The battle of the Christmas adverts has begun, with Marks & Spencer, John Lewis and Boots all releasing their festive offerings for 2021 today.
Voiced by British-born Hollywood actor Tom Holland, Percy Pig comes to life for the very first time in M&S Christmas advert and explores the shop floor with a little help from a magical fairy, played by Dawn French.
The Spiderman star is not the only A-lister to get involved with the festive ads this season: Jenna Coleman is the leading star in Boots’ uplifting Christmas advert.
In the clip she’s gifted a bag by her grandmother which features a never-ending supply of goodies.
Meanwhile, a young alien experiencing her first Christmas – complete with mince pies and novelty jumper – is the star of this year’s John Lewis festive campaign.
Huge rivalry has emerged in recent years as top British chains compete for the most talked about Christmas campaigns, with Marks & Spencer and John Lewis often vying for the top spot.
Since it began making big-budget adverts in 2007, John Lewis has featured soundtracks by pop stars such as Sir Elton John, Ellie Goulding and Lily Allen.
But who will win the battle of the big hitters this Christmas? Watch the adverts below to decide…
Voiced by Hollywood actor Tom Holland, Percy Pig (pictured) comes to life for the very first time in M&S Christmas advert and explores the shop floor with a little help from a magical fairy, played by Dawn French
Meanwhile, a young alien experiencing her first Christmas – complete with mince pies and novelty jumper – is the star of this year’s John Lewis festive campaign
TK Maxx’s Christmas advert tells the story of Laurie, pictured, a teenager who gets over stage fright thanks to a pair of sparkling boots his dad got him as an early Christmas present
Percy Pig comes to life for the very first time with the voice of Hollywood actor Tom Holland, and a little help from Dawn French’s Christmas fairy, in M&S Food’s VERY festive offering
Ahead of his 30th birthday next year, the nation’s favourite pig is brought to life for the very first time in the M&S Christmas advert.
Percy, voiced by Marvel star Tom Holland, is awakened in the dead of night by the magic of the Christmas fairy played by national treasure Dawn French.
He excitedly explores the Stratford Foodhall discovering all the magic M&S Food has to offer this Christmas – from the Collection Golden Blond Christmas Pudding to Delicate Smoked Salmon.
The battle of the Christmas adverts has begun, with M&S, John Lewis and Boots releasing their festive offerings for 2021 on the same day (pictured, Voiced by Hollywood actor Tom Holland, Percy Pig comes to life for the very first time in M&S Christmas advert and explores the shop floor with a little help from a magical fairy, played by Dawn French)
Ahead of his 30th birthday next year, the nation’s favourite pig is brought to life for the very first time in M&S Christmas advert by Dawn’s Christmas fairy
Percy, voiced by Tom Holland, is awakened in the dead of night by the magic of the Christmas fairy played by Dawn (pictured, Percy)
The adorable little pig exclaims: ‘Christmas? I’ve never had a Christmas before! Wahoo!’
True to M&S’s focus on putting food products front and centre of campaigns, viewers will be positively drooling over the delicious items.
Upon discovering M&S golden blond chocolate star Christmas pudding, he exclaims: ‘I’ve never seen anything so beautiful in all my 23 seconds of life.’
The advert is one of eight which will be released as part of the campaign, with Percy exploring different aspects of the M&S food hall in each clip.
Tom revealed he was delighted to take part in the historic advert, explaining, ‘I’ve loved Percy Pigs for as long as I can remember, and when I was asked to be his voice – his first EVER voice – it took me less than a second to say yes.
‘Getting the snort right was a challenge, but I hope I nailed it and you all like what you hear! I did consider asking for a lifetime supply of Percy Pigs but I figured I’ve got to save room for all of that amazing M&S Christmas food!’
Upon discovering M&S golden blond chocolate star Christmas pudding, Percy exclaims: ‘I’ve never seen anything so beautiful in all my 23 seconds of life.’
Meanwhile Dawn said: ‘Christmas is M&S Food, isn’t it? So, when the call comes in asking you to be in the M&S Christmas ad, it’s pretty much a guaranteed yes – I mean they are so iconic each year.
‘Then when M&S said I would be the fairy on top of the Christmas tree that brings Percy Pig to life I almost fell off my chair in excitement. This surely qualifies as the best gig in the world, right?’
And Sharry Cramond, Director of Marketing for M&S Food told FEMAIL: ‘The M&S Christmas Food range this year is better than ever and who better to tell customers about our delicious Christmas food range than the national treasure and much-loved M&S icon himself, Percy Pig.
