While many now live hybrid lives between office and work-from-home, inspiration is often found the most within a third space; as the nation embraces newfound flexibility, there has been a renaissance in working from coffee shops. This is the inspiration behind Starbucks’ latest campaign created by Iris, ‘Every Table has a Story’.

The hero film has been shot on 16mm film to evoke a feeling of nostalgia in audiences and is set in the familiar ‘world’ used in Starbucks’ previous award-winning campaign, “What’s Your Name?”. The ad shows a year in the life of Kay, an inspiring creative entrepreneur as she weathers the lows and highs of making it on her own, all from the same table at Starbucks.

For younger generations who have had career prospects hit hard by the pandemic, Starbucks aims to provide a space for them to forge their own path. With this campaign, the brand aims to celebrate the journeys of enterprising individuals who are furthering their passions or careers at Starbucks.

Alongside the hero film which will run as 60”, 30”, and 20” ads, across Cinema, BVOD, online video, socials and owned channels, the wider campaign focuses on other stories of progress such as graphic designer, Ibby and activist, Kate. The campaign aims to uplift and inspire others to follow their own passions.

The campaign brings to a close the 5-year partnership between Iris and Starbucks UK which produced award-winning creative such as the “What’s Your Name?” campaign. Starbucks' pitch review process for its next creative agency is being handled by Creativebrief.

“Starbucks’ mission is to inspire and nurture the human spirit, one person, one cup and one neighbourhood at a time. The work we've created over the last 5 years has brought meaning to this ambition. This campaign is no exception.” explained Eli Vasiliou, Group Creative Director at Iris, “At every table, in every store, real life is playing out. Through a cinematic lens, we've told the small but powerful story of one inspirational woman, leaving behind a legacy that demonstrates the emotional punch of creative storytelling.”

The heartfelt campaign sees the brand build upon the strong emotional connection it has with its customers as it continues to place people at the centre of its communications.