LOS ANGELES, May 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ – Angelenos may be doing a double take this month as a disturbing advertisement has begun appearing across Los Angeles on a giant billboard containing images that reveal unsettling imagery beneath familiar consumer ads like makeup and fashion.
The campaign accompanies the release of This Is Not An Ad, a psychological thriller written and directed by Dustin Brown and produced by Last Chance for Animals (LCA). Since its release, the short film has generated more than 800,000 views on YouTube and over 16 million views across Instagram, sparking conversation online for its surreal visuals and commentary on consumer culture.
The film recently premiered at the Santa Monica Film Festival at the Directors Guild of America (DGA) in Hollywood and was just awarded a Gold Telly Award for Social Impact.
Starring Sierra McCormick (“American Horror Story”), the chilling short film follows a fast-food cook whose grip on reality begins to fracture as disturbing visions occur. Advertisements become distorted, causing confusion about what is hallucination and what is real life.
Inspired by LCA’s real undercover investigations, the film blends psychological horror, science fiction, and social commentary to examine the hidden realities behind what we eat, wear, and use.
Director Dustin Brown says the film grew out of the contradiction between modern branding and what it’s designed to conceal.
“When branding becomes ubiquitous, the ad disappears, and we’re left with the false reality it creates,” Brown said. “I hope the film unsettles, lingers, and encourages audiences to peel back that false reality. Meaningful change begins with the act of seeing clearly.”
LCA president and founder Chris DeRose praised the film for making a difficult animal welfare issue accessible to wider audiences.
“Storytelling like this has the power to go beyond preaching to the choir, reaching new audiences and revealing the often-hidden reality of animal suffering,” said DeRose. “It opens the door for audiences to think more deeply about issues they may otherwise avoid.”
This Is Not An Ad is now available to watch online. http://www.ThisIsNotAnAd.org/
ABOUT DUSTIN BROWN:
Dustin Brown is a Filmmaker passionate about telling character-driven, socially conscious stories. His work has been recognized at Cannes, BAFTA, Clermont-Ferrand, and supported by Film Independent, Kodak, and the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. He is a graduate of the American Film Institute Directing Program.
ABOUT LAST CHANCE FOR ANIMALS:
LCA is an international non-profit organization dedicated to eliminating animal exploitation through education, investigations, legislation, and public awareness campaigns. Since its formation in 1984, LCA has succeeded as one of the nation’s pioneer animal advocacy groups. LCA’s educational and public outreach programs have empowered the public to make positive changes for animals in their communities. https://www.lcanimal.org/
FILM INFORMATION
Title: This Is Not An Ad Runtime: 4 minutes
Written & Directed by: Dustin
Brown Starring: Sierra McCormick
Producer: Daniel Leighton
Executive Producer: Cindy Beal
Cinematographer: Mark Mannschreck
Production Designer: Clarisa Garcia-Fresco
Composer: Panu Aaltio
Produced by: Last Chance for Animals
Press stills, trailer, and campaign artwork are available upon request.
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SOURCE Last Chance For Animals
