Bell takes Canadians on a journey through the ages culminating in a virtual holiday season

Cristina Blanaru Ads, Creativity

As more and more Canadians rely on technology to stay connected and celebrate the holidays, Bell has launched a campaign to warm some hearts and remind us of what connects us.

Created by long time agency partner Zulu Alpha Kilo, the first film in the campaign features an historic stroll through the history of communication — in one instance, starting right at the invention of the telephone itself— traveling through the 1940s, 50s, 60s… 80s…right up to the modern day. Entitled “Key of Bell”, it features the holiday spirited “Carol of the Bells” instrumental brought to life with rings, dings and ping notifications through the decades. Ending with the line “Let joy ring out.”

Another anthemic spot features the lyrics of “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” spoken by people across the decades, giving modern resonance to the closing lines: “I’ll be home for Christmas, if only in my dreams.” 

The commercial features vintage devices from the Bell archives, real-life couples, and proudly stars a WWII veteran in the closing scene.

The campaign production was helmed by acclaimed Canadian director Mark Zibert of Scout’s Honour. With editing done by Zulubot and music by Grayson Music. Long term partner Media Experts handled media.

The campaign launched Dec 2 with TV, outdoor, social media and even a TikTok featuring the cast singing “Ill Be Home for Christmas”. Because what are the holidays without a little singalong?

Credits 

Client: Bell 

Agency: Zulu Alpha Kilo 

  • Chief Creative Officer:  Zak Mroueh 
  • Executive Creative Director: Wain Choi 
  • Creative Directors: Rob Tarry, Christina Yu 
  • Art Director:  Christina Yu 
  • Writer: Rob Tarry 
  • Account Team: Jessica Hill, Haley Holm 
  • Agency Producer: Mark Pan 
  • Clients: Devorah Lithwick, Nicole Avery, Elaine Bissonnette, Peggy Paré  

Media Agency: Media Experts 

Production House: Scout’s Honour 

  • Director: Mark Zibert 
  • Production House Producer / Line Producer: Simon Dragland 
  • Director of Photography: Mark Zibert / Eric Kaskens 
  • Casting Director: Shasta Lutz 

Editing Company: Zulubot 

  • Editors: Brian Noon, Max Lawlor
  • Zulubot Producer: Sarah Dayus 
  • Colour Transfer: Alter Ego 
  • Colourist: Eric Whipp 
  • Producer:  Jane Garrah 
  • Online: Bell Media 
  • Online Artist: Kevin Francisco 
  • Online Producer: Lawrie Badger 
  • Audio House:  Grayson Music 
  • Audio Director: Tyson Kuteyi  
  • Producer:  Kelly McKluskey 
  • Engineer: Tyson Kuteyi