The agency proposed animation for the Valentine’s Day commercial as a way of distilling OpenTable’s rich diner insights into flavor-packed moments that remind us why to gather, not just what it looks like. The campaign which is running on social in the US market, anchors itself to a series of simple truths. For instance, a great Valentine’s Day can be as much about the restaurant as the company.
“Animation is a big swing. But we really see great food as a hand-made craft, and we love the way the sense of the artist’s hand is echoed in the work we’re doing with Giant Ant. It really fits who we are, and what we want to celebrate.”
Robin Chiang, OpenTable’s Chief Growth Officer
While looking at OpenTable’s industry, it was clear that there was room to stand out visually among its competitors “Each brand in the space was following a similar brief. If it was a TV show the log line would be: It’s Chef’s Table, but on the set of White Lotus, and with the mood of Friends,” said Giant Ant’s Founder, Jay Grandin.
“A great dining experience is viscerally emotional. Whether it’s Valentine’s Day, Mother's Day or the first lunch of the season outdoors, these moments stay with us. Animation allows us to capture that essence in a way that feels both universal and deeply personal,” says Grandin.
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The film, stills, and clips:
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About OpenTable
OpenTable, a global leader in restaurant tech and part of Booking Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: BKNG), helps more than 60,000 restaurants worldwide fill 1.9 billion seats a year. OpenTable's world-class technology empowers restaurants to focus on what matters most – their team, their guests, and their bottom line – while enabling diners to discover and book the perfect restaurant for every occasion.
About Giant Ant
Giant Ant is a creative studio known for connecting with audiences through story and craft. Based in Vancouver, we’re a tight-knit team of artists, directors & dreamers who know that people don’t remember what we tell them, but how we make them feel. For 17 years, we’ve helped brands translate big ideas into honest, human stories that connect with their audiences. Whether it’s a short film, a campaign, or a single moment in motion, our work finds the emotional core and brings it to life with intention and craft. Clients come to us when the stakes are high, and the story matters most. We collaborate closely, think deeply, and deliver work that moves with purpose.
About Residence
Residence is a global network of creative companies united by a shared mission: to empower creative potential. Its companies bring deep expertise across branding, experiential marketing, digital products, media, and community-building, working collectively to help ambitious organizations make a meaningful impact. Residence was founded to champion best-in-class creative work while supporting the talent and culture that make it possible. For more information, visit residence.co.
