A continuation of the themes behind Codecademy’s first brand campaign, “Live by Your Own Code”—led to the creation of the brand’s first TV commercial, “If You Could Do Anything.” Our attempt at speaking to the deep emotional need to have personal agency. That learning to code can allow one to enjoy freedom, flexibility, and control within their lives.

The idea came from not only what we saw happening, in the world—as initiated by a global pandemic, conversations people were having around work and life, amidst the Great Resignation and still today with trends like quiet quitting—but also conversations our own Codecademy learners were having on our forums and across social.

Shot over the course of two days in Los Angeles, the long form would become our brand anthem with 30 and 15 second versions being used on tv and paid social. Directed by Michael Parenteau, the spot makes use of several interesting filming techniques and splitscreen transitions, including the use of a OneWheel and a few custom rigging setups.