‘Of course, he couldn’t have just any voice, and having Tom Holland give Percy Pig his first words is about as exciting as it gets.
‘Added to that the voice of the one and only Dawn French as the Christmas fairy – it’s the stuff of Christmas dreams!’
Out of this world! John Lewis wows with a festive ad starring a young alien experiencing her first Christmas
A young alien experiencing her first Christmas – complete with mince pies and novelty jumper – is the star of this year’s John Lewis festive campaign.
The highly-anticipated ad is a return to form for the retailer as it attempts to tap in to customer enthusiasm for a traditional Christmas season after last year’s muted celebrations amid pre-vaccination Covid.
Titled ‘Unexpected Guest’, the two-minute ad stars space traveller Skye crash-landing at the height of festivities in the woods near the home of 14-year-old Nathan, who introduces her to the traditions of eating mince pies, decorating the tree and, to her slight confusion, wearing novelty jumpers.
The soundtrack is provided by 20-year-old London singer and songwriter Lola Young, who performs a cover of Together In Electric Dreams, originally released by Philip Oakey and Giorgio Moroder in 1984.
Titled ‘Unexpected Guest’, the two-minute ad stars space traveller Skye crash-landing at the height of festivities in the woods near the home of 14-year-old Nathan (pictured), who introduces her to the traditions of eating mince pies, decorating the tree and, to her slight confusion, wearing novelty jumpers
The soundtrack to the ad (pictured) is provided by 20-year-old London singer and songwriter Lola Young, who performs a cover of Together In Electric Dreams, originally released by Philip Oakey and Giorgio Moroder in 1984
The ad begins with Nathan, who on his way home from school spots a flashing light in the distance and chases it to the woods beside his home. It is here he encounters space traveller Skye and her spaceship.
The ice between the pair is broken as Nathan adapts his own Christmas jumper by adding a star and twinkly lights – just like Skye’s.
Viewers then see Nathan help Skye discover the magic of her first Christmas – introducing her to some of his favourite festive moments. He brings her fairy lights from his family’s tree, mince pies, Christmas films and plays in the show.
The time comes when Skye has fixed her ship and must return to her home planet and the pair are to be separated – and in the bittersweet, heart-warming moment, Nathan gifts her his Christmas jumper, the same one he was wearing when they first met.
The ad begins with Nathan (pictured) who on his way home from school spots a flashing light in the distance and chases it to the woods beside his home. It is here he encounters space traveller Skye and her spaceship
The release of the ad is around a fortnight earlier than usual and comes as the retailer revealed Christmas-related searches on its website are up 50 per cent on this time last year.
The ad was created with agency adam&eveDDB, with John Lewis refusing to reveal a budget but saying it was in line with previous years’ spending.
Shoppers can buy a version of the Christmas jumper that Nathan gives Skye – minus the added lights in the ad’s version, in a nod to environmental sustainability – for between £14 and £29 depending on size, with 10 per cent of the profits going to the charities FareShare and Home-Start UK.
Every product in the ad is from John Lewis, with customers able to ‘shop key scenes’, including the decorated Christmas tree and dinner table.
The ice between the pair is broken as Nathan adapts his own Christmas jumper by adding a star and twinkly lights – just like Skye’s (pictured is her ship)
The ad first airs at 8.15pm on Thursday on ITV during The Pride of Britain Awards after launching at 6.30am for members of the ‘My John Lewis’ loyalty scheme via email access and from 8am on the retailer’s website and social media channels.
John Lewis customer director Claire Pointon said: ‘There is nothing more magical than discovering the joy of Christmas for the first time and enjoying your favourite festive moments with loved ones. After the last 18 months, we wanted our advert to really celebrate this as we look forward to a brighter future.
‘We know our customers are excited for this festive season more than ever, as they reconnect with family and friends. Through the story of Skye and Nathan we celebrate friendship and are reminded of the joy of experiencing Christmas for the first time.’
Making the season ANYTHING but ordinary: M&S unveil all singing-all dancing advert featuring US model-turned-MeToo firebrand
Colorado-born Madisyn Ritland, 32, a former catwalk star for US lingerie company Victoria’s Secret, is the star of M&S clothing and home Christmas advert, which will also hit screens from today
The clip brings to life a whimsical musical world with the star of the ad dancing through the iconic moments of Christmas – from shopping for presents to having fun in family PJs
Colorado-born Madisyn Ritland, 32, a former catwalk star for US lingerie company Victoria’s Secret, is the star of M&S clothing and home Christmas advert, which will also hit screens from today.
