History made us. Yes, it’s a truism but history also helps us create the future. It’s also full of fun things to know. The History Channel and creative and production company, Valiant Pictures, have unveiled some of the inventions large and small that are now part of everyday lives – in an entertaining way that makes their importance impossible to ignore.

Inventors of things from the ice cream scoop to modern-day democracy pop up in modern lives.

The idea places historical figures in modern settings as a comedic device to reveal History’s most intriguing true stories, hidden in plain sight. The campaign aims to target a younger audience, situating each spot in places the viewer may see themselves, and gives history an approachable personality.

In the commercials directed by Valiant Pictures co-founder, Vincent Lin, and director, Danny Corey, audiences meet Alfred L. Cralle, inventor of the ice cream scoop; Mary Anderson, inventor of the windshield wiper; and baseball legend Jackie Robinson, World Series phenom and master bunter.

“Never mind how they rolled into a backyard birthday party, the passenger-side of a car, or the town hall voting booth, all viewers need to know is why they have access to the oft-unacknowledged origins of modern marvels. The rest is history,” Valiant Pictures noted.

Vincent Lin commented, “One of the main challenges to reimagine a brand that is so ingrained in all our minds with such rich history, pun intended, and resonance, is to leverage its strength — the knowledge and credibility the network brings that drives all of us to explore and wonder. But, by the same token, embrace an inviting, modern, and relevant approach that builds towards exciting possibilities. We are eager to introduce many more memorable historic figures in the future. After all, they were the original influencers.”

Credits:

Client: The History Channel
Executive Creative Director: Tim Nolan
Brand Lead: Matt Neary
Creative Director & Writer: Mary Traina
VP, Marketing Production: Kate Leonard
EP, Marketing Production: Sarah Walker

Mary Anderson:

Production Company: Valiant Pictures
Founding Partners & Executive Producers: Vincent Lin & Matthew D’Amato
Executive Producer: Adam Zimmer
Director: Danny Corey
DoP: Mikey van Beuren
Production Designer: Nick Horton
Editing: Greg Mitchels @ Northern Lights
Audio Post: Ted Gannon @ SuperExploder
Colour: Chris Hengeveld @ Northern Lights 
Colour: Sal Malfitano @ Nice Shoes

Alfred L. Cralle and Jackie Robinson:

Production Company: Valiant Pictures
Founding Partners & Executive Producers: Vincent Lin & Matthew D’Amato
Executive Producer: Adam Zimmer
Director: Danny Corey
DoP: Mikey van Beuren
Production Designer: Nick Horton
Editing: Zeke O’Donnell @ Bandit
Assistant Editor: Chris McNinch
Executive Producer: Laura Relovsky
Post Producer: Doris Boroje
Colourist: Stephen Picano
Audio Post: Eric Hoffman @ Mr. Bronx