We’ve covered past john st. efforts, original campaigns that are usually quirky and honest without forcing the issue. The Toront-based agency’s newest fare, “Earth Hour Cheerspiration,” comes on the heels of a WPP takeover. And even though it’s too early to thumb the corporate acquisition for a change in creativity, ”Cheerspiration,” as you can see in the above video, lacks the off-beat humor we’ve come to expect from john st.

The spot is meant to promote Earth Hour for WWF Canada, when those interested will conserve energy by shutting off all lights for one hour on the night of March 23 (for reference, check out this previous Earth Hour work from TVF and Hot Chip). Associating the unwavering pep of five loud cheerleaders with an important cause seems misguided at best, especially since it’s not easy to understand their hollering and, well, they’re cheerleaders. They’re stereotypically dumb–not saying that’s true–and only likable to jocks and teenage girls who thought Bring It On was a great movie. Not sure what the connection is to Earth Hour–maybe there is no connection? But if that’s the case, then why?

Dare I say it…even couchgating was more entertaining, and that’s been my gold standard of witless advertising. Here’s to hoping for better work next time, john st. Two more “Cheerspiration” spots and credits after the jump.

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Why not kill two birds with one stone? At least, that’s what we’re assuming Arby’s is trying to do as we received a pair of campaigns from the fast-food chain that are launching in the U.S. and Canada, respectively. Here in the States,  Crispin Porter + Bogusky, which picked up Arby’s creative duties back in February, has solicited the services of oft-bearded maestro Larry Charles to helm a series of spots that show that unlike its rivals (*cough* Subway), Arby’s slices its meat fresh in-store.

Charles, director of Bruno and Borat as well as writer/producer on Seinfeld, makes his commercials debut with the help of former NYC detective Bo Dietl, a man who’s seemingly never met a TV camera he didn’t like over the years. Along with the TV spots, CP+B’s brand re-launch for Arby’s includes a newly redesigned website and updated logo. While CP+B focuses on finding out the truth about fresh slicing, Toronto shop Blammo offers something perhaps a bit more intriguing with a campaign that comes just in time for October.

Blammo goes all Bio/Syfy channel on us with a handful of documentary-style clips that showcase folks with supernatural tales to tell. As you’d expect, it’s a bit kooky but ideally timed for Halloween and still manages to promote Arby’s Hot Turkey and Roast Beef Three Cheese & Bacon in the process. Here’s one example below. View the rest here. Blammo campaign credits after the jump.

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