How 'Boy and the Piano' Broke All the Rules for a John Lewis Ad and Became a Classic

Video: Adam&eveDDB's CCO shares the internal debate around centering on Elton John

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CANNES, France—John Lewis holiday ads are known for their powerful, emotionally resonant storytelling. And while the most recent Christmas spot—“The Boy and the Piano,” a retrospective of Elton John’s life—certainly fits the bill, the concept wasn’t an immediate hit with the team behind it.

In an interview with Adweek at the Cannes Lions, where “Boy and the Piano” won gold in Film for John Lewis & Partners, CCO Richard Brim at agency adam&eveDDB says the ad went against all of the creative team’s typical guidelines that have generated previous ads like “Monty

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