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Shhhkoda

You know that Czech automaker? Yeah, you’ve probably been saying Škoda’s name incorrectly.

In a new campaign by Leo UK, we’ve learned the “Š” in Škoda is pronounced like “sh.”

And now, the “shhh” sound is the centerpiece of the brand’s creative, which spans TV, digital, social, and OOH.

It uses playful visuals and sound design to reinforce the pronunciation while celebrating the brand’s Czech heritage.

Let It Out

Dove Men+Care is challenging the “real men don’t cry” narrative with a World Cup campaign that celebrates the highs and lows of fandom.

Created with Edelman and Getty Images, the work features real photos of supporters in tears, reacting to quarterfinal, semifinal, and final matches.

It’s all paired with a simple headline: “Yes. Men Cry.”

Bookboards

Did you ghost the vacation group chat right when it was time to book? This one’s for you.

Kayak is turning that bad behavior into a stunt with “Bookboards,” a campaign that literally puts travel procrastinators on blast.

Created by Rethink, the campaign invites people to nominate the friend holding up the trip, with selected names appearing on digital billboards in New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles throughout August.

What You See…

Tennessee Tourism is launching an anti-AI campaign.

The org promises that every image featured on the state’s tourism website was captured by a real photographer in a real location, not created or altered with generative AI.

Each certified image also includes content credentials and metadata showing who took the photo, when it was captured, and where it was shot.

The campaign cites research that only 5% of travelers could consistently identify authentic travel photos when compared with AI-generated ones, despite most saying photos heavily influence their booking decisions.

Take Me to Roku City

For years, viewers have been obsessed with the purple, Easter egg-filled Roku City screensaver. It’s generated fan theories, memes, and countless social posts.

Now, in a campaign by Preacher, Roku is bringing that fictional world to life with an interactive experience featuring six cinematic short films, explorable locations, and hidden stories woven throughout the city.

Users can explore iconic landmarks like Mount Roku, the pirate ship, and Roku General Hospital, uncovering little stories and interactive moments.

The Hailey Jean

Gap has worked with Hailey Bieber to create a limited-edition denim capsule inspired by relaxed ’90s styles.

“The Hailey Jean” comes with personal touches like Bieber’s signature inside the pocket lining and “1996” details that reference her birth year.

The campaign, photographed by Mario Sorrenti and directed by Charlie Di Placido, leans into stripped-back visuals.

Play-Doh for Us

Hasbro has launched a new line of floral sculpting kits designed specifically for adults.

They’re repositioning Play-Doh as a creative wellness activity, targeting consumers looking for screen-free hobbies and stress relief.

The kits guide users through creating decorative flowers that are meant to be displayed… not squished back into the container.

Simple is Sexy

Verizon is promoting its new flat-rate Simplicity Plan with help from Off Campus star Stephen Kalyn.

The now viral tongue-in-cheek spot plays like a steamy romance trailer, in which he delivers dramatic lines directly while lounging on around.

The creative team intentionally avoided calling the production a “commercial” while filming, encouraging everyone on set to treat it like premium entertainment instead of an ad.

Fire Away

Anthropic is ready for your hard-ball questions.

Its new initiative asks the public to submit concerns about AI (job displacement, misinformation, privacy, creativity, and safety… your pick) and promises to respond publicly.

The campaign by Mother London is built around a short film featuring real people voicing their hopes and fears about AI, reinforcing that skepticism is a normal part of the conversation rather than something to dismiss.

Anthropic says the feedback will help guide the work of its newly launched Anthropic Institute, which focuses on AI’s economic and societal impacts.

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