Mailchimp | Taking Stock | Original Series

In this original short-form comedy series, Mailchimp Presents offers a satirical glimpse into the world of stock photography. Taking Stock follows Hannah, a photographer navigating the absurdities of a quirky stock photo agency. The series delves into the challenges of creative work, highlighting the humorous and often bizarre scenarios that arise in the pursuit of the perfect stock image.

The trailer introduces a cast of eccentric characters, each contributing to the chaotic yet entertaining environment of the agency. Through dry humor and relatable office antics, the series captures the essence of creative burnout and the quest for meaningful work in a world driven by generic imagery.

The Formula (That Works at Any Budget)

Relatable Workplace Scenarios = Audience Connection

By portraying the exaggerated yet familiar struggles of creative professionals, the series resonates with viewers who have experienced similar workplace dynamics.
Lesson: Tapping into common experiences fosters a strong connection with the audience.

High-Quality Production = Elevated Brand Perception

Mailchimp’s investment in a well-produced, narrative-driven series positions the brand as innovative and culturally aware.
Lesson: Quality content can enhance brand image and demonstrate a commitment to creativity.

Subtle Branding = Authentic Storytelling

The series focuses on storytelling without overtly promoting Mailchimp’s services, allowing for genuine engagement.
Lesson: Integrating brand values into content organically can build trust and authenticity.

Humor Breakdown

The humor in Taking Stock is characterized by its dry wit and satirical take on the stock photography industry. The series employs exaggerated scenarios and character quirks to highlight the often absurd nature of creative work. This approach not only entertains but also offers a critique of the commodification of creativity.

Lesson: Satire and relatable humor can effectively engage audiences while conveying deeper messages.

Final Verdict

Taking Stock is a clever and entertaining series that showcases Mailchimp’s ability to produce engaging content beyond traditional marketing. By exploring the idiosyncrasies of the creative industry through humor and storytelling, the series reinforces Mailchimp’s connection to its creative audience.

BRAVE-o-meter Score:
B-8 | R-9 | A-8 | V-9 | E-8
BRAVE – 8.4/10

Watch the full ad & learn more:
Website: Mailchimp
LinkedIn: Mailchimp on LinkedIn

 

(See what BRAVE means in our collection)

Understanding the B.R.A.V.E. Scoring System

The B.R.A.V.E. scoring system uses AI to deliver an unbiased evaluation of top-of-the-funnel B2B brand ads. It measures potential impact, memorability, and effectiveness by assessing five key components of a video ad or commercial. This system gauges an ad's capacity to drive brand recall and enhance salience, ensuring that creative work not only captures attention but also leaves a lasting impression.

What B.R.A.V.E. Stands For:

Each letter represents a key factor in determining an ad’s success:

  • BBoldness: Is the ad original, creative, or daring? Does it break away from generic B2B marketing, or is it just another forgettable corporate video?
  • RRelevance: Does it connect with a real buyer pain point? Is it addressing a specific frustration or need, or just listing product features?
  • AAttention: Does it grab and hold attention in the first few seconds? Is it visually or tonally engaging, or easy to skip?
  • VVibe: Does it create an emotional response—laughter, recognition, or surprise? Or does it feel like just another corporate info dump?
  • EEffectiveness: Will buyers remember the brand when they need a solution? Does the ad make an impact that lasts beyond the moment?

How It’s Applied to B2B Video Rating

Each video is scored 1 to 10 in all five categories, based on how well it meets the criteria. The total score (out of 50) is then divided by 5 to give a final B.R.A.V.E. score out of 10.

For example:

  • An ad scoring B-8 | R-9 | A-7 | V-6 | E-8 has a total of 38/50.
  • The final B.R.A.V.E. score is 7.6/10.

Why It Matters

B2B ads often struggle with being bland, forgettable, or ineffective. The B.R.A.V.E. system ensures they are judged by their ability to break through, connect with buyers, and drive action.

Simply put: If your ad isn’t B.R.A.V.E., it’s invisible.

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