Hasta La Creative!

Toronto-based Grip Limited have a new campaign for Testicular Cancer Canada that’s, well, ballsy.

The agency employed risque humor to raise testicular cancer awareness and get more guys to self-examine regularly. Built around the tagline, “No one’s going to check them for you,” Grip’s two TV spots, directed by Matt Swanson, show men receiving testicular exams from unexpected sources, resulting in some pretty ridiculous (and funny) situations. In the first, and more successful spot, “Cop,” a guy is pulled over for a broken taillight. “Let me see your driver’s license,” says the cop, “….aaaand your testicles.” The humor in the spot comes from the resultant avoidance (and non-avoidance) of eye contact and awkward looks during the exam. “Mechanic” is basically the same idea, but with a mechanic in an auto body shop instead of a cop. It could just be that I viewed “Cop” first, but something about it just wasn’t as funny. Nevertheless, both spots make admirable use of humor to make a message that’s all too often forgotten memorable, an admirable accomplishment, especially when you consider the prevalence of testicular cancer.

“Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in men ages 15-29”, explained Testicular Cancer Canada founder Cheryl Perry explained . “If you try to sit these guys down and teach them something, they might tune you out. But if you make them laugh, they’ll remember what you’re saying”.

In addition to the TV spots, the integrated campaign, which is timed to coincide with Testicular Cancer Awareness Month, also features radio advertising from Pirate Toronto and an online testicular cancer “remote scanner.” As you might have guessed, the remote scanner asks dudes to place their balls on their phone screen only to display an error message telling them to check their balls themselves. Stick around for credits and “Mechanic” after the jump. continued…

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From Toronto-based Juniper Park comes “Extra Ordinary,” a short documentary for Canadian-based non-profit Circle 21.

Debuting earlier this month on World Down Syndrome Day (March 21), “Extra Ordinary” gives a brief yet revelatory glimpse into the lives of those afflicted by the cognitively and physically debilitating condition. In my mind, what gives this little five-minute piece the most impact is not the images of people with Down Syndrome living happy and fulfilling lives. Instead, it’s the gripping narration from parents of these people, echoing one’s own views of an outsider looking in.

It’s hard, nay, impossible to understand what these people go through on a day-to-day basis, and it’s easy to feel sorry for them while simultaneously discounting the positive they impact they can make on everyone they meet. Even easier is perceiving that those with Down Syndrome can’t enjoy the same kind of happy lives that the rest of us can. But, hopefully, this doc can change those perceptions for some people. Credits after the jump.

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