McDonald's warms your heart time after time this Christmas
In a beautifully shot, John Lewis-baiting film, a young girl's relationship to her imaginary friend reflects her feelings about the festive season.
Credits
powered by- Agency Leo Burnett/London
- Production Company Object & Animal
- Director Bert & Bertie
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Credits
powered by- Agency Leo Burnett/London
- Production Company Object & Animal
- Director Bert & Bertie
- Chief Creative Officer Chaka Sobhani
- Creative Director Andrew Long
- Creative Director James Millers
- Head of TV Production Graeme Light
- Colorist Steffan Perry
- VFX Producer Alexia Paterson
- Producer Sophie Harrison
- Flame Artist Darran Nicholson
- VFX Framestore Pictures/UK
- VFX Supervisor Jules Janaud
- Producer Alexia Paterson
- Recording Studio 750mph
- Audio Mixer Jake Ashwell
- Audio Mixer Sam Ashwell
- Producer Lucy Gossage
- Editor Eve Ashwell
- DP James Whitaker
- 2D Supervisor Christian Baker
- CG Supervisor Jay Khan
Credits
powered by- Agency Leo Burnett/London
- Production Company Object & Animal
- Director Bert & Bertie
- Chief Creative Officer Chaka Sobhani
- Creative Director Andrew Long
- Creative Director James Millers
- Head of TV Production Graeme Light
- Colorist Steffan Perry
- VFX Producer Alexia Paterson
- Producer Sophie Harrison
- Flame Artist Darran Nicholson
- VFX Framestore Pictures/UK
- VFX Supervisor Jules Janaud
- Producer Alexia Paterson
- Recording Studio 750mph
- Audio Mixer Jake Ashwell
- Audio Mixer Sam Ashwell
- Producer Lucy Gossage
- Editor Eve Ashwell
- DP James Whitaker
- 2D Supervisor Christian Baker
- CG Supervisor Jay Khan
A lot is made about the John Lewis Christmas ad formula but, gosh darn it, it doesn't half work well when it's put together right.
With Imaginary Iggy, Leo Burnett (specifically, impressive young creative duo Amy Bushill and Cristina Rosique Gomez) has created a lovely 90-second film depicting the ups and downs of a child and her imaginary friend as they spend Christmas times together.
Wonderfully brought to life by Object & Animal directing duo Bert & Bertie, the film hits all the beats of a festive heartwarmer perfectly, including a lovely cover of Cyndi Lauper’s cracker Time After Time, performed by Mabel.
“We’re lucky in this industry to be encouraged to be childlike and live in our imaginations," comments Chaka Sobhani, global chief creative officer, Leo Burnett. "But for most people, as we grow up, the pressures of life can mean we often forget how to remember those things that made us dream and believe. Luckily, small but meaningful rituals – like leaving carrot sticks out for the reindeer – can sometimes be all it takes to reignite that festive belief.
"Hopefully this story will remind people of the wonder of imagination and believing that at Christmas, anything is possible. A big shout out to our young creative team behind this, Amy and Cristina, who hopefully have added a little magic to the nation’s festivities.”
The soundtrack is available for download, with 10 pence from each sale going to McDonald’s charity partner, FareShare – a UK national network of food redistributors that fights hunger and tackles food waste in the UK. As part of this partnership McDonald’s will also be paying for the redistribution of food for the equivalent of 5m meals to families in need.