DIRECTV partners with baseball legend Randy Johnson in an all-new extension of its “For The Birds” campaign–“Bird Ballparks.” These stadium sanctuaries, built atop DIRECTV satellite dishes, finally give birds a safe place to watch baseball.
An extension of the brand’s current TV campaign, “For the Birds,” which features two pigeons who are disgruntled that people can get DIRECTV without a dish, “Bird Ballparks” assures all fans (human and feathered alike) that DIRECTV is their home for baseball.
The partnership harks back to a moment in baseball history when Johnson, 10-time All-Star, World Series champion and Hall of Fame pitcher, famously threw a pitch in a spring training game that against all odds, accidentally collided with a bird. Ever since, birds sought and clearly deserve a safe roost to watch baseball. Hence the idea from TBWAChiatDay LA, carried out in this hero spot directed by Mark Winters and Ryan Buckley via production company BeGRIZZLEE.
There’s also a custom website, where you can win a Millet Mullet: it’s a mullet (to honor Randy’s iconic haircut from his playing days) made out of one of birds’ favorite snacks, millet. And of course, physical Bird Ballparks that will live in fans’ backyards, much like a bird bath would, but here, birds can safely watch baseball … Fans can go to DIRECTV.com/BirdBallparks for the chance to win a Bird Ballpark or Millet Mullet. Each Bird Ballpark features a tiny statue of Randy with a plaque that says “The Tiny Unit,” as a play on his nickname, “The Big Unit.”
Each Avian Arena also features fowl poles for birds to perch on, a scoreboard which shows Birds defeating People, and a Mini-tron with a phone holder where fans can attach their phone so they can stream baseball on DIRECTV for birds to enjoy.
CreditsClient DIRECTV Agency TBWAChiatDay LA Renato Fernandez, chief creative officer; Jason Karley, executive creative director; Mark Winters, Ryan Buckley, creative directors; Lex Singer, sr. copywriter; Laura Dickie, sr. art director; Robert Punchard, executive director of production; Alicia Portner, sr. producer; Tyler Hock, associate producer; Nyaze Vincent, executive producer, integrated production; Van Corsa, sr. producer, digital innovation/integrated production; Katie Acosta, executive strategy director. Production Company BeGRIZZLEE Mark Winters & Ryan Buckley, directors; Julia Swain, DP; Rocky Bice, producer; Erica August, exec producer; Javier Jimenez, managing director. Editorial Arcade Geoff Hounsell, editor; Crissy DeSimone, exec producer; Fernando Raigoza, assistant; Alexa Berman, sr. producer. Finishing Timber Ryan Dahlman, head of production; Aryel Melek-Shalom, VFX supervisor/Nuke compositing; Brian Shneider, Flame lead; Chris DeCristo, Flame; Sarah Vigil-Bass, Flame assistant. Audio Post Lime Matt Miller, mixer; Susie Boyajan, exec producer; Cassie Underwood, associate producer; Ian Connie, assistant mixer. Color Coffee & Tea TV Paul Harrison, colorist; Pete Burch, producer
The Best Work You May Never See: Ad Council, U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs, GSD&M, Director Andre Muir Show Us “The Bravest Thing”
As Suicide Prevention Month begins, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Ad Council teamed with agency GSD&M to roll out PSAs for their national campaign: “Don’t Wait. Reach Out.” The initiative, which started in 2021, urges Veterans who are facing challenges to visit VA.gov/REACH, a comprehensive website that helps them access the many resources available.
The PSAs, including this one titled “The Bravest Thing,” were directed by Andre Muir of production house SMUGGLER. “The Bravest Thing” acknowledges that it can be hard for Veterans to reach out if they’re struggling--but in the eyes of their loved ones, seeking help is an act of bravery. By featuring Veterans alongside their friends and family, the film encourages Veterans to open up if they’re struggling and reminds everyone that they can play a role in supporting Veterans in their lives.
“When a Veteran is ready to reach out, VA is ready to provide services and support. One of the bravest things Veterans can do is ask for help,” said Dr. Matthew Miller, executive director, VA Office of Suicide Prevention. “These new messages are powerful and compassionate additions to the ‘Don’t Wait. Reach Out.’ campaign that features the voices of loved ones, underscoring the vital role that family and friends play in supporting Veterans. We all play a role in suicide prevention and this call to action engages community and connections, which are crucial in preventing Veteran suicide. Through this campaign, we can spread hope that Veterans, and all of us, can overcome crises and difficult life challenges.”
6,392 Veterans lost their lives to suicide in 2021, according to the latest data from the 2023 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report.... Read More