-DDB San Francisco goes full Wes Anderson in the first broadcast spot for iShares in a decade (video above). It’s also the brand’s first live-action ad since hiring DDB S.F. as its AOR last year. The campaign launched on Sept. 16 across TV, digital and OOH.
“The heart of iShares’ mission is to provide investors better ways to invest. We have the largest and most diverse range of ETFs. With this in mind, we have designed the campaign and specifically these films to inspire all types of investors to reappraise what iShares ETFs are capable of and the role they can play in a portfolio,” iShares global CMO Alexander Craddock said in a statement. “We also believe that an inspiring character such as Eleanor can create powerful emotional connections with our clients to drive our business forward.”
“Eleanor was a major step forward for the iShares brand because we were able to bring storytelling and craft to a category that usually defaults to heavy-handed product messaging and relatable lifestyle,” added DDB S.F. executive creative director Ben Wolan.
–John Maeda is leaving his role as Publicis Sapient chief experience officer to join a Massachusetts-based tech company focused on disaster management. He will remain with Publicis Sapient in an advisory position.
-Mars announced that Uncle Ben’s will rebrand as Ben’s Original.
–Reddit added more ad inventory, providing more options for ad targeting and brand safety.
-An agency exec discusses clients’ extended payment terms during the pandemic.
-New household essentials brand Bother selected Uncommon as its creative partner for a launch campaign later this year.
-A new study of U.S. consumer preferences from Kantar found some interesting contrasts between consumer and advertiser platform preference. Consumers favor ads on TikTok, while advertisers prefer YouTube. Consumers also favor offline ads, particularly cinema ads, sponsored events and magazine ads, while marketers focus on online advertising and TV. 
