Feeling behind on the latest marketing and advertising news? We’re here to help. Check out the stories and campaigns you need to know this week in our Weekly Must Reads.

A Few of Frito-Lay’s Favorite Snacks

Frito-Lay is highlighting all of their favorite brands this week in their new holiday ad. The massive two-minute video features Anna Kendrick in a winter snack wonderland singing a snack-focused version of the holiday favorite “My Favorite Things.” Unlike many of their other ads, this spot includes the full portfolio of Frito-Lay brands, including Doritos, Lay’s, Tostitos and more. Viewers can watch the full video online, while 90- and 30-second versions will air on TV in the coming weeks.

According to Frito-Lay, the spot took three days to film and required dozens of different sets, including a 30,000 pound “snowcat” for a snowball fight scene. They hope audiences will be inspired to watch the ad over and over to pick up on background details and learn the snarky lyrics to the song. Find out more and watch the ad here: https://variety.com/2019/tv/news/anna-kendrick-tv-advertising-frito-lay-1203410153/

Brands Take on Friendsgiving

Move over, Thanksgiving, there’s another favorite fall holiday in town. In recent years, people have started throwing “Friendsgiving” dinners with their pals as an addition to the traditional Thanksgiving holiday. Brands have taken notice of the trend, so a number have rolled out Friendsgiving campaigns this year. Taco Bell held its annual Friendsgiving dinner for fans and influencers last week, while Sabra created Friendsgiving recipes and Pringles released Friendsgiving Feast-flavored chips.

Like the typical Friendsgiving celebration itself, many of these campaigns focus on forming connections and relationships with consumers. How do you think audiences will respond to brands’ Friendsgiving efforts? Learn more about the different campaigns here: https://www.adweek.com/brand-marketing/friendsgiving-popularity-brands-marketing/

Ryan Reynolds’ Ad Within an Ad Within an Ad

Ryan Reynolds is making headlines for his creative advertising again. This time, he’s pitching three different products at once under the guise of filming a commercial. He starts by turning on Samsung’s new QLED TV, which streams his new Netflix movie “6 Underground.” Then an ad pops up on the TV for Reynolds-owned Aviation Gin, and he must admit he “bought mid-roll ad placement.” Though it’s seen major success with digital and social ads, this marks the first nationally televised spot for Aviation Gin.

We’ve seen this meta approach to advertising from a number of brands recently, including Esurance’s successful “Surprisingly Painless” campaign earlier this year. Do you think the trend will continue in 2020? Check out the ad and read more here: https://adage.com/article/cmo-strategy/ryan-reynolds-pitches-netflix-film-samsung-tv-and-gin-brand-one-ad/2217826

Airbnb Helps Create Branded Homes

Forget out-of-home ads – these ads are the home. In the last few months, brands have partnered with Airbnb to provide lucky guests with exclusive stays in on-brand homes. To keep the experience exclusive, the homes, including the famous Jim Beam distillery and Barbie’s Malibu Dream Home, are usually only available for a couple weeks.

According to a Jim Beam spokesperson, this campaign is their highest generating and widest reaching PR program in their history. Brands often find an Airbnb partnership to be a low-cost and high-visibility alternative to traditional ads that generate even more buzz. Airbnb reports that brands have already started contacting them about organizing plans for homes in 2020. Learn more about the branded home trend here: https://www.adweek.com/brand-marketing/branded-homes-airbnb-jim-beam-barbie-downton-abbey-advertising/