Drug Aware helps kids say ‘no’ in latest campaign via 303 MullenLowe, Perth

Today, 303 MullenLowe releases this new tongue-in-cheek, animated education campaign for the Mental Health Commission’s Drug Aware. The campaign carries a single message to young Australians aged 15-24 years old that 4 out of 5 of them don’t do drugs.

The music-led campaign is based on the premise of the ‘Little White Lies’ that are told as part of life – growing up, and as adults – to get us out of tricky or awkward or embarrassing situations. When it comes to taking drugs, the reveal concludes that despite the white lies young Australians might tell their mates about it to fit in, or ‘be accepted’ the fact is that drug taking is less common than people think, and that contrary to popular belief, the majority of young Australians just don’t do it.

Richard Berney, Executive Creative Director at 303 MullenLowe, said: “There’s a lot of truth buried under every little white lie, which is what makes this campaign a delight – it’s funny because it’s true. And that idea gave us permission to hold the door open, and be trusted enough to reassure young people that the majority aren’t taking drugs.”

Language and imagery played a big part in this activation. The script was carefully nuanced to include cultural references and relatable anecdotes that frame the little white lies we hear all the time, including those about drug use, in a humorous, youth-centric and light-hearted way.

Sharnae Zanotti, Senior Project Officer, Public Education and Health Promotion, said: “’Little White Lies’ challenges the common misconception that most young people are using drugs.”

“For many young people, this inflated misconception is a predictor of their own personal use. In other words, many young people may trial drugs because they think everyone else is, when in fact as the campaign says, 4 out of 5 people don’t use”.

The campaign’s media strategy was planned and managed by Initiative, launching initially in digital WA cinema and outdoor today and then digitally, and socially on 18 July.

VIEW LITTLE WHITE LIES FILM

Play the 90s spot

Play the 30s spot

Credits
Client: Mental Health Commission/Cancer Council WA– Drug Aware Public Education and Health Promotion Manager: Kelly Kennington Public Education and Health Promotion Manager: Hannah Samsa Senior Project Officer: Laura Castafaro
Senior Project Officer: Sharnae Zanotti
Cancer Prevention and Research Director: Melissa Ledger Alcohol Program Manager: Julia Stafford
Alcohol Policy and Research Coordinator: Danica Keric
Agency: 303 MullenLowe Perth
Executive Creative Director: Richard Berney
Lead Creative/Writer: Jake Ransom
Senior Writer: Maya Halilovic
Art Director: Stephen Hansen
Head of Strategy: John Linton
Senior Business Director: Krista Song
Business Executive: Rebecca Di Pardo
Producer: Jonathan Julius
Production Company: Siamese
Producer: Francesca Hope
Lead Creative / Designer: Kristen King
Animator: Tim Merks
Creative Music: Panda Candy
Sound Mix Engineer: Ian Berney
Music Composer/s: Glenn Sarangapany & Ian Berney
Audio Production: Cue
Sound Producer: Anika Fourie
Audio Engineer: Daniel Johnston
Media Agency: Initiative
Investment Partnerships Manager: Lauren De Rozario
Media Executive: Sarah Leavesley
Media Associate: Shabrina Devi