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Olivia Wilde directs horror-inspired Apple ads aimed at college students

It’s the director's first project for the tech giant and features three short spooky spots.

By Amy Houston, Senior Reporter

The Drum

May 13, 2025 | 2 min read

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Apple has unveiled its latest campaign, featuring three new ad spots set on college campuses. Each short introduces the audience to a host of characters who think they’ve seen it all until they witness how students are using their Macs to get work done more efficiently.

All the videos take a creepy and horror-inspired tone, which is a stark difference from the sunshine-laden upbeat Pedro Pascal spot Apple released earlier this year.

The work comes from Don’t Worry Darling filmmaker Olivia Wilde, who makes her debut for the brand. Wilde is no stranger to commercial work, having previously worked with Amazon two years ago on its ‘Tache’ ad.

Oscar-winning cinematographer Erik Messerschmidt, known for Gone Girl, worked alongside Wilde on the project.

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Credits

Agency: TBWA\Media Arts Lab, Los Angeles

Director: Olivia Wilde

Production company: Anonymous Content

Post-roduction company: Pariah

Editing: Work Editorial (Rich Orrick, Editor)

Director of photography: Erik Messerschmidt

Music: Jerskin Fendrix, Composer

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