Burberry’s Christmas ad is a three minute tribute to Brit film and musical, Billy Elliott, But its impact comes primarily from its line-up of stars – Sir Elton John, Julie Walters, Romeo Beckham, James Bay, George Ezra, Michelle Dockery, James Corden, Naomi Campbell and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley.
The ad that calls itself Celebrating 15 years of Billy Elliot, begins with the film’s original opening sequence – the LP being placed on the record player and young Billy jumping…until Romeo Beckham takes over as Billy. He’s decked out in a Burberry trench coat and scarf…as is the line-up of celebrities who follow.
These include Julie Walters, who played Mrs Wilkinson, Billy Elliot’s ballet teacher in the original film and Sir Elton John, who wrote the music for the musical.
The film was shot by Mario Testino, who also took the campaign images being used in print and digital. The soundtrack is Cosmic Dancer by T-Rex, which also featured in the movie.
The ad premiered on November 4 at the brand’s flagship store on Regent Street in London, at an event hosted by Burberry’s chief creative and chief executive officer, Christopher Bailey, who directed the film. It will be viewable on Burberry’s social media platforms and website until the end of the year.
