Greek balls of fire

Created by Cream director Xavier Mairesse and Athens agency Pollen, Magic Ball is a sweet fable full of seasonal sorcery. 

Produced by Avion Films, the spot sees a little boy accidentally come into possession of glowing orb that has the power to make things levitate.

After having a whole heap of fun impressing his chums and helping his dad reach the top of the Christmas tree, the boy receives a visit from a distressed reindeer who wants his ball back, he needs it to keep aloft. Oh deer.

You’ll have to watch to find out what happens next. Suffice to say Mairesse has delivered another gorgeous tale of festive whimsy and childlike glee that almost matches his wonderful Sky HD Christmas ad of 2012, which starred Robin Williams in one of his last screen appearances.

Xavier Mairesse admits Christmas is his favourite time of year: “There is something surreal about cutting a tree and bringing it into the middle of your living room… and I love going back to the spontaneity of childhood. Children live by that ‘magic’ as it should still be when we’re adults. That little hint of poetry that interrupts our routines is a real source of my inspiration. 

“Another piece of magic was the client’s commitment to air the full 120-second version of the ad!”