The clip brings to life a whimsical musical world with the star of the ad dancing through the classic moments of Christmas – from shopping for presents to having fun in family PJs.
The advert is a continuation of the brand platform ‘Anything but Ordinary’ that M&S launched for Autumn/Winter.
Madisyn’s previous jobs also include modelling for Chanel, Calvin Klein, Dolce & Gabbana, and leading a 2018 campaign for Italian drinks brand Martini.
As well as holding down a modelling career, Miss Ritland has transformed herself into an activist, setting up her own New York-based modelling agency, The Lions, to fight against models being mistreated.
The advert is a continuation of the brand platform ‘Anything but Ordinary’ that M&S launched for Autumn/Winter (pictured)
She is also vice-president of a campaigning organisation called the Model Alliance to fight for the rights of those working in the industry.
The staunch feminist is vocal in America’s Time’s Up movement, which was set up to support victims of sexual harassment.
The M&S campaign was also directed by US-born Autumn de Wilde, who was behind last year’s Oscar-nominated big-screen adaptation of Jane Austen’s Emma.
Anna Braithwaite, M&S Clothing & Home Director told FEMAIL: ‘Our Clothing & Home products help make the season anything but ordinary – from fun family PJs for cosy nights in, to the chic velvet suit for the much anticipated party season, to the best beautiful decorations for the Christmas tree.
‘Our campaign, which we’ll be sharing across all customer channels, celebrates the joy of the season and showcases the one stop shop M&S is for everything you need to make it special.’
Jenna Coleman dazzles in Boots’ Christmas advert: Victoria star spreads festive cheer as she hands out gifts from a ‘Mary Poppins’ bag in uplifting campaign
She’s appeared in Emmerdale, played Doctor Who’s sidekick and took a turn as Queen Victoria – and now Jenna Coleman has delivered a scene worthy of the Mary Poppins role.
The BAFTA-nominated actress, 35, from Blackpool, is the leading star in Boots’ uplifting Christmas advert, which has been shared exclusively with FEMAIL ahead of its release tomorrow.
Receiving a Boots bag from her beloved grandmother as well as a bottle of perfume with the note: ‘This is what Christmas feels like, Nan’, Jenna, who’s playing ‘Joy’ in the production, eagerly delves into the red and yellow parcel.
But to her shock, after pulling out one item, she soon discovers there’s a never-ending supply of goodies in the bag – all she has to do is think about what she wants.
She’s appeared in Emmerdale, played Doctor Who’s sidekick and took a turn as Queen Victoria – and now Jenna Coleman (pictured) has delivered a scene worthy of the Mary Poppins role
The 35-year-old BAFTA-nominated actress (pictured), from Blackpool, is the leading star in Boots’ uplifting Christmas advert, which has been shared exclusively with FEMAIL ahead of its release tomorrow
Receiving a Boots bag from her beloved grandmother as well as a bottle of perfume with the note: ‘This is what Christmas feels like, Nan’, Jenna, who’s playing ‘Joy’ in the production (pictured), eagerly delves into the red and yellow carrier
Jenna is the face of the High Street chemist this festive season, which is leading with the slogan ‘Bags of Joy’ for its Christmas advert.
The advert begins with Jenna’s character Joy receiving her magical bag which wields the power to make her Christmas truly magical and delivers the perfect gifts to her friends and family at every opportunity
Upon finding that the carrier offers a never-ending supply of items, an astonished Joy tips the bag upside down, covering her bed with products before lying in the middle of them while in disbelief.
She then heads to a bar with friends, where they dance the evening away – until a camera remarkably appears in the bag and snaps a picture of them laughing.
Then she joins her family to decorate a tree and asks the bags for baubles, only to receive bubbles in the light-hearted moment.
Joy also decorates a snowman with eye lashes, while dressed in a stunning red coat, before visiting her family for Christmas.
But to her shock, after pulling out one item, Joy (pictured) soon discovers there’s a never-ending supply of goodies in the bag – all she has to do is think about what she wants
Joy also decorates a snowwoman with eye lashes, while dressed in a stunning red coat, before visiting her family for Christmas (pictured)
‘This is what love smells like’, reads the caption on the perfume bottle Joy gifts to her grandmother – sweetly bringing the advert full circle.
The advert was directed by Academy Award winner Tom Hooper and the magical bag of joy represents the 1000s of gifts available at Boots, including beauty, fragrance, homeware, electrical beauty and stocking fillers.
