# Cinematic Ad Commercials take on new and distinct cinematic formats. By [Mishal Omar](https://www.trendhunter.com/MishalO) | Published Aug 20, 2020 | Category: [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/marketing-strategy) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/cinematic-ad ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.7/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## What is the Cinematic Ad trend? **Cinematic Ad:** Brands are getting more creative with their campaigns, taking inspiration from film and television in order to better capture consumer attention. These include commercials that have cinematic storytelling elements in them, or virtual "reality shows" that promote branded products. ## The consumer insight behind the Cinematic Ad trend For most Millennial and Gen Z consumers, quality content is extremely important for them to be drawn to a certain brand. These demographics are accustomed to self-creating and viewing peer content, and so they expect that brands are able to more authentically take content to the next level in a way that matches the ingenuity they see among peers every day. A renewed focus on the creative preferences of these generations ensures their interest in a brand. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: Nov 27, 2018 to Aug 15, 2020 - Published: Aug 20, 2020 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Catalyzation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/catalyzation), [Authenticity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/authenticity) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Cinematic Ad trend ### Cinematic Storytelling Commercials Brands are taking inspiration from film and television and incorporating cinematic storytelling elements into their commercials to capture consumer attention, especially among Millennial and Gen Z consumers who value authentic and high-quality content. ### Brutally Honest Social Issue Ads Ads that deal with complicated and sensitive social issues in a compelling and brutally honest manner have the potential to capture consumer attention by using strong narratives, powerful visuals and music, and an overall cinematic quality. ### Short-Form Reality Shows Short-form reality shows, such as e.l.f. Cosmetics' TikTok reality show, are gaining popularity among younger audiences and can be used by brands to engage with consumers and leverage the influence of popular social media influencers and creators. ## What the Cinematic Ad trend means for industry ### For Advertising The advertising industry can leverage cinematic storytelling techniques and powerful narratives to create compelling brand campaigns that resonate with younger audiences, especially Millennial and Gen Z consumers who prioritize high-quality content. ### For Entertainment The entertainment industry can partner with brands to create innovative cross-genre content that integrates with their product offerings, such as AT&T's diverse range of television and movie offerings in their cinematic commercials. ### For Beauty The beauty industry can use short-form reality shows, like e.l.f. Cosmetics' TikTok reality show, to engage with younger audiences and leverage the influence of popular social media influencers and creators to promote their products. ## Workshop question How could your brand conceptualize more creative and cinematic campaigns? ## Trend signals for Cinematic Ad Trend score 3.7 out of 10, from popularity 64%, activity 39%, freshness 9%. - Popularity: 64% - Activity: 39% - Freshness: 9% ## Examples of the Cinematic Ad trend 4 featured examples from Nov 27, 2018 to Aug 15, 2020. - [Short-Form Reality Shows](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tiktok-reality-show): e.l.f. Cosmetics is Introducing the First-Ever TikTok Reality Show (Category: Fashion) Implication: Disruptive Innovation Opportunity: Cosmetics brands can explore the use of social media platforms like TikTok to create innovative marketing campaigns and reach a wider audience. - [Automotive-Branded Web Series Launches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-unadventurers): Hyundai Launched a New Series Named 'The Un-Adventurers' (Category: Autos) Implication: Automotive companies can create branded content to showcase their vehicles and encourage consumers to consider their products. - [Genre-Mashing Basketball Commercials](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/atts-shot): At&t's 'Shot' Ad Shifts from Sports to a Thrilling Sci-Fi (Category: Marketing) Implication: Agencies can incorporate cross-genre elements and storytelling into advertisements to create memorable and shareable content that resonates with audiences. - [Chilling Boyhood Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/white-ribbon-campaign): This White Ribbon Campaign Deals with the Implications of Toxic Masculinity (Category: Marketing) Implication: Opportunity for advertising agencies to collaborate with organizations and create impactful campaigns that address social issues like toxic masculinity. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Marketing - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) - [Nostalgic Beauty Mascots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bliss-girl-series) - [Athlete Beauty Ambassadorships](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/athlete-beauty-ambassadorships) All articles: [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/marketing)