The Shipyard has partnered with renowned actor, podcaster, and producer Paul Scheer to spearhead an improvisational campaign for Marzetti's new line of healthy salad dressings, aptly named Simply. The campaign, titled "It Simply Sells Itself," showcases Simply's 11 exciting new flavors, each boasting on 50 calories and 2grams of sugar or less per serving. Through clever humor, comedic timing and a touch of unexpected awkwardness, the ads highlight the brand's commitment to simplicity and deliciousness.
“Because the product is such an easy sell, each spot ends early,” says Mark Hillman, Executive Creative Director at The Shipyard. “Which leaves our spokesperson needing to fill time. Which leads to awkward improvisation. Which leads to Paul Scheer being the perfect director.”
Scheer, known for his memorable roles in popular TV shows like 30 Rock, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and The League, as well as his long-running podcast How Did This Get Made?, brings his love of improv and willingness to explore new comedic angles to infuse the campaign with deft spontaneity. Scheer is backed by highly acclaimed production company, RYB, based in RED Studios in LA.
“We were looking for a very straight-forward, product-focused campaign that delivered our simple message – great taste, 50 calories and 2 grams of sugar or less – in a fun and memorable way,” says Jonathan Zimmer, Vice President, Marketing at T. Marzetti Company.
Comprised of four unique spots (two 30-second and two 15-second spots), the integrated campaign will be featured across various traditional and social media platforms, including TikTok and Instagram. Additionally, Marzetti also plans to share exclusive behind-the-scenes footage and stills from the set.
“The Simply launch is critical for the Marzetti brand as we innovate to meet consumers' needs for healthier choices,” explains Carl Stealey, President of Retail at T. Marzetti Company.
About T. Marzetti Company
T. Marzetti Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Lancaster Colony Corporation (NASDAQ: LANC), is a manufacturer and marketer of specialty food products for the retail and foodservice markets. Our retail brands include Marzetti®, New York Bakery™, Sister Schubert’s®, Reames®, Flatout®, and Angelic Bakehouse®, in addition to exclusive license agreements for Olive Garden® dressings, Chick-fil-A® sauces and Buffalo Wild Wings® sauces. Our foodservice business supplies many of the top restaurant chains in the United States. At T. Marzetti, our mission is to be The Better Food Company: Better people, that make better products, in a better corporate culture, that work in unison to make the world a better place. Led by our purpose, To Nourish Growth with All that We Do, our more than 3,000 team members are dedicated to innovative and quality products as well as superior service and value for our customers.
About The Shipyard
Engineering Brand Love. The Shipyard builds performance-driven brands that audiences love by applying modern mindsets to established models, fueling more courageous and more validated brand and marketing decisions. The agency serves iconic brands such as Marzetti, InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), Visit California, CAS, In-N-Out, Weleda, Donato’s, California Wine Institute, Serengeti, NCR, SDG&E, CO-OP Financial Services, Protective Insurance, VSP, Clifton Larson Allen (CLA), San Diego Tourism Authority and many others. Founded in 2014, The Shipyard is a full-service agency with offices in Columbus, OH, Newport Beach, Sacramento and San Diego California.
About RYB
RYB is an ego-free production company located on the iconic Hollywood backlot at RED Studios. RYB produces groundbreaking content for brands, artists, and clients across all media while providing an unparalleled one-stop-shop experience with its studio facilities and strategic partnerships.
RYB is a creative playground for artists and brands that decided good wasn't good enough.
For more intel on RYB, please visit RYB.LA