The Brief Ep 11: Funny Bones - is advertising rediscovering its sense of humour?

A few years ago, advertising got pretty serious, and for good reason. But now the industry is rediscovering its funny bone as brands look to create laughter, joy and connection with audiences. There’s even a new humour category at Cannes this year. But why is it making a return and how do you ensure your work is ‘laugh with’ rather than ‘laugh at’?

For this episode, we’re joined by Zane Radcliffe, Executive Creative Director at McCann Bristol, and Will Studd, Director of Animation at Aardman, to discuss the impact of humour, the stories behind the work, and how to get those authentic laughs.

What we cover in this episode

• Looking back on the humour-fuelled 90s and why purpose took over
• Why humour is making a comeback
• How humour informs Will and Zane’s work
• The story behind the latest ad for VOOM Nutrition
• Why big belly laughs aren’t the only goal
• Finding the right funny for your sector (and knowing when to be serious)
• Will and Zane’s favourite humorous ads

About the speakers

Will Studd is an award-winning Animation Director at Aardman. He has worked on projects for some of the worlds largest brands including Nike, Johnson & Johnson, Kraft, Heinz, BBC, GlaxoSmithKline and many more.

Will also holds the Guinness World Records for smallest and largest stop motion films created, and a whole host of other awards including Cannes Lions, BAA, British Arrows Craft Award, Kinsale Shark, and RTS awards.

Zane Radcliffe is a multi award-winning Executive Creative Director and writer with nearly 30 years experience creating campaigns for national and international brands. His work at McCann Bristol for clients like Refuge, Waterstones and Motability has won 5 Cannes Lions, 12 Creative Circle awards and pencils at D&AD and One Show. His work is often imbued with humour, including famous campaigns for Tango, Pot Noodle and John West. Zane is the author of three novels published by Black Swan. His debut won the WHSmith 'People's Choice' Award.

About Aardman: Aardman is an independent, multi Academy Award® winning studio, based in Bristol. For over 40 years, Aardman has entertained the world, creating much loved characters such as Wallace and Gromit and Shaun the Sheep. From feature films and series, to advertising, games and interactive entertainment, all Aardman’s content is built on four pillars: bold comedic ideas, relatable stories with global appeal, characters with heart, and a passion for craft.