Menopause. The last great societal stigma of a woman’s life. Not only do people not like to discuss it but often doctors won’t address it or give it the time it deserves. And even menopausal women themselves suffer in silence through its painful symptoms. With “Long May She Reign,” TherapeuticsMD, Inc. is introducing menopausal women to IMVEXXY, an estrogen vaginal insert that can relieve moderate to severe painful sex due to menopause.
And the best way to tackle an ignored medical issue and underserved population of patients is to stop the stigma in its tracks. Be bold about the fact that women over 50+ years old are vibrant and in control of their lives. Talk about the problem, and more importantly, the solution, in empowering ways that recontextualize what a menopausal woman looks, acts and feels like in 2021. And finally do all of this by adhering to the constraints of a traditional pharma campaign while creating something that is anything but–with this commercial where the menopausal women is Queen and IMVEXXY is her ally so she can conquer the bedroom for the rest of her reign.
Ivan Stojiljkovic of Contrast Eye directed this "The Queen's Next Chapter” spot for McCann New York.
Credits
Client TherapeuticsMD/IMVEXXY Agency McCann New York Sean Bryan, Thomas Murphy, co-chief creative officers; Maru Kopelowicz, EVP, executive creative director; Armando Flores, Sara Worthington, SVPs, group creative directors; Adam Koehler, creative director; Mikey Harmon, associate creative director; Margaret Webber, sr. copywriter; Dina Zolan, sr. art director; Anna Andreis, SVP, group strategy director; Whitney Bryan, VP, director, communications strategy; Claire Stewart, sr. strategist; Danielle Karrt, VP social strategy director; Rebecca Krevat, social strategist; Nathy Aviram, chief production officer; Lauren Bauder, integrated producer; Dan Gross, sr. integrated music producer; Jeannette Subero, sr. innovation producer; Annie Panousopoulos, UX architect; Megan Ohr, UI designer. Production Contrast Eye Ivan Stojiljkovic, director; Aleksander Kosutic, DP; Osei Kakari, exec producer; Linda Kattam, managing director; Paul Papanek, line producer. Production Services Good Kids (Budapest, Hungary) Patricia D’Intino, service producer. Editorial No6 JK Carrington, editor; Corina Dennison, exec producer; Cecillia Melton, producer. Color Marina Starke, colorist. VFX Spring Onion Studio, Belgrade, Serbia Music Duotone Audio Group Jordan Lieb, composer; Ross Hopman, exec producer; Gio Lobato, sr. producer. Audio Post Sonic Union David Papa, engineer
Each year, over 300,000 volunteers power the American Red Cross, responding to an average of 65,000 disasters nationwide. This holiday season, BBDO New York has launched a poignant American Red Cross campaign to increase donations for disaster relief while spotlighting the critical role volunteers play in their mission.
The centerpiece film in this campaign--"Shelter Mom" directed by Anthony Frattolillo via production company One Free Play--tells the story of a family seeking shelter after a devastating natural disaster.
In a powerful twist, the PSA reveals how dedicated and selfless American Red Cross volunteers really are--in this case a mother separated from her family while helping other families in a time of need. The closing message drives home the call to action: “They’re relying on her. We’re relying on you. Please Donate.”
Given all the recent events, this spot really hits home, especially for certain members of the creative and production team. Director Frattolillo and his family had to evacuate from the California forest fires in 2020 and spent time in a shelter. And BBDO New York creative director Greg Gertsner had to evacuate in 1999 during Hurricane Floyd as overflow from a raging nearby river reached his family home.
