AUCKLAND, Today: House of Travel’s new Better Together brand campaign has reunited acclaimed Flying Fish director Gregor Nicholas with advertising legend Roy Meares. The duo’s previous award-winning collaborations include the iconic Heineken Photojournalist spot.
Like that film, their latest excursion is inspired by a true story. House of Travel consultant Lucy (played by Tanya Horo) goes the extra mile by helping a couple fulfil their lifelong dream to visit the Pyramids.
Like Photojournalist, which included scenes set in Kuwait, West Africa, Kosovo and Paris, the House of Travel film was shot entirely in Auckland and transformed an inner-city lane into a bustling Cairo street bazaar.
But they didn’t stop there. Nicholas asked Catch Casting to find extras from within Auckland’s Egyptian community.
“The film was shot entirely in Auckland and transformed an inner-city lane into a bustling Cairo street bazaar.”
“Attention to those details adds up,” he said. “Locations are crucial, but authentic faces can transport you to another world. When we were shooting, one of the extras came up to me and said, ‘I feel like I could go and knock on that door over there and my mother will open it’.”
Nicholas and his producer partner Penelope Sinclair enjoyed a close working relationship with creative director Roy Meares and producer Jackie Clark.
“It was a very collaborative process,” said Nicholas, “Roy and I refined the scripts together, conferred on performances, and when we were honing the edits, Roy always had great insights.
“That energy and enthusiasm spilled over into all departments. DP Marty Williams, designer Neville Stevenson, costume designer Kristin Seth, editor Alex O’Shaughnessy, VFX artist Leon Woods and composer Peter Van der Fluit all brought great talent and production value to the project, helping create a spot with a very cinematic look.”
CREDITS
Production Company: Flying Fish
Executive Producer: James Moore
Director: Gregor Nicholas
Producer: Penelope Sinclair
DOP: Marty Williams
Production Designer: Neville Stevenson
Editor: Alex O’Shaughnessy
Production Manager: Lisa Kissin
Casting: Catch Casting
Online editor / post FX: Leon Woods
Colourist: Tom Meares
Post-Production: Mandy VFX
Composer: Peter van der Fluit /Liquid Studios
Audio Post: Clive Broughton / Factory Studios
Agency: House of Travel
Creative Director: Roy Meares
Executive Producer / Campaign Manager: Jackie Clark
Senior Account Director / Brand Implementation Manager: Lizzie Brett
Strategist: Julie Darlow
Share this Post
