It’s all interesting to see the causes that the Ad Council chooses to create spots for. This ad focuses on the issue of cyberbullying. Although cyberbullying is a relatively new form of harassment, it is a major issue that is not addressed near enough. Cyberbullying has even been related to an increase in suicides among 10-19 year olds.

I think this ad does a great job of showing us that internet bashing is just as painful as being insulted in person. I also really like how the little girl’s speech catches the viewer off guard. I’m not sure what I was expecting to hear come out of her mouth, but I was certainly not prepared to hear so many rude insults! The commercial cuts back and forth between the girl’s speech, and close ups of “Patty’s” face as she listens to what her peers think of her. Patty’s emotional transition from being flattered that she was the topic of interest, to embarrassed by what is actually said is pretty powerful, especially since she is so young.

I would imagine this was an effective campaign not only because of the well written script, but also because of the ad’s call to action… or anti-action at the end of the commercial when it tells people how to stop cyberbullying: don’t write it, don’t forward it, etc.

I love this Pedigree Campaign! I’ve worked in shelters before and know how hard it can be to get people to adopt their animals. There is nothing more heartbreaking than seeing an animal stay in the shelter for extended periods of time. I think Pedigree did a great job of choosing a cause that relates to their product. By linking themselves with shelters, their efforts seem legitimate. I honestly believe that the people at Pedigree want to help shelter dogs; that they’re not just using this campaign as a way to boost their sales. Do these ads change the way you guys see shelter animals?

The video I really wanted to put on here isn’t on youtube so I’ve posted the link below. I think the best part of the ad is the tag line “Don’t pity a shelter dog, adopt one”. It speaks to the people watching the TV who might otherwise be moved by the commercial, but ultimately don’t act on their emotions.

Human Trafficking

I think this ad done by Saatchi and Saathci is extremely effective in getting its message across. I was intrigued to find out who the people were when they were initially shown at the beginning of the commercial; at first I thought maybe they were the bad guys. However, S&S did a great job of tying in their message in the last few seconds by showing the people encaged by an upside down shopping cart and asking us “What’s behind the things we buy”? 

While I’m usually not one for dramatic and  solemn ads, I think this one is important because it gets people thinking. With spring break just around the corner this ad also is a nice little reminder to be careful, (especially if you’re going to Mexico!) human trafficking could happen to anyone.