Disney Launches Magical Christmas Campaign ‘From Our Family to Yours’ including New Animated Advert with soundtrack featuring Lloyiso
Disney has today released a magical new festive advert to mark the start of the Holiday season. “The Stepdad” is a three-minute animated tale about family togetherness and the power of storytelling.
A sequel to last year’s ‘Lola’, which celebrated festive traditions passed down through generations, the short film premieres on Wednesday 3rd November 2021, across TV and Digital plus Disney’s own channels in 45 countries across Europe, Africa, North America, South America and Asia. It forms part of Disney’s festive retail campaign, ‘From Our Family To Yours’ that hits retailers nationwide this month.
Following Disney’s 2020 debut consumer products Christmas advert, which secured more than 106 million views, this year’s instalment features a grown-up Nicole, the granddaughter from ‘Lola’, and her two children Max and Ella, as new stepdad Mike moves into their family home.
At the heart of the story is a very special storybook – a precious item belonging to son Max from his birth father. The book celebrates how the power of storytelling can deepen family bonds, and the magic that reading together creates as stories from Disney and Pixar lift off from the pages igniting the family’s shared imagination and wonder.
Viewers will see the family navigate an emotive journey as they enjoy combining existing festive traditions with new ones in the run up to Christmas.
Exclusively for the South African version, local singer/songwriting sensation Lloyiso performs an emotive rendition of original track ‘Love Runs Deeper’ – penned for the advert, which provides a musical narrative to the film through the eyes of Mike in lieu of any dialogue.
Tasia Filippatos, SVP Disney EMEA said: “Reading together can be a truly magical experience and our advert celebrates this age-old tradition and the wonder and imagination it inspires. We hope the story will resonate with anyone who has seen the magic ‘lift off the pages’ of a book through the eyes of a child.”
Lloyiso, who performs ‘Love Runs Deeper’ for the South African version of the advert said:“I was thrilled to get involved with Disney’s Christmas campaign. I was immediately taken by the lyrics of ‘Love Runs Deeper’ and it’s powerful, emotive message within a story that celebrates family, traditions and love. I can’t wait to share this wonderful story with South African families this festive season.”
‘From Our Family To Yours’ is Disney’s largest festive retail campaign to date and will offer the perfect opportunity to stock up on those gifts for every member of the family – from stocking fillers, toys, apparel, books and so much more – featuring the very latest and greatest from Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars. In addition, ten malls across the country will be getting into the spirit of the season, showcasing Disney-inspired Christmas Trees in support of The Smile Foundation.
Luke Roberts, General Manager of Consumer Products Commercialisation, Disney Africa said: “We are excited to be bringing ‘From Our Family to Yours’ back to South African consumers for a second year this Festive Season. A perfect way to kick off the campaign, this ad encapsulates the magic of this time, combining the themes of strengthening family bonds and creating new family traditions, with the magic of Disney storytelling.”
To celebrate the theme of festive family traditions, Disney is encouraging fans to head to social media to share their own past and present festive memories using #DisneyChristmasAd and #FromOurFamilyToYours
The advert was developed and produced by Disney EMEA’s in-house creative team, led by Angela Affinita, Director of Brand Marketing and Creative, in partnership with Flux Animation Studios in New Zealand.
About Disney Consumer Products, Games and Publishing
Disney Consumer Products, Games and Publishing (CPGP) brings the magic of The Walt Disney Company’s brands and franchises—including Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, and more—into the daily lives of families and fans around the world through products and experiences across more than 100 retail categories from toys and t-shirts to apps, books, video games, and more. A division of the Disney Parks, Experiences and Products segment, CPGP’s global operations include: the world’s largest licensing business, one of the biggest children’s publishing brands, a leading licensor of interactive games across platforms, and the shopDisney e-commerce platform.
About Lloyiso
Hailing from just outside of Port Elizabeth, South Africa, singer, songwriter, and producer. Lloyiso wields the kind of voice that instantly tugs at heartstrings. It’s the kind of voice that shines in any arena—whether in front of a laptop camera or under the lights of a festival stage. It’s the kind of voice that makes you stop what you’re doing and sing along. At 16-years-old, he appeared on South African Idol and placed fifth in the competition. Following “three weeks at university,” he left school and focused on music inspired by the likes of Sam Smith and Kanye West. He performed anywhere possible, singing in exchange for dinner at local pubs. He even recorded in English and ten different African languages. Taking over social media, Lloyiso amplified his voice globally by posting covers on Facebook before embracing YouTube. He gained the endorsement of everyone from Kygo to Tyga and gradually amassed an enthusiastic audience. Nailing viral renditions of Rihanna, Billie Eilish, Lewis Capaldi, and more, he launched his TikTok during 2020, generating tens millions of views and attracting the attention of labels worldwide. Finding his home, he notably made history as “the first South African artist signed to Republic Records.” Now, he conveys feeling in its purest form through a series of 2021 singles ignited by his debut “Seasons.”
About The Walt Disney Company EMEA
The Walt Disney Company has been in Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) for over 80 years and employs thousands across the region. Between Disneyland Paris and its other iconic brands, including Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, 20th Century Studios and ESPN, The Walt Disney Company EMEA entertains, informs and inspires millions of consumers in more than 130 countries through the power of unparalleled storytelling. Disney+, the company’s direct-to-consumer streaming service, is currently available in 17 markets across Europe.
