Brian Billow of production house O Positive directed and co-wrote (with Jay Manheimer) this satirical campaign in which Presidents Abraham Lincoln and Donald Trump square off in a series of lakeside chats.
Trump imparts his wisdom to Lincoln on topics ranging from the pandemic to skipping taxes and even a proposed Commander-in-chief change possibly in the offing for Mount Rushmore.
The latter is the subject of this tongue-in-cheek installment of the “Abe and Trump Being Frank” series with plans for Trump’s visage to replace that of Theodore Roosevelt. (Trump would evoke the "statue of limitations.")
While the topics are different from episode to episode in this campaign series, one message is constant–make sure to cast your vote in the fast approaching national election.
Billow is an alum of SHOOT’s 2008 New Directors Showcase.
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Credits
Creative Jay Manheimer, Brian Billow, writers. Production O Positive Brian Billow, director; Ralph Laucella, exec producer; Grayson Bithell, line producer; Sameet Patadia, production manager; Vanessa Golenia, social media producer; Sebastian Pfaffenbichler, DP; Maia Jovan, production designer; Greg McCollum, first AD. Editorial Arcade Edit Geoff Hounsell, Sean Lagrange, Dean Miyahira, editors; Alexa Atkin, editorial producer. Finishing & Grade The Mill John Leonti, creative director; Anastasia Von Rahl, exec producer; Bret Aros, associate producer; Logan Highlen, colorist; Patrick Dirks, 2D artist; Chris “Badger” Knight. Music N.O.R.E. Hazardis Soundz, Spkilla, producers.
This holiday season banking/financial services company Erste Group and ad agency Jung von Matt DONAU, Vienna, present “Carry the light,” a tender reimagining of a journey that shaped history, told through the eyes of the animal who carried it forward. Directed by Daniel&Szymon of Arts & Sciences, the film follows a humble donkey’s quiet path from burden to purpose, echoing a universal longing to be seen, valued, and believed in.
Echoing Erste Group’s ongoing #glaubandich (“believe in yourself”) brand platform, the story explores how small acts of kindness and faith can inspire transformation. As the donkey carries Mary and Joseph toward Bethlehem, his awakening becomes a metaphor. “Erste’s 2025 Christmas campaign reminds us that hope and gentleness often come from the smallest among us. It’s a story about compassion, determination, and the idea that each of us carries something meaningful to give. In a world like ours, it’s more important than ever to inspire people—to show respect, offer support, and encourage everyone to believe in their own strength,” says Nina Pentek, responsible for the production at Erste Group. “We also want to remind people that no matter how things may seem, they can always find a light within themselves—and that light can make all the difference!”
Mike Nagy, managing director and executive creative director at Jung von Matt DONAU, added, “This is a small story with a big heart. It was important for us to tell the #believeinyourself message in a festive, emotional context — while standing apart from typical seasonal advertising.”
Shot in the breathtaking Atlas Mountains of Morocco by cinematographer Barry Ackroyd, ASC (The Hurt Locker, Detroit, A House of Dynamite), the... Read More
