Reason Partners Goes Underwater with Credit Canada Campaign

Reason Partners has crafted a new campaign for Credit Canada, entitled “Get Out From Under,” that utilizes underwater imagery to illustrate what it feels like to face critical debt.

With household debt in Canada having reached an all time high last year, the campaign is well timed. “More and more people need help staying afloat financially, and we’re letting them know we can be the lifesavers,” said Credit Canada CEO Laurie Campbell. “We’re getting the message out that our not-for-profit credit counseling, financial counseling, and financial literacy programs promote manageable ways to deal with debt, no matter how stormy the seas.”

The simple and direct 30 second television spot, directed by Steve Gordon, portrays a (fully-clothed) woman floundering under water, accompanied by Credit Canada’s message appearing on screen: “Without making a profit or false promises, we’ve helped over 2 million people since 1966.” As the text “We’ll help you get out from under” appears, a hand reaches down to pull the woman up, representing Credit Canada lifting its clients out of debt. The imagery and message from the television spot are echoed in the transit ads, print ads, and collateral components that make up the rest of the “Get Out From Under” campaign. Stick around for credits after the jump. continued…

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To Fight Animal Cancer, Dogs and Cats Sing, Dance, and Even Rap

Yes, that’s right, a dog raps in the two-minute “We Could Be Heroes” music video meant to raise awareness and money for animal cancer. The video for Pet Trust comes from Toronto-based Red Urban and appears to be a sort of “We Are the World” spin-off with dogs and cats. The opening over-the-should shot of a paw pressing against a keyboard tells you all you need to know. If you love animals, you’ll probably find this cute. If you don’t, you’ll probably find this cringingly corny.

Regardless of your position, I’m sure we all want to find a cure for animal cancer, so this campaign can always block any creative criticisms behind a shield of philanthropy. But even though the animal-personified-as-human motif  lacks substance, it’s hard to navigate this kind of project without resorting to Sarah McLachlan territory. And by comparison, Red Urban took a more positive approach that doesn’t make you want to immediately change the channel or start weeping. Points for that, and credits after the jump.

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