Phenomenon, Civic Nation Want You to ‘Vote Together’

By Erik Oster 

Los Angeles-based strategic business consultancy and creative agency Phenomenon launched a spot for non-profit Civic Nation asking audiences to “Vote Together.”

The way the spot goes about delivering that message is certainly unexpected. It opens on what appears to be a murder, as a group of friend’s grows more and more suspicious of each other after it’s revealed the door has been locked the whole time.

The reveal makes clear that we’ve been watching a group of friends at a murder mystery party the whole time — and that they’re now headed to the polls, which close in an hour.

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While it’s certainly an unexpected approach to an ad about voting (We may have wondered for a bit if they sent us the wrong video), the long lead-up to the reveal may be to its detriment, as some viewers may tune out. That would be unfortunate, since the spot delivers an important message.

“Whether it’s murder mysteries or a barbecue, nothing brings people together to vote like a party,” the spot concludes, along with the “#VoteTogether” tagline.

The 15-second “Celebrate Your Way” is more direct, giving viewers some ideas for themed voting parties and directing them to the Civic Nation website, where they can download a free toolkit.

Whatever gets people younger than baby boomers to the polls.

“Voting can be fun, and we can prove it to you,” said Phenomenon president Erica Hoholick said in a statement. “Our team has created a campaign that surprises people with a setting and a situation that is unexpected and will spur action and participation. We believe that voting needs to become a vital part of culture and this is one way to show how that change can happen.”

“We are thrilled to have Phenomenon as the first video content partner for #VoteTogether and a member of the Creative Alliance,” added Zeppa Kreager, director of the creative alliance at Civic Nation. “I feel confident that with their contribution we are going to be able to recruit more people from across the country to host #VoteTogether parties and make voting more fun and inclusive longterm.”

Credits:

Client: Civic Nation
Agency: Phenomenon
CEO & Founder: Krish Menon
President: Erica Hoholick
Chief Strategy Officer: Jason De Turris
Executive Creative Director:Jay Gelardi
Creative Directors: Tim Bateman and Jonathon Runkle
Chief Production Officer: Kat Friis
Senior Producer: Karin Ostrander
Brand Lead: Naz Heyat
Brand Supervisor: Adam Fishbein
Production
Production Co.: Bob Industries
Director: Brigg Bloomquist
Director of Photography: Pablo Berron
EP / Managing Partners: TK Knowles and John O’Grady
Executive Producer: Brian Etting
Line Producer: Andrew Keller
Post & VFX
Editorial Company: Optimus
Editor: Angelo Valencia
Assistant Editor: Emily Hayes
Post Producer: Joanna Woods
Music
Composer: Alain Emile
Music Supervision:Good Ear Music Supervision
Music Track: Someday by The Strokes

Sound Design/Mix/ Telecine
Company: Therapy Studios
Sound Designer/Mixer: Eddie Kim
Colorist: Omar Inguanzo
Executive Producer: John Ramsay
Producer: Juliana Watson

CIVIC NATION- :15 – Celebrate Your Way

Agency: Phenomenon
Executive Creative Director: Jay Gelardi
Creative Directors: Tim Bateman and Jonathon Runkle
Chief Production Officer: Kat Friis
Producer: Karin Ostrander
Brand Lead: Naz Heyat
Brand Supervisor: Adam Fishbein
Director: Evan Sartory
Editor: Evan Sartory
Telecine: Therapy Studios
Colorist:Omar Inguanzo
Stylist: Nancy Bernal
Music Track: Someday by The Strokes
Music Supervision: Good Ear Music Supervision

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