John Lewis is filling social feeds with its social first vodcast, Gift List, hosted bybroadcaster and presenter Angela Scanlon and featuring some of the UK’s favourite celebrities. But with Saatchi 7 Saatchi London’s creativity behind it, this is not just another video series. Personal stories and funny anecdotes – embarrassing ‘mis-gifts’, heartwarming emotional stories and hilarious name-drops – and brilliant editing lifts the series from same-same to must watch.

Six episodes released every three weeks will run in advance of the end of year gift-giving season, running across YouTube, johnlewis.com, Spotify and Apple podcasts.

Gift List was produced in The Box Studio, a new state-of-the-art content creation hub at John Lewis’ Oxford Street flagship store, that will power content-led commerce and bring products and inspiration to customers’ fingertips and devices. The space is designed as an always-on content studio for everything from seasonal highlights and trend-led product curation to providing a dedicated destination for content creators to discover products and create their own compelling John Lewis-focused content.

In the first episode, Scanlon is joined by documentary legend, Louis Theroux, to unwrap his gifting track record. Despite being known for keeping his cool under pressure, Theroux admits he much prefers being on the receiving end of a gift, citing the ‘high stakes’ of choosing the perfect gift for someone else. 

The launch is a core component of the retailer’s ongoing investment programme to reinvigorate its brand, optimise its store estate, and target new, younger customer demographics. By integrating production facilities directly into the flagship store, John Lewis is closing the gap between product discovery and purchase. Gift List follows John Lewis’ Mother’s Day with Daisy May and Father’s Day with Tom Davis campaigns, both shot in The Box Studio.

Franki Goodwin, CCO Saatchi & Saatchi, stated, “In today’s retail landscape, the ‘shop window’ has faced a shift from the high street to the social feed. This simple statement gave us a great opportunity for us to do things a little differently. The Box Studio at John Lewis is an always-on content engine that can empower John Lewis gifting moments throughout the year blending theatre, physical retail and social commerce – to drive more than just fame, but an emotional response from its audience.”

Angela Scanlon added, “We’ve all received that one gift that made us laugh, cry, or scratch our heads in total confusion – but whichever it is, it makes for a great story. So I’ve joined forces with gifting experts, John Lewis, to uncover these golden nuggets from some of my favourite people. Kicking-off with Louis Theroux was a dream – he brought all the charm and unfiltered confessions you’d expect. I can’t wait for everyone to give it a listen.”

Caroline Paris, head of creative Saatchi & Saatchi, directed the series. She commented, “By telling unique stories of the best, worst and weirdest gifts celebrities have ever given or received, we’re indulging the innate nosiness of the nation while inspiring them to gift better. Gift List has been an absolute joy to create. Going big with Louis Theroux was an excellent way to start, and I can’t wait to see it go from strength to strength.”

Credits 

Client: John Lewis & Partners
Advertising Agency: Saatchi & Saatchi London
CEO: Claire Hollands
Chief Creative Officer: Franki Goodwin
Chief Production Officer: Jessica Ringshall
Chief Strategy Officer: Sam Wise
Head of Creative: Caroline Paris
Series Creative Producer: Ashley Jenkin
Assistant Creative Producer: Bella Rogers
Head of Design: Ben Mcnaughton
Associate Creative Director Social: Daniel Whitelegge O’higgins
Designer: Shivani Panchal
Strategy Partner: Mathieu Abet
Groupe Strategy Director: Polly Whitton
Business Director: Isaac Hickinbottom
Account Directors: Lupien Troelstra & Ciara Mccarthy
Account Manager: Dhara Chauhan
Executive Producer: Sam Robinson
Associate Executive Producer: Stephanie Evans
Senior Producer: Izzy Woods
Integrated Producer: Lucy Fuggle
Junior Producer: Madi Dunne

Production Company: Chaos Media 
Director: Sam Morter 
Production Manager: India Ankerson
Director of Photography: Geraint Warrington
Editors: Deri Watt & Marvin Alvarez 
Motion & Online: Arthur Le Fol 
Colour Grade: Vic Parker 

Music Composition: Wake The Town 
Music Supervisors: Maiken Silverup & Dom Bastyra
Composer: Stephen Ettery

Post-Production Company: Harbor Picture Company
Colourist: Karol Cybulski
Head Of Colour Production: Charlie Morris
Colour Producer: Sarah Banks

Media Buying Agency: Manning Gottlieb OMD