What do Volvo, Jonnie Walker, Budweiser, and the Ukrainian Armed Forces have in common? They've all begun to embrace a new style of the commercial that threatens, or perhaps promises, to change the way we see advertising forever. These advertisements aren't simply to make us buy their products. They want to tell us a story, make us feel emotions, and ultimately win us to their side through artistry, rather than just flashy camera angles and car lot promises.

Now, you might be thinking to yourself: "Hold up Josh, aren't you the movie guy? Why are you about to lecture me about commercials?" The truth is, I want to be a filmmaker. I suspect, if you've read any of my articles you at least have an interest in the craft, and maybe have even had that dream yourself.

It's a hard truth that art doesn't pay all that well, but for us fledgling Finchers and Spielbergs there is a ray of hope: advertising. While not the most glamorous, it's one way for us to get our names out in the world and actually pay rent in the meantime.

So as I sit here, penning the script for my first "spec" commercial, I wanted to share some ads I've collected over the last few years that have been an inspiration to me. It's my hope that they may be an inspiration to you, too.

"Born The Hard Way" By Budweiser

Coming out only one month after President Trump took office, and amidst a political backdrop in which the immigrant story was a point of contention, "America's beer company" produced a Super Bowl commercial that sought to remind everyone of our immigrant roots. This ad is beautifully shot and tells a very human story.

Notice, we don't see a company name or logo until the very end of the commercial. Instead, the producers decided to let the story speak for itself and allowed their viewers to live in their world before reminding us that it is, indeed, a commercial. This ad is equal parts a harsh reminder that immigrant life in America has never been one of comfort and a beautiful love letter to the American dream.

"Moments" by Volvo

There may be a handful of traditional car shots sprinkled slyly throughout this piece, but they are far from the main feature. Again, this ad focuses on the story of a character's life, almost from beginning to end, and really backgrounds that this is a car commercial. The commercial is very visually striking and with a heart warming story. At no point do you think "eh, just another commercial."

Secondly, in the last moments of the ad, our attention (much like that of the little girl) is ripped back into reality in a gut wrenching way. Volvo gets their point across ("we're the safest, blah blah blah") but more importantly the viewer walks away having been shown an emotional story that will stick with them throughout their day. That staying power is, ultimately, where these advertisements excel.

"Each of Us" by The Ukrainian Armed Forces

This commercial stands in stark contrast to recruitment ads you may find in the United States, and for good reasons. Ukraine has seen a lot of bloody conflict in the last few years and have had to fight a civil war that has taken a heavy toll on the country. Their recruitment ad approaches this issue genuinely. No one was born for war.

This commercial's message isn't the polished message our ads in the U.S. have tended to be as of late, but instead approaches the ongoing conflicts as a job that needs to be done while reminding viewers that there is always a life beyond the war zone.

"Dear Brother" by Dorian & Daniel (for Johnnie Walker)

Like the rest of the entries on this list, this is a visually pleasing commercial with a story that make you feel raw emotion. It backgrounds the labels and branding in favor of telling us a story that we can carry with us for the rest of the day. So whats the difference between this ad and the others listed above? This wasn't actually done by Johnnie Walker.

It was done by pair of Indie filmmakers as a "Spec" ad. This means that they didn't ask permission. They didn't pitch an idea and hope to get hired. Instead, they just went out and made this ad, hoping Johnnie Walker would like it (and they did, very much).

This is our path in, as young filmmakers. You can go out and make one of these tomorrow! Make one this afternoon, if you're so inclined! But regardless, get out there and make something. Companies need creatives to tell their stories, now more than ever.

So go, and tell the world a story.