My friend Alan first brought this advertisement, the accompanying video and the funnel of ad-industry nonesense to my attention tonight.
It’s moments like this that I am embarrassed for the industry and not at all surprised that so many people hold advertising in such low regard.
That the idea was pitched is remarkable. That the concept was actually executed is astounding. That the client was unwittingly involved is simply unethical. That the agency that did it submitted it for an award is staggering. And that it apparently won a ‘merit’prize is something that simply blows my mind.
And talk about being truly repulsive work – now everyone involved is running the other way, putting out disinformation and trying to cover their asses.
The whole episode is shameful.
I sincerely hope WWF gets out with as little damage as possible. Wow.
You and me both. Interestingly, WWF was picked up in the WSJ for something they did in Berlin. I can’t find the link online, but it was a series of hundreds of ice sculpture of people melting on the steps of a government building. Global warming angle but certainly more palatable and arguably more interesting. A little positive press to counter this mess DDB Brazil made for them.