Iceland Foods:
You won’t see our Christmas advert on TV this year, because it was banned. But we want to share Rang-tan’s story with you.
I don’t usually say this but don’t watch this video on YouTube. Watch it here first and notice when you spot what the issue is. The next question is, why was it banned?
Supposedly because “the advert breached the 2003 Communications Act which “prohibits political advertising” in-line with the Broadcast Code of Advertising Practice (BCAP.)”
and
“We are concerned that it doesn’t comply with the political rules of the BCAP code. The creative submitted to us is linked to another organisation who have not yet been able to demonstrate compliance in this area.”
So it was banned by association with an entirely different group? Ridiculous.
A little more investigation shows that this is a British Supermarket chain owned by Iceland Foods.
“Iceland Foods Ltd is a British supermarket chain, with emphasis on the sale of frozen foods, including prepared meals and vegetables. They also sell non-frozen grocery items such as produce, meat, dairy, and dry goods. The company has an approximate 2.2% share of the UK food market.”
And yes, it is ridiculous, although, you do have to wonder if it is intentional to some degree. This type of thing certainly does get more attention.
It’s a great piece, and entirely in keeping with the best holiday animation standards. I hope they get lots of press on it.
Because money is the only thing that counts.
“the advert wasn’t approved by advertising regulators as it was seen to be
in support of a political issue. The production and widespread usage of
palm oil is a complex and sometimes controversial matter”, per Iceland Food.
(ASA, the British ad regulator, says “Clearcast”, a “clearance body” (which … does ad inspection for the four broadcast networks there?) denied it.
The Brit ad regulation system is … nonsense, honestly.)
Why was the ad banned?
I don’t know.
Iceland ( the retailer and producer of this ad ) have decided to take a stance against palm oil as an additive or constituent part of their own brand products until such time they can ensure it is produced in an ethical manner.
James Z Hughes in this thread quotes a reply that suggests that the “creative” (which I am taking to understand as the producer, director, production company) has not passed some form of complience test.
No hate for JZH, as I read his statement is comes across as a technical or regulatory issue.
but I think the message is true, and correct. From first hand experience.
Was is deliberate? probably not. Will it be powerful, bet your arse.
“(narrated by I think Emma Thompson)”
It was.
Thanks very much for the background info. Very informative and much appreciated.
Ach. What an industrial nightmare. Thank you for the context.
I had GoPro and Drift cameras on the helmet and bike.
When I get my arse into gear I will cut together a short example of what I was riding through and you will see the difference between the primary rainforest between Penang and Kota Baru and then the plantations between Kuantan and Melacca.