Brand new mcdonalds Netherlands advertisement This sparked a new controversy among viewers. An AI ad rewrites a Christmas song to say “the scariest time of the year.” The visuals show that December has been busy, chaotic, and far from picture perfect. The move was aimed at comforting those who feel exhausted by the season. However, the use of AI is controversial.
McDonald's in the Netherlands launches new AI ad for Christmas
TBWA\NEBOKO claims it created the new McDonald's AI ad as an intentional challenge to holiday norms. “From the beginning, we wanted to challenge the norms of holiday advertising. It all started with the idea of rewriting one of the most iconic Christmas songs,” said Darre Van Dyk, Chief Creative Officer at TBWA\NEBOKO. The rights holder even approved changing the track's title to “The Worst Time of the Year.”
The writers wanted to use AI to create something out of the ordinary. They also brought Los Angeles director duo MAMA on board for the project. Darré added, “Not an almost AI movie, but a movie with real production values combined with the craziness that AI is capable of. The challenge was accepted. We got to work working with the best teleprompters, and now we've teamed up with McDonald's in the Netherlands to create the first true AI commercial.” (From Little Black Book)
Creative choices have a clear purpose. The campaign team cited new research from MediaTest. It found that around two-thirds of Dutch consumers wanted more time for themselves in December. McDonald says this campaign aims to address that need by being honest about the pressures of the season. They offer daily little surprises through their app. It's part of the “December might be a little McDonald's” advertising campaign.
Karin van Prooyen, marketing manager at McDonald's Netherlands, said: “December is a busy month for everyone. We want people to have something to look forward to every day, not just the traditional peak days, and this campaign brings that idea to life in a new way.”
The article McDonald's AI Christmas ad video sparks controversy was first published on Mandatory.
