Agencies and brands join forces to support Band Aid
Automotives brand Mercedes, watch brand Seiko and Channel 4, ITV and MTV are donating Christmas advertising spots to support Band Aid 20.
Other brands are being encouraged to follow suit by advertising agencies such as Abbott Mead Vickers.BBDO, Campbell Doyle Dye, J Walter Thompson, Leo Burnett and TBWA/London, which have informally clubbed together as Ad Aid to create a campaign for the charity. The ad, featuring Ben Kingsley, has been created for free. Media agencies BJK&E and PHD are also involved.
The ads recreate scenes from the film Sexy Beast, and show Kingsley acting in the character of Don Logan to encourage people to support Band Aid 20 by buying the single or DVD. The project also has the support of the film’s director Jonathan Glazer.
A new single, featuring singers including Dido, Chris Martin, Paul McCartney and Robbie Williams went on sale this week and is already the fastest-selling single of the year. The DVD shows the original Live Aid concert of 1985 organised by Bob Geldof and featuring the likes of Duran Duran, George Michael and Queen.Profits from the venture go to the hungry and sick in Africa.