Jenna Coleman said: ‘I love Christmas and I’ve always loved Christmas films. Working on “Bags of Joy” with Tom, and the beautiful imagination he brought, creating this magical little film felt really special.
‘Celebrating family, togetherness and the simple joy of giving mixed with a healthy dose of festive magic and charm felt so poignant this year.
Joy (pictured left) also heads to a bar with friends, where they dance the evening away – until a camera remarkably appears in the bag and snaps a picture of them laughing
The advert (pictured) was directed by Academy Award winner Tom Hooper and the magical bag of joy represents the 1000s of gifts available at Boots, including beauty, fragrance, homeware, electrical beauty and stocking fillers
‘I hope people enjoy watching it as much as we did making it,’ the actress concluded.
Pete Markey, Chief Marketing Officer at Boots UK said: ‘After the challenges of the past 18 months, we felt it was more important than ever for Boots to bring joy to the nation by telling an uplifting, positive story at Christmas.
‘The story of Joy and her Nan embodies the spirit of a family Christmas and represents what many families will be doing this year, making heart-warming memories worth cherishing after a year apart in 2020.’
The ‘Bags of Joy’ TV advert will air for the first time on Saturday 6th November during the Jonathan Ross Show on ITV.
A teen with sparkly boots kickstarts the festivities to the sound of Aerosmith ‘Walk This Way’ in a invitation to party from TK Maxx
This year, TK Maxx are inviting the nation to party with a very fun advert set to a well-loved rock song.
The two-minute-long spot is set at a local town hall meeting in Orpington, south east London, with Aerosmith’s ‘Walk This Way’ as it’s theme.
It tells the story of a seemingly nervous teenage boy named Laurie who is set to perform the Nutcracker at a come back concert for his town’s residents.
Laurie gets everybody dancing in the advert when he plays a organ rendition of Aerosmith’s Walk This Way, pictured
His performance is off to a rocky start, and nervous Laurie hits a few off-key notes on the organ.
Discouraged, he looks down, ready to give up.
He then catches sight of the sparkly designer boots his father got him as an early Christmas present, and this gives him the courage to go on with the show.
Getting more and more confident in himself, Laurie begins to play the organ arrangement of Walk This Way.
The audience is a bit shocked at first, but soon begins to dance and go wild as Laurie jumps onto the organ and starts playing with his boots-clad feet.
The advert, created by Wieden_Kennedy and directed by Raine Allen-Miller, who has worked with ASOS and The Tate, highlights how a thoughtful gift can bring joy to your loved ones in an instant.
The advert and its come back concert was filmed in Orpington, England, pictured, and this year marks TK Maxx’s biggest Christmas advert to date
At first, Laurie is nervous about performing his song at his local town hall, and messes up the start of the song, but he eventually rallies
TK Maxx’s biggest Christmas campaign to date is released today in the UK as well as in Poland, Austria, Germany, and the Netherlands.
The retailer are also launching a TikTok challenge called #TKMaxxTalentShow on social media, inviting participants to showcase their talents against a backdrop specially created by the brand.
The advert’s hero Laurie will also take part in TK Maxx’s charity initiative Dance, Donate, Nominate, where people can copy him performing a special routine, share their version online and nominate a friend to recreate it.
All the money raised will be matched by the retailer, up to £500,000 and will be used to support disabled and disadvantaged children and young people across the UK, Ireland, Germany, and Poland.
The teenager was cheered up by the sparkling designer shoes his father got him as an early Christmas present, pictured, and he is so happy about the shoes, he gets over his stage fright
Deborah Dolce, Group Director at TK Maxx, said: ‘We want to celebrate what we hope will be a Christmas of joyful optimism – with community, family and fun at its heart.
‘This charming ad is an upbeat, colourful and super-shiny reminder that when you find the right gift for someone, and it’s special to them, the impact and happiness you might create knows no bounds.’
‘We’ll be receiving fresh deliveries right up to Christmas Eve and our amazing selection of unique gifts at really affordable prices means everyone can take Christmas to the Maxx this year,’ she added.
Holly Hunter and Miriam Pick, Creatives at Wieden+Kennedy London said: This is the year to come back with a bang! ‘
Emma Raducanu leads Britain’s best sporting stars as they ‘go all out’ and have a snowball fight in Sports Direct’s £6M Christmas advert debut
Teenager tennis sensation Emma Raducanu is joined by Euros hero and heart throb Jack Grealish in Sport Direct’s Christmas advert this year.
The first by the high street retailer, costing a whopping £6million to make, features an array on big names including the sweetheart of British tennis.
