After success branding the hotelier last year, Grey re-approached Holm to direct its latest campaign, this time shooting in Istanbul. Supply&Demand flew Holm over early to allow an extra week of scouting before the job awarded. That gamble paid off:
“David’s earlier work ended up becoming our style guide for the shoot,” acknowledges creative director Denise O’Bleness on Holm’s eagerness to continually shape ideas. “His images, ideas and research went as far as Marriott’s global print campaign that also uses his beautifully composed shots.”
Holm, a director of photography himself, directed for five days, shooting footage alongside cinematographer Justin Henning, visiting multiple locations to attain the right feel for the brand – the allure of travel, the need for comfort and the security of trusting in Marriott Hotels & Resorts no matter your destination or itinerary.
“It’s great to have an agency like Grey trust us and hire David on a project of this magnitude,” explains Tim Case, Supply&Demand’s Founder / Managing Partner. “We were excited to direct, shoot and also have the opportunity to bring design and animation to the campaign. Trust with an agency is always critical, in this instance to create a world of beautiful destinations for Marriott International's flagship brand.”
Editing was handled by Marco Perez at Union, NY, while Design and Animation took place at ODD (Office of Development and Design) with Holm acting as Creative Director – effects neatly tying in Marriott’s branding iconography, as designed by Grey after winning the account from mcgarrybowen:
“We’ve been working with Marriott to update elements such as the company logo and brand voice,” O’Bleness explains. “David used topographical lines, lens flair and various graphics elements that were taken directly from our designs.”
As for re-hiring Holm for the second campaign, O’Bleness admits there’s plenty of directorial talent out there – but why bother when Holm continues to deliver:
“Lots of good directors to choose from with incredible talent,” she explains, noting how Holm won the work over other heavy hitters. “You never go back to a director unless there are compelling reasons. David is incredibly gifted, quick on his feet and works with what he’s given. He went above and beyond our expectations, as he did in the first campaign. We couldn’t have asked for more.”
Holm continues focusing on new work, currently in the midst of shooting another global campaign for a large multinational brand soon to be announced – all projects allowing him to continually push boundaries as a director:
“I need to take chances, to diversify my work,” says Holm. “It’s about growing as a director – finding the story, setting the bar higher each time I go out there and making it happen the best that I can. Grey really trusted in me on this job, and because of that it really shows in the final product.”
Creative Credits:
Director / Cameraman David Holm
Executive Producers / Managing Partners: Tim Case & Charles Salice
Executive Producer / Managing Director: Jeff Scruton
Producer: Ari Hakim
Cinematographer: Justin Henning
Head of Production: Nathan de la Rionda
Agency // Grey Group
CCO: Tor Myhren
ECDs: Jan Egan & Ron Castillo
CