Film Craft > Production

ONE

ICONOCLAST, Berlin / WHATS APP / 2022

Awards:

Silver Cannes Lions
CampaignCampaign(opens in a new tab)
Film

Overview

Credits

Overview

Write a short summary of what happens in the film.

A story that conveys the thrill and heartbreak of young love. We meet our two protagonists on their way to separate New Year’s Eve parties. They’re in different parts of the world. 10,9,8, 7… the New Year countdown starts at a nightclub and just as our female protagonist is about to send a WhatsApp message, the world literally stops.

We then take a deep dive into a dream-like journey full of memories and feelings – from the moment our protagonists met in the subway till the end of their relationship. Cut back to the present. The male protagonist receives a message, and the world finally spins again. Even if the clock strikes midnight, the year doesn’t start until you get the message you’ve been waiting for.

Cultural / Context information for the jury

WhatsApp breaks records every New Year’s Day. Over 100 billion messages are sent worldwide specifically on this day. Therefore, the brand wanted to celebrate its essential role during New Year’s with an emotional, global campaign. After nearly two years of the pandemic, some of the magic of the year’s biggest moments started to fade and New Year’s Eve?—?the yearly moment of starting fresh all over the world and using WhatsApp to connect with loved ones?—?had lost its luster. But no matter when the clock strikes midnight, the only thing that really matters is sharing that New Year’s exchange. A message can be just as meaningful earlier in the day or 5 A.M. the next day. That’s why, WhatsApp wanted users to celebrate the moment that really starts the new year because: it’s not the New Year until you get the message you’ve been waiting for.

Tell the jury about the casting process.

We casted in London, Los Angeles and Mexico City. Since we wanted to portray the love story of a separated couple, it was important that both actors had a great on-screen chemistry. We also needed our protagonists to be able to deliver a range of emotions throughout the highs and lows of the narrative. The main actress herself had gone through a breakup recently, which helped us convey the story in a real and believable way thanks to her outstanding of the emotive range.

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