'It's Pixel, Actually'

Google Pixel today unveils ‘It’s Pixel, actually’, a new social campaign that aims to capture the hearts of the nation this festive ad season, by masterfully tapping into the enduring cultural phenomenon of Universal Pictures and Working Title’s celebrated Christmas classic, Love Actually.

Starring original cast members Thomas Brodie-Sangster, who played lovestruck lad Sam in the film, and Martine McCutcheon, who played Natalie, the Prime Minister’s secret crush, the creative draws inspiration from some of the film’s most famed scenes to showcase the cinematic capabilities of the Google Pixel 10, particularly its innovative Pro Res Zoom technology.

Developed in partnership with WPP Media Futures Group and Universal Products & Experiences, the work aims to connect with audiences through a fresh, shareable, and emotionally resonant take on a modern festive classic. 

Iconic Moments Through A Modern Lens

The 'It’s Pixel, actually' content sees Brodie-Sangster make reference to his much-loved bench scene and other fan favourites. Each moment is expertly captured to showcase how the Pixel 10’s advanced camera technology empowers anyone to achieve cinematic detail and festive magic in equal measure.

In a playful nod to the classic film, the creative also draws inspiration from some of its most memorable moments - from the school concert’s drum solo to the beloved lobster costume scene - celebrating the humour, warmth and cultural legacy that have made Love Actually a seasonal touchstone. 

The social campaign follows new Google Search Trends data highlighting that Love Actually is the most searched Christmas film in UK history.

VP of Marketing at Google UK, Eileen Mannion said: “The festive advertising season is all about evoking emotion and capturing attention. With ‘It’s Pixel, actually’, we’ve used the magic from one of the UK’s most beloved holiday films to show how the Google Pixel 10 helps anyone capture truly cinematic moments. It’s a perfect blend of nostalgia, innovation and pure festive joy.”

The social campaign will run across Social, Digital and SVOD in the UK and US. It will feature a long-form film and different cutdown assets, supported by PR, social, and influencer activations throughout late November and December.

Credits

AGENCY - WPP MEDIA FUTURES GROUP

A&S / PRODUCTION COMPANY

Director – Mike Warzin

Managing Director / Executive Producer – James Bland

Producer – Lauren Highman

Production Manager – Michelle Kirkman

Production Assistant – Jemimah Frost

Talent Coordinator – Darren Sinnott

LOCATIONS

Location Manager – Eddy Pearce

Location Manager – Rik SheriA

Location Marshall – Ryan Fishwick

Location Marshall – Luca Malik

Location Marshall – Seb Tahouri

Location Marshall – Emily Ann Flower

Location Marshall – Will Sharville

SUPERVISION / VFX / SCRIPT

Script Supervisor – Anna Worley

VFX Supervisor – Mark Beardall

ASSISTANT DIRECTORS

1st Assistant Director – Jim Cole

2nd Assistant Director – Erin Large

3rd Assistant Director – Tom Chalmers

CAMERA DEPARTMENT

Director of Photography (Main Unit) – Lasse Frank

1st AC (Main Unit) – Chaz Lyon

2nd AC (Main Unit) – Tom Watson

Grip (Main Unit) – Daniel Essex

Grip Trainee – Ervin Hajdarmata

PLAYBACK / DIT / SOUND

Playback – Karl Taggart

DIT – Elvin Prentice

Sound Recordist – Sam Mendelssohn

Boom Operator – Tom Sedgwick

LIGHTING DEPARTMENT

GaAer – Phil Penfold

Electrician – Jason Reynier

Electrician – Max Fullerton

Electrician – Jack Foley

Electrician – Jovan Lawrence

Electrician – Danny Golds

Electrician – Marlon Reynier

Electrician – George Purser

ART DEPARTMENT

Production Designer – Ashling Johnson

Prop Master – Chris Brett

Props Buyer – Kamlan Man

Props Transport Driver – John Tynan

Props Assistant – Charlotte Hill

Props Assistant – Jack Martin

Props Assistant – John Webb

Art Department Runner – Lara Sparey

HAIR / MAKE-UP / COSTUME

Hair & Make-Up Artist – Louise Hinton

Make-Up Assistant – Sarah Buitelaar

Make-Up Assistant – Anya McD

Make-Up Assistant – Morgan Lashley

Hair Stylist (Celeb Glam) – Josh Knight

Costume Designer – Lucy Hagan

Costume Assistant – Stephen McLaughlin

Costume Assistant – Lindsay Day

Costume Assistant – Ellie Evans

Standby (TSB) – Merika Holmes

Standby (MM) – Georgia Ryan

Work Experience – Ava Luna Casbolt

MEDICS / DRIVERS / LOGISTICS

Medic – Paul Mortimer

Catering – Gav’s Kitchen

Camera Car Driver – Angel Lorcana

Wardrobe & Make-Up Split Driver – Tony Kent

Single Artist Trailer – DBS Facilities

Double Decker Bus Driver – Dean Eaton

Honeywagon Driver – Lawrence Duncan

Security (Headline Security) – Team

Security (Location Assist) – Team

2ND UNIT

2nd Unit Director – Jack Meredith

1st AD (2nd Unit) – Callum Toms

Director of Photography (2nd Unit) – Rik Burnell

1st AC (2nd Unit) – Karl Hui

2nd AC (2nd Unit) – Nadjana Panto

Grip (2nd Unit) – Reece Hearnshaw

Props Master (2nd Unit) – Lloyd Vincent

Sound Recordist (2nd Unit) – Matt Boyle

Runner (2nd Unit) – Holly Brown

POST / EDITORIAL / VFX / SOUND

Editor – Joe Guest

Assistant Editor – Hannah Burger

Assistant Editor – Carter Clarke

Post Producer – Jamie Wealleans

VFX Supervisor – Mark Beardall

INSURANCE

Insurance (AdWrap) – David M. Smith

Insurance (Employer Liability) – Ryan Smith

CEO, David Born

Director of Licensing, Amber Cheung

Licensing Executive, Alberto Massaro