Set against the backdrop of a suburban street, the one minute adverr open with the campaign’s stars slumped in front of their TVs.
As soon as snow starts to fall, the legends realise that ‘tis the season to Go All Out. One-by-one, they zip up, lace up and step out, trading sofa snoozes and family squabbles for an epic snowball fight – all while sporting this season’s incredible new collection.
Teenager tennis sensation Emma Raducanu is joined by Euros hero and heart throb Jack Grealish in Sport Direct’s Christmas advert this year
The US Open winner, 18, who has become a brand sensation following her unexpected victory this year almost meets her match playing tennis in the snow as she’s involved in a snowball fight
Directed by duo THE REST (Alex Motlhabane and Lewis Levi) through PULSE FILMS, the snowball battle features a series of tongue-in-cheek moments – including Jordan Pickford using his ball-handling abilities to hit Jack Grealish with a cheeky shot from behind, Jessica Ennis-Hill masterfully evading a lineup of players armed with snowballs, and golfer Andrew Johnston showing off his skills by driving a ball high above the rooftops
The US Open winner, 18, who has become a brand sensation following her unexpected victory this year almost meets her match playing tennis in the snow as she’s involved in a snowball fight.
She shouts ‘new balls please’ as she’s joined by England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford and some of Britain’s top sporting stars including heptathletes Katarina Johnson-Thompson and Jessica Ennis-Hill.
The sporty bunch have epic snowball fight before Emma then emerges from behind a car to smash a snowball with her tennis racket, hitting Grealish on the back.
Beckie Stanion, Chief Marketing Officer at Sports Direct told FEMAIL: ‘After the challenges the nation has faced over the past year, we’re excited to encourage everyone to Go All Out this Christmas – with the help of some of the country’s biggest sporting legends.
‘From your TV screens to your smartphones, Go All Out is a truly integrated campaign that shows up consistently, and natively, across multiple channels. We partnered with TikTok on a gamified effect that is interactive, authentic and rooted in our social community. The result is an engaging experience that taps into Sports Direct’s playful persona and the creativity and fun that exists on the platform.”
‘The new ad continues to celebrate our brand purpose; championing the legend in everyone, no matter how skilled you are. Whether you’re working on legs like Grealish, sprints like Jessica Ennis-Hill or backhands like Emma Raducanu – it’s time to shrug off the cold, step out and make this season your best one yet.”
The star-studded line up also includes Mason Mount, Fran Kirby, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Declan Rice, Anthony Watson, Andrew Johnston, Natasha Jonas, Conor Benn, Big Narstie and Maro Itoje.
Disney unveils its touching animated TV spot about a stepfather navigating his first festive season with his partner’s children
Disney has launched its 2021 Christmas advert, telling the heartwarming story of a step-father navigating his first festive season with his partner and her children.
A sequel to the company’s 2020 short film ‘Lola’, ‘The Stepdad’ sees viewers being introduced to a grown-up Nicole, the granddaughter from last year’s touching ad, and her two children Max and Ella, as new step-father Mike moves into their family home.
Taking centre stage in the production is a precious storybook filled with Disney and Pixar characters which belongs to Max from his birth father – and Mike is eventually able to ‘lift’ the magic of the tales from the pages as he’s accepted by the children.
The three-minute ad – released yesterday – includes an original charity track Love Runs Deeper, performed by two-time Grammy Award-winning American jazz musician Gregory Porter.
This year’s instalment forms part of the brand’s festive retail campaign, ‘From Our Family To Yours’, in support of children’s charity Make-A-Wish.
Disney has launched its 2021 Christmas advert, telling the heartwarming story of a step-father navigating his first festive season with his partner and her children (pictured)
A sequel to the company’s 2020 short film ‘Lola’, ‘The Stepdad’ sees viewers being introduced to a grown-up Nicole, the granddaughter from last year’s touching ad, and her two children Max and Ella, as new step-father Mike moves into their family home (pictured)
Taking centre stage in the production is a precious storybook (pictured) filled with Disney and Pixar characters which belongs to Max from his birth father – and Mike is eventually able to ‘lift’ the magic of the tales from the pages as he’s accepted by the children
The advert begins by showing architect Mike moving out of his tired flat with his beloved dog and joining his partner Nicole and her children at their home.
Viewers see the family enjoying evenings together and meeting Mike’s family, before witnessing the two youngsters’ bedtime routine – in which they sit with their mother while she reads from the special Disney book.
As she tells her children the stories, which include a Mickey and Minnie Mouse ice skating – the 2D characters lift from the page and ‘magically’ become animated.
In a later scene, Mike starts to read the story of Moana to Ella, with the character then moving across the page.
Then, as they get ready for the festive season, the family-of-four build a gingerbread house – only for Mike to destroy it by accident.
The three-minute ad – released yesterday – includes an original charity track Love Runs Deeper, performed by two-time Grammy Award-winning American jazz musician Gregory Porter
This year’s instalment forms part of the brand’s festive retail campaign, ‘From Our Family To Yours’, in support of children’s charity Make-A-Wish
The advert begins by showing architect Mike (pictured centre) moving out of his tired flat with his beloved dog and joining his partner Nicole and her children at their home
The two children run from the kitchen in tears, leading to their step-father to stay up all night and build a new, extremely well-built one.
Mike’s hard work is rewarded with big hugs from the youngsters – and now, finally, the step-father’s voice also brings the stories in the Disney book to life.
Disney said: ‘The book celebrates how the power of storytelling can deepen family bonds, and the magic that reading together creates as stories from Disney and Pixar lift off from the pages igniting the family’s shared imagination and wonder.’
The campaign once again supports Disney’s long-standing partner, Make-A-Wish, helping the charity to create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.
Since 1980, Disney has helped Make-A-Wish grant more than 145,000 life-changing wishes around the world.
Viewers see the family enjoying evenings together and meeting Mike’s family, before witnessing the two youngsters’ bedtime routine – in which they sit with their mother while she reads from the special Disney book
As she tells her children the stories, which include a Mickey and Minnie Mouse ice skating – the 2D characters lift from the page and ‘magically’ become animated
Double Grammy Award winner Gregory Porter performed an emotive rendition of original track ‘Love Runs Deeper’ – penned for the advert, which provides a musical narrative to the film through the eyes of Mike in lieu of any dialogue.
Written by LA-based songwriters PARKWILD, the track also features Cheris , a member of Tomorrow’s Warriors, an organisation committed to increasing diversity and equality across the arts through jazz music.
‘Love Runs Deeper’ will be available for download now. For every download before 31 December 2021, 100 per cent of the proceeds from the retail price will be donated to Make-A-Wish International.
Disney will give support worth more than $2m to Make-A-Wish International and their network of Affiliates around the world.
The support, made up of financial donations, media value and gifts in-kind will help Make-A-Wish step that much closer to achieving their vision, to grant a wish for every eligible child.
In a later scene, Mike starts to read the story of Moana to Ella, with the character then moving across the page
Then, as they get ready for the festive season, the family-of-four build a gingerbread house – only for Mike to destroy it by accident. The two children run from the kitchen in tears, leading to their step-father to stay up all night and build a new, extremely well-built one
Fans will also be able to purchase a Skating Minnie Mouse soft toy and Journal inspired by the ad, exclusively from shopDisney.
Throughout the advert, eagle-eyed viewers will also be able to spot a number of hidden Disney and Make-A-Wish ‘Easter Eggs’, including two artworks created by children supported by the charity.
One of which comes from 13-year-old Dylan whose picture of a cheetah can be seen on the family’s fridge. Dylan’s wish to be an animator was fulfilled by Flux Animation Studios, who developed the advert creative.
Tasia Filippatos, SVP Disney EMEA said: ‘We’re delighted to once again support long term charity partner Make-A-Wish through our Holiday campaign.
Reading together can be a truly magical experience and our advert celebrates this age-old tradition and the wonder and imagination it inspires. We hope the story will resonate with anyone who has seen the magic ‘lift off the pages’ of a book through the eyes of a child.’
Mike’s hard work is rewarded with big hugs from the youngsters – and now, finally, the step-father’s voice also brings the stories in the Disney book to life. Pictured, Gregory Porter
International artist Gregory Porter, who performs ‘Love Runs Deeper’ said: ‘The lyrics of the track are so powerful, and underline that behind everything there is love.
‘When I read the first line of ‘Love Runs Deeper’, ‘When you open the door, I will be standing there’, I was truly moved by its emotion and storytelling. I knew I needed to be involved with this campaign and support Make-A-Wish.’
Luciano Manzo, President and CEO at Make-A-Wish International said: ‘We are proud of our long-standing partnership with Disney and are delighted to be a part of this year’s festive campaign.’
The advert was developed and produced by Disney EMEA’s in-house creative team, led by Angela Affinita, Director of Brand Marketing and Creative, in partnership with Flux Animation Studios in New Zealand.