The Dr. Seuss book, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, is exquisitely worded and beautifully illustrated. Of many Grinch films, the 2018 animated one, in particular, is a visual delight. The 2000 film comes a close second. Wieden + Kennedy, McDonald’s Canada and Alfredo Films’ director, Jesse James McElroy, had huge shoes to fill when they attempted a Grinch meal commercial. And they did so very well.
The 30-second spot promotes McDonald’s Canada’s Grinch Meal, the highlight of which is a serve of Dill Pickle McShaker fries and a pair of mismatched socks. The film is supported by out-of-home, influencer partnerships, and social marketing that includes a Grinch takeover of McDonald’s Canada social media that allows him to place people on the naughty list.
The Dr Seussian style of narration that gives Grinch so much of his magic is replicated perfectly and most of the commercial’s visual splendour was captured in camera. And all of that was achieved in 30-seconds with the mandatory product scene included.
Credits:
Client: McDonald’s
Agency: Wieden + Kennedy
Creative Directors: Rose Sacktor & Paddy Treacy
Copywriter: Mikayla Dumas
Art Director: Nikki Vandervelde
Agency Producer: Athena Kouverianos
Production Company: Alfredo Films
Director: Jesse James McElroy
Producer: Jeff Darragh
Executive Producers: Holly Rowden, Alexander Henry & Sandy Kelly
Editor: Red Barbaza
Offline: @daydreamedit
VFX & Online: The Vanity
Colourist: Andrew Exworth
Sound: Oso Audio
