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Coca-Cola Rolls Out New AI ‘Holidays Are Coming’ Ads, Defends Craft as Backlash Returns

Executives cite a month-long, small‑team workflow as evidence of faster, cheaper production despite renewed criticism.

Overview

  • Two AI-generated commercials from Secret Level and Silverside debuted Nov. 3, with a traditionally shot version airing in select Latin markets.
  • The new spots center on AI-rendered animals watching the red trucks, with the lone human as a Santa based on Haddon Sundblom’s archival art.
  • Coca-Cola says five AI specialists refined more than 70,000 clips in about 30 days, with roughly 100 people involved across the campaign.
  • Creative professionals and viewers fault the look and labor implications, while observers note fixes such as rotating truck wheels alongside lingering realism issues.
  • Brand leaders argue craftsmanship has improved and timelines have shortened, as industry data from the IAB shows about 30% of video ads now incorporate generative AI.