Times are strange at the moment, with the Covid-19 pandemic sweeping the nation. Whilst many of you might be trying to avoid all news of what’s going on out there, it’s definitely very important that professionals, brands and consumers are talking about it, rather than keeping quiet.
So this month, we’re doing something a little different and showcasing our favourite standpoints, responses from the big brands and what they are doing to raise awareness, put the nation’s mind at ease and put a much-needed smile on people’s faces.
Coronavirus or no coronavirus, ITV had their ‘Britain Get Talking’ campaign waiting in the wings to go live in May this year, but with the pandemic upon us, they pushed it sooner than planned in a bid to use its scale and reach as force for good. Admirably, ITV managed to turnaround an updated version of the campaign within just a week, with the added challenge of not being able to film or produce it in the usual way because of social distancing rules.
Of course, coronavirus attacks people’s physical health, but the impact it’s having on our day-to-day lives is going to – and already is – having a big impact on our mental health. Although pushed forward and tweaked, the message of this campaign remains the same – talk to each other more and pick up the phone. Talking, as opposed to texting, online messaging or emailing, is proven to reduce stress and anxiety.
The campaign launched on March 21st following Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway, with the clip encouraging viewers to pick up the phone and share messages of love and support across social media using the hashtag #BritainGetTalking. ITV will show a selection of those messages among its programming every day for the next month, from celebrities and members of the public alike. They are also highlighting available support for those who are on their own and feel they don’t have anyone that they can talk to.
Meanwhile in America, this viral campaign was too good not to share. Created by a group of students at Miami Ad School, this fake Netflix campaign uses spoilers from its most popular shows, including Stranger Things, Money Heist and Narcos, to promote social distancing. Whilst the campaign itself is fake, the intent is very legitimate.
The students were on a mission to hammer home the message that’s sweeping the globe – stay the %&#& home! The billboards and the campaign are not real, but the sentiment of the project is genuine and hits people with actual consequences for choosing to ignore the all-important social distancing guidelines.
With official advice keeping us all indoors aside from essential shopping trips, medical needs, travelling to and from work and that one important form of exercise per day, Sport England are doing their bit to make sure we have plenty of creative ways to keep moving whilst we’re confined to our homes. Join the Movement is their new campaign, funded by The National Lottery.
Sport England have enlisted the help of content providers such as Les Mills on Demand, Joe Wicks (The Body Coach) and FiiT to give the nation fun and creative ideas on how to get active at home, with exclusive offers and workouts. There’s also plenty of advice on getting outside and how to make the most of your daily walk, run or cycle, keeping both our physical and mental health in check.
With a physical launch event out of the equation, sportswear brand Asics held its first virtual-reality shoe launch. They were due to unveil three shoes; a distance racing shoe, a spikeless track shoe and a volleyball shoe. With now more than ever proving to be the time to remember the positive impact of sport, the launch was moved forward from August, to March.
Asics took their audience to a virtual innovation lab that brought their technology to life. They have also opened access to its Asics Studio at-home workout app for the duration of the lockdown, to make it easier and more fun for people to exercise at home.