This music video titled “The Beauty of Gaps” from agency VML is part of Colgate’s longstanding “Bright Smiles, Bright Futures” program targeting kids worldwide. “The Beauty of Gaps” shares a variety of smiles with gaps between teeth, showing us that these smiles too are beautiful, helping to build smile confidence.
“Our research has shown that when your smile doesn’t match the idealized version portrayed in the world, it’s easy to doubt its beauty,” said Diana Haussling, SVP and general manager of Consumer Experience & Growth at Colgate. “We at Colgate know that there is power in every smile, and I am proud that with this initiative we are providing resources to help kids smile with confidence wherever they go.”
Alfred Marroquin via production house Somesuch directed “The Beauty of Gaps,” in which towards the end appears a supered message that reads: "My Smile is my Superpower."
Credits
Client Colgate Agency VML Fred Saldanha, global chief creative officer, Colgate-Palmolive; Wayne Best, chief creative officer, New York; Ana Magalhaes, Amanda Caldari, creative directors; Kyle Nutter, copywriter; Mariana Ortega, sr. art director; Greg Lotus, global head of production; Jessica Fiore, sr. integrated producer; Theresa Notartomaso, executive music producer; Joanna May, brand strategy lead. Production Company Somesuch Alfred Marroquin, director; Seth Wilson, managing director/exec producer; Roger Zorovich, head of production; Luigi Rossi, line producer; Mika Altskan, DP. Editorial Cut+Run NY Mah Ferraz, editor; Diana Mendez, sr. producer; Ellese Shell, exec producer; Iris Rodrigo, assistant editor. Color Company 3 NY Joseph Bicknell, colorist; Cassidy Conway, producer. Finishing Jogger Studios NY Matt Dolvan, Flame artist; Evan Sanyour, Flame producer; Tim Vierling, head of production. Music & Sound DaHouse Audio Lucas Meyer, music director/producer/sound engineer; Silvinho Eme, music director/producer; Lucas Mayer, Wondre Bettin, Bernardo Massot, music producers; Rodrigo Deltoro, sound engineer; Carol Masseti, Cassiano Derenjo, Iris Fuzaro, music exec producers.
Peter Thwaites of The Corner Shop directed this film for healthcare company Abbott that shows what it’s really like to live with diabetes--including the constant judgment, shame and guilt.
The film is the cornerstone of Abbott’s new global initiative called “Above The Bias” out of agency VML Chicago, which is driving awareness about the health impact common misconceptions and bias about diabetes can have on people living with the condition.
Thwaites said, “What initially drew me to this project was the chance to create a visual metaphor for the weight of other people’s opinions--something we all carry, whether we realize it or not. The suit we built to physically weigh down our actor became more than just a prop; it shaped his performance, making the emotional burden feel tangible. Tonally, I wanted to ensure the message felt earned without becoming overly sentimental, allowing the actor to start from a grounded place and gradually reveal the impact of that weight.”
Healthcare company Abbott--known for its medical technology, nutritional products and pharmaceuticals--surveyed more than 2,600 people living with diabetes across eight countries, including the U.S., to help inform the campaign and bring to life the realities of living with the condition. Research found that nearly 70% believe there is stigma associated with their condition; almost 25% have avoided sharing their diagnosis with family or friends out of embarrassment or concern; and 40% have skipped or missed a doctor’s appointment due to shame or stigma.