Summer with Starbucks
Overview
Starbucks approached us with a unique challenge: while fall has the iconic Pumpkin Spice Latte and the Red Cup marks the holiday season, summer didn’t yet have its own signature feel for the brand.
Our approach was to make summer just as memorable by celebrating the vibrant colors and refreshing flavors of Starbucks’ summer drinks. We wanted each element to capture the simple joys of the season—the warmth, the energy, and the happiness Starbucks brings to summer. The goal was to connect with viewers in a way that made summer with Starbucks feel iconic, inviting, and unforgettable.
Role
Agency
Creative direction
SPCSHP
Starbucks
Anthony Mandler
Photographer (social)
Year
Julia Stotz
2024
Director (film)
Client
A fresh approach to film
We teamed up with director Anthony Mandler to create a groundbreaking film spot for Starbucks—an invitation for everyone to join us in celebrating the season.
“Dance” :30s“Dance” :15sSpontaneous dance parties break out as people sip on Starbucks summer drinks.
Vibrant, drink-inspired dances ignite with every sip of Starbucks.
“Shake” :15s“Ahh” :15sIcy drink shakes bring cool, refreshing fun to hot summer days.
Joyful sighs of relief as Starbucks fans savor their summer drinks.
Spontaneous dance parties break out as people sip on Starbucks summer drinks.
The Cinnamon Crumble Oatmilk Frappuccino® sends Sarah into a spin.
:06sAddie gets down after trying the White Chocolate Macadamia Cream Cold Brew
:06s:06s
A summertime state of mind on social
We brought that same “we’re on summertime” energy from our films to the feed, with concepts rooted in summer realness and inspired by the playful, unseriousness of the season.
Between general summer and the Refreshers launch, we crafted 73 social assets and 15 vertical videos for a three-month campaign, immersing our audience in the cool, refreshing joy of summer with Starbucks.
Launching a new icon: The Summer-Berry Refresher
Going all in on water, we dipped our toes in surrealism to introduce the world to the new Summer Berry Refreshers on social. With sensorial visuals like popping water balloons, crashing waves, and splashes of blue and pink, we created a cohesive and striking campaign that stood out on the Starbucks feeds.
Now entering the splash zone
No CGI here! To bring our splashy social assets to life, we used only practical effects, finding creative ways to realize ambitious concepts—like a cereal-launching conveyor belt, resin-filled balloons, and an oatmilk-shooting super soaker.
During the eight-day shoot, photographer Julia Stotz, along with a talented team of creatives, set designers, prop stylists, lighting technicians, and production assistants, worked meticulously to capture the perfect summer vibes.
Results:300%
3.4 million
higher sales performance over forecast for summer berry refresher
teaser video views, with 4x the usual amount of shares across Instagram, Facebook & TikTok
Launch post was
3rd on Instagram
6th on TikTok
8th on Facebook
making it one of Starbucks’ most shared posts ever
We doubled the conversation volume compared to Starbucks' previous product launch, and our content outperformed Starbucks' tentpole holiday peppermint and fall pumpkin campaigns.
