Titled “To My Great Granddaughter,” this University of Phoenix TV spot tells a relatable tale of a woman who immigrates to the United States, overcomes obstacles and earns an MBA, opening the door for future generations to succeed. Directed by Peter Thwaites via The Corner Shop for agency 180LA, the :60 advances the campaign mantra that “A Degree Doesn’t Just Change You.”
“University of Phoenix came to us with a true insight of not just having a purpose to graduate students, but to graduate families across the board,” said Eduardo Marques, executive creative director at 180LA. “That quickly resonated with us, brought back real memories and paved the way for this campaign. It was collaborative in a profound way, which is why we think it works. It’s generational.”
A motivational part of the campaign also includes true-to-life alumni stories that reflect the broader program which launch later in the month.
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Credits
Client University of Phoenix Agency 180LA William Gelner, chief creative officer; Eduardo Marques, Rafael Rizuto, executive creative directors; Wilson Mateos, creative director; Josh Hacohen, sr. copywriter; Karine Grigorian, sr. art director; Natasha Wellesley, head of integrated production; Dominique Anzano, sr. producer; Kaleen Ogden, strategy director. Production The Corner Shop Peter Thwaites, director; Anna Hashmi, head of production; Jay Shapiro, producer. Editorial Exile Conor O’Neill, editor; Rex Lowry, assistant editor; Michael Miller, sr. producer; CL Weaver, exec producer; Jennifer Locke, head of production. Telecine The Mill Adam Scott, colorist; Liza Kerlin, producer; Thatcher Peterson, exec producer. VFX/Finishing The Mill Steve Cokonis, Flame artist; Marcus Speaker, producer; Enca Kaul, exec producer. Audio Post Lime Studios Loren Silber, mixer; Susie Boyajan, exec producer. Music We Are Walker Jeremy Yang, composer; Sara Matarazzo, exec producer.
Fresh off Lay’s 2025 beloved Super Bowl spot, “The Little Farmer,” and a global brand refresh, comes a brand-new commercial airing in the first half of the big game on Feb. 8.
Titled “Last Harvest,” the new emotionally driven ad follows a father-daughter potato farming duo as they pass down generations of potato harvesting knowledge, showcasing a true legacy in the agriculture community. Academy Award winner (Jojo Rabbit) Taika Waititi directed “Last Harvest” via production house Hungry Man for agencies Highdive and Frito-Lay in-house shop D3. Waititi brought his signature storytelling style to this year’s Lay’s ad, just as he did with “The Little Farmer.”
Set against a moving rendition of “Somewhere Only We Know” (originally recorded by English rock band Keane), “Last Harvest” weaves through heartfelt flashbacks, shining a light on the family-owned farms behind many of Lay’s potato chips.
“Last Harvest” was inspired by Neumiller Farms in Illinois, a family farm that Lay’s parent PepsiCo has worked with for decades. It’s a third-generation potato and vegetable farm now run by father and daughter team Tom Neumiller and Katie Floming, who grow 3,500 acres of potatoes annually. Their farm plays a vital role in the Lay’s story, with Tom now guiding Katie as she prepares to lead the farm’s next chapter.
