Channel 4 today reveals ‘Overheard at Costa’, an exclusive creative partnership with the nation’s favourite coffee shop, Costa Coffee*, featuring Channel 4 stars Sandi Toksvig, Joe Thomas (The Inbetweeners, Fresh Meat) and Omari Douglas (It’s A Sin), launching on Tuesday 9th November 2021 during the Great British Bake Off.
New campaign eavesdrops on Channel 4 stars
The bespoke campaign represents the first time the iconic coffee shop has partnered with a broadcaster in this way. It is also the first advertising work from Curate Films writer and director Simon Evans, who created (and featured in) the lockdown, star-studded hit Staged.
The series of 30 second light-hearted ads eavesdrop on recognisable Channel 4 voices catching up over a Costa coffee. They celebrate the unexpected twists and turns conversation can take and treat viewers to a sneak peek into what the broadcaster’s famous folk are really talking about when they are relaxing and taking some time with a Flat White and a frothy Cappuccino.
4Sales brokered the partnership together with MediaCom UK. The idea was developed through 4Sales creative arm PL4Y working with The Writers Room a department of Curate Films with Simon Evans who are responsible for the creative.
Kirsten Gillard, Agency and Client Sales Leader, Channel 4 said: “We’re really excited to be collaborating with Costa Coffee. Featuring some of our much-loved comedic talent the resulting campaign is funny and engaging and we know the brand will positively benefit from that association.”
Matt Flint, Senior Brand and Strategy Manager at Costa Coffee UK&I said: “We love the thought that the secret ingredient that powers the Channel 4 machine is regular catch-ups over a cup of Costa coffee. We are delighted to share this content with viewers and show the joy that can come from taking a little time out of your busy day to enjoy chatting to a friend over a great cup of perfectly crafted coffee.”
Tom Curtis, Executive Creative Director, MediaCom Creative Systems said: “It’s a rare thing getting to work with talent like Simon Evans and the incredible Channel 4 stars that provide the voices for this campaign. Simon has brought a unique and very funny perspective to the scripts, with the celebrities offering their own natural charm and wit to their delivery. It’s been a pleasure to see the partnership develop. Time for a coffee.”
Ends.
Press contact: Claire Cumberland, ccumberland@channel4.co.uk 0207 306 8315
Notes to Editors
*Allegra Strategies, 2020
View and download the launch ad here.
Images cleared for publication are available to download here.
Creative credits
Curate Films:
- Simon Evans – Writer/Director
- Madeleine Sanderson – Managing Director
- Dan Dickenson – Managing Director
- Alessia Small – Producer
- Suzie Simms – Production Manager
- Tim Sidell – Director of Photography
- Chris Kelly – 1st AD
Costa Coffee:
- Matt Flint - Senior Brand and Strategy Manager at Costa Coffee UK&I
- Kirstey Elston - Marketing Director for Costa Coffee UK&I
- Becky Brock - Commercial and Customer Director for Costa Coffee UK&I
MediaCom:
- Tom Curtis – Executive Creative Director
- Naomi Barnwell – Senior Creative
- Freddie Brown - Producer
- Andrew Gifford – Production Director
- Simon Kennedy – Production Manager
About Costa Coffee
Founded in London by Italian brothers Sergio and Bruno Costa in 1971, Costa Coffee is present in 41 countries around the world, with over 2,700+ coffee shops in the UK&I and 1,100+ globally. We are proud to be the nation’s favourite coffee shop, having been awarded “Best Branded Coffee Shop Chain in the UK and Ireland" by Allegra Strategies for 11 consecutive years (2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020).
Making a positive contribution to the communities we are part of its extremely important to us, both here in the UK and across the world, that’s why we established The Costa Foundation, a registered charity with the aim of improving the life chances of children in coffee growing communities by helping them access a safe, quality education. So far, the Costa Foundation has funded over 100 school projects and changed the lives of more than 100,000 children. We also have a UK-wide Community Programme, which enables our teams to volunteer their time to good causes locally and to invite community groups to make use of our welcoming space in store.
In 2011, Costa Coffee purchased Coffee Nation, which is now Costa Express. Today, Costa Express operates in 16 international markets, with over 11,000+ coffee bars in the UK and more than 1,100+ globally. Proudly serving the same Costa Coffee Signature Mocha Italia blend found in stores, combined with fresh milk to create a delicious and warming cup of coffee on the go.
All Costa Coffee products, including our At-Home range and Costa Coffee in a can range, have been expertly crafted by Gennaro Pelliccia, our Master of Coffee and use Rainforest Alliance Certified coffee beans.
