-subtle fashion. It's a fun opening salvo, and one that shows the fight for our pizza pounds is escalating.
Compare The Market
"AutoSergei"		 55s
30 Dec 2018
Aleksandr Orlov gives a Steve Jobs-style presentation in the latest helping of silliness from the meerkat-based advertising campaign. He's revealing how the price comparison site are moving into a new area of the market with a service called AutoSergei which will speed up the process of choosing a new energy supplier.
McDonald's
"The Little Things"		 72s
17 Dec 2018
The cleverness of McDonald's advertising is the way they always place themselves at the heart of family. And, even though the quinoa-chewing denizens of adland are reluctant to admit it, there's more than a grain of truth to the idea. A tremendous number of people around the world have grown up with the ubiquity of the fast food joint and - because of that - it evokes a distinct nostalgia for family togetherness.
Bross Bagels
"Mama Bross"		 1 min 44s
16 Dec 2018
This film by freelance director Charlie Parker is a perfect example of how stuff created on a shoestring can sit alongside much better financed films these days. Written and performed by Larah Bross and Keir McAllister, this ad for a small chain of Edinburgh bakeries demonstrates an astute understanding of what will fly on social media and looks certain to generate a ot of friendly interest in the brand.
Twitter
"Jacqui Oatley"		 90s
13 Dec 2018
Sports journalist and broadcaster Jacqui Oatley spearheads this compelling piece for Twitter's #WomenInFootball campaign, as the first female commentator in Match of the Day's history relates her journey to the airwaves. Needless to say, she's had to listen to some dissenting voices along the way - but now she's made the gantry her own.
Five Star Work
(1-25 of 25)
David Reviews - Lovely Lenzie Ltd, Woodbourne House, Seven Sisters, Lenzie, G66 3AW. Telephone: +44 141 776 7766. Editor: Jason Stone.