Following the departure of Jeb! from the presidential race, Droga5 New York launched a new spot introducing the nation to “Zoe for President.”
“This is Zoe,” begins the voiceover as we see a baby playing under an American flag, “she’s one and she’s running for president…” to which many viewers will likely react, “Eh, still better than Trump.” But the catch comes quickly, as the voiceover continues “…potentially, in 2064.” The point is that, given the right environment and support Zoe, or any child, can achieve great things. Many campaigns have been mining lighthearted political tropes for material this year, but this one is undeniably cute. In addition to the ad, there’s a ZoeForPresident.net campaign site, where visitors can donate to Zoe (the money actually goes to your local Y) and purchase merchandise. “Zoe for President” marks the second phase of the “For a Better Us” campaign Droga5 launched for The Y last month, taking a decidedly less serious approach while addressing some of the same issues as its predecessors.
Of course, Droga5 also has some real skin in the political game this election, tasked with creating ads for neoliberal Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.
“While Zoe for President is a breath of fresh air during a heated campaign cycle, every child, regardless of background, needs support and guidance to reach their full potential,” said YMCA of the USA president and CEO Kevin Washington, in a statement. “Our campaign will address actual issues that America’s communities are faced with each day like access to early childhood education, safe space, meal assistance, and the Y’s role in solving the challenges head on.”
Credits:
Client: The Y
Campaign: Zoe for President
Agency: Droga5 NY
Creative Chairman: David Droga
Chief Creative Officer: Ted Royer
Executive Creative Director: Kevin Brady
Creative Director: Casey Rand
Creative Director: Karen Land Short
Junior Copywriter: Gabe Sherman
Junior Art Director: Gage Young
Associate Design Director: Cynthia Ratsabouth
Designer: Jen Lally
Designer: Kathryn Berlinsky
Experience Designer: Hiye Shin
Junior Designer: Hena Seo
Chief Creation Officer: Sally-Ann Dale
Head of Broadcast Production: Ben Davies
Senior Producer: Jennifer McKenzie
Associate Broadcast Producer: Jenna Alchin
Associate Broadcast Producer: Jamil McGinnis
Head of Interactive Production: Niklas Lindstrom
Director of Technology: Andy Prondak
Executive Interactive Producer: Jenn Mann
Senior Technology Lead: Joachim Do
QA Engineer: Yadira Isaac
Lead Developer: Jim Alexander
Head of Art Production: Cliff Lewis
Junior Art Producer: Nichole Katsikas
Associate Media Producer: Bethany Lyons
Junior Print Producer: Rose Mahan
Photographer: Paul McGeiver
Associate Photographer: Robert Ohman
Head of Print Services: Rob Lugo
Creative Studio Coordinator: Virginia Vargas
Retouching Studio Manager: Michelle Leedy
Retouching Coordinator: Michael Mockler
Global Chief Strategy Officer: Jonny Bauer
Head of Strategy: Chet Gulland
Strategy Director: Elaine Purcell
Head of Data Strategy: Andrew Tully
Senior Data Strategist: Eric Raicovich
Senior Data Strategist: Brad Mumbrue
Group Account Director: Matt Ahumada
Account Director: Amanda Chandler
Account Manager: Sara Fletcher
Project Manager: Rayna Lucier
Client: The Y
President / CEO: Kevin Washington
EVP, Chief Strategy / Advancement Officer: Kate Coleman
VP, Marketing Communications: Donna Bembenek
Senior Director External Relations: Ryu Mizuno
Production Company: Community Films
Director: Matt Smukler
Executive Producer: Carl Swan
Executive Producer: Lizzie Schwartz
Head of Production: Chris Spanos
Producer: Nick Shandra
Editorial: Beast NY
Editor: Jim Ulbrich
Post Producer: Sheena Wagaman
Post Producer: Melati Pohan
Post Production: Gryphyn
Flame Artist: Scott Bravo
Color: Company 3
Colorist: Damien Pelphrey
Producer: Katie Andrews
Music Score: A Score
Stars Stripes: C Joshua Johnson
Victory Starts Here: Robert Casal
Sound: Sonic Union
Mixer: Fernando Ascani
Development: BausCode