My shots Monday: Driving Home for Christmas

As it’s now December, talk in the office has turned to the Christmas holidays, which are looming on the horizon, travelling home and the potential transport chaos that can bring.

With that and Chris Rea in mind, today’s My shots Monday takes to the road and looks at some of the best spots to put tyre to tarmac…

Fast food

First up is an ad for McDonald’s and this spot for the burger brand sees several drivers begin to wane at the wheel before spotting the famous golden arches at the side of the motorway. Directed by Guy Manwaring for Leo Burnett London, the commercial takes us into the cars of various families, solo drivers and squashed passengers to convey the message that no matter how tough your journey gets, there’ll always be a McDonald’s nearby to see you through.

Wacky races

This spot, directed by Antoine Bardou-Jacquet, for Peugeot takes us to the scene of a race between various unique-looking cars and is based on the concept of classic cartoon Wacky Races. The vehicles – including an army tank – take to the streets to join a normal Peugeot on the road as they all line up to burn rubber for first place. What ensues is a chaotic, entertaining competition that sees the Peugeot 208 prevail as winner and the driver rewarded with the girl in Y&R New York’s campaign to promote the car.

Drive and direct

Daydreaming on the road is often inevitable, especially for inactive passengers but for the man in DIRECTV’s Road Trip commercial, whiling away the miles is easy thanks to the company’s mobile streaming service that allows you to take TV wherever you go. The footage includes a fire-breathing dragon, a World War One battle and an alien spaceship all brought together by MJZ’s Rupert Sanders through Grey New York.

Sharing is caring

The stresses and strains of driving can take its toll and this ad, created for Transport for London, deals with the problem for city commuters. Directed by Yann Demange, the piece comes from the point of view of a pedestrian who observes various altercations on the streets between drivers, cyclists and people on foot as she narrates the minute-long piece to promote calm and consideration. M&C Saatchi London is the agency behind the campaign.

People and places

Nettbuss is the largest bus company in Norway and to promote its services and routes, agency Los & Co, decided to focus on its customers when creating this campaign for the brand. Following several amusing backstories of passengers old and young, the commercial is carried by a jaunty musical track and promotes the idea that the bus will always be there regardless of Whoever You Are. Giulio Musi and Jesper Ericstam are the directors via Social Club and the campaign proves that there is no set definition of a road user.