This spot opens on a picturesque scene of a father and daughter in the middle of a forest, bird watching. Or so we think. As the story unfolds, we realize that it’s not birds they’re spying through binoculars, but breakfast – and specifically pancakes. We watch as they enthusiastically discover IHOP’s blueberry pancakes and original buttermilk pancakes. The daughter then scans the forest and is shocked to find a new and exotic-looking breakfast item as she exclaims, “Holy pancakes! Look at that pancake, dad!” They’re immediately corrected by a rugged Breakfast Hunter whose been in full camouflage next to them the whole time. One can only venture to guess how long he’s been tracking this dish as he explains to them that they have, in fact, discovered the new King’s Hawaiian French Toast Combo from IHOP. He hands the little girl his “forkbow” as he proceeds to sprint towards this rare and delicious dish to capture it with his bare hands.
Titled “Breakfast Watchers,” this IHOP ad was directed by Eric Wareheim, who is one half of the comedy duo Tim & Eric. The commercial was produced by production company PRETTYBIRD. Tabletop portion of the piece was helmed by Trevor Shepard of Woodshop.
CreditsClient IHOP Agency Droga5 NY David Droga, creative chairman; Scott Bell, executive creative director; Todd Rone Parker, Daniel Kelly, creative directors; Nic Bauman, sr. copywriter; Christian Chico, sr. art director; Scott Minniear, jr. copywriter; Jackie Moran, jr. art director; Nate Moore, associate design director; Albie Eloy, designer; Jesse Brihn, Bryan Litman, co-directors, film production; Amanda Revere, executive producer, film; Forrest Holt, producer, film; Ryan McGrath, executive producer, experiential; Madison Goldberg, producer, interactive. Production PRETTYBIRD Eric Wareheim, director; Kerstin Emhoff, co-founder/exec producer; Ali Brown, VP, exec producer; Earl McDaniel, head of production; Bridgitte Pugh, line producer. Production (Tabletop) Woodshop Trevor Shepard, director; Sam Swisher, exec producer; Ursula Camack, producer. Editorial Cut+Run Robert Ryang, editor; Marcia Wigley, sr. producer. Postproduction The Mill NY Kathy Siegal, VFX supervisor; Luis Martin, exec producer. Music Butter Audio Post Heard City Evan Mangiamele, audio engineer.
Top Spot of the Week: Director Jake Scott, Paramount Brand Studios “Make Your Gameday Epic” In “Gladiator II”-Inspired Pepsi Spot
Nearly 20 years after Pepsi’s “Roman Empire” made its mark on pop culture, the brand is returning to the arena with a colossal Gladiator-themed campaign titled, “Make Your Gameday Epic™.” Celebrating the start of the 2024 NFL season and the highly anticipated release of Paramount Pictures’ Gladiator II in theaters on Nov. 22, this short film--directed by Jake Scott via RSA Films for Paramount Brand Studio features Megan Thee Stallion, as Empress Megan, leading a legion of NFL superstars turned Gridiron Gladiators, including Josh Allen, Derrick Henry, Justin Jefferson and Travis Kelce, locked in an epic battle with ice-cold Pepsi at the heart of the action. A brand-new gameday anthem from three-time, Grammy award-winning artist Megan Thee Stallion soundtracks the campaign. The unmistakable “boom, boom, clap” from Queen’s epic track “We Will Rock You” is featured on a fresh sample with cutting new lyrics from Megan. The new track became available on all major music streaming platforms, and ahead of Megan hosting the 2024 MTV VMAs last night (9.11), where the track and music-video inspired spot were heard and seen throughout the show. “I’m honored to follow in the footsteps of the legends who appeared in this Gladiator campaign 20 years ago and proud to have carved my own new legacy,” said Megan Thee Stallion. “Pepsi really brought the worlds of music, sports and entertainment together in a powerful way to set off the new NFL season.” The spot opens with Lamorne Morris and Jake Lacy peering into a can of Pepsi Zero Sugar as it transforms into a colosseum. Empress Megan calls the shots, and the royal roster of NFL players are at her command as they all vie for her favor and a sip of an ice-cold Pepsi... Read More