In 2015 SotW did not feature very much work originating from brands. I find this to be a shame, as there is a great amount of creativity and talent operating in the brand and advertising space, including many of the filmmakers featured on this site. We support creative short form storytelling, and that storytelling deserves to recognized in all its disparate forms. 

With that mea culpa out of the way, if you enjoy bite-size advertising narratives, the holiday season is the time to look. Inspired by the phenomenal viral success of the annual John Lewis holiday ad, a culture has emerged in the last few years around a very particular kind of piece — one designed to tug at your heartstrings with maximum force. Sure, it’s manipulative, but the amount of emotion these creators are able to pack into short runtimes is phenomenally clever, and, enjoying large commercial budgets, the level of animation craft in the 3 pieces we’ve pulled out for you today is exceptional. I for one am supremely susceptible to their charms, and if you are too, I suggest you have a tissue at hand for these…

Otto “The Letter”

Dir: Marie Hyon, Marco Spier of Psyop (Stink) for Heimat Berlin

Not really sure what Otto is, or what they make, but they have commissioned a fantastic ad. When a mailman discovers an ancient, misplaced letter, he’ll go to great lengths to ensure that its Christmas wish comes true. Directed by Psyop founders Hyon and Spier, the NYC/LA based company is universally considered one of the best animation shops in the world. 

Sainsbury’s “Mog’s Christmas Calamity”

Dir: James Rouse (Outsider) for AMVBBDO

A beloved UK literary character, Mog the calamitous cat hasn’t been heard from since dying in his 16th and final book, which came out in 2002. English supermarket Sainsbury, has resurrected the character for their seasonal advert, with a brand new story from the original creator Judith Kerr. When Mog is alerted to a burning roast, usual calamitous hijinks ensue, but through the destruction Mog and the family will have an opportunity to find out what the season is really about. 

Loteria de Navidad

Dir: againstallodds (Passion Pictures) for Leo Burnett Madrid

Commissioned for the Spanish Lottery, this charming tale centers on the night watchman for a mannequin factory. Despite his lonely existence, he seeks to spread joy to his co-workers whom he never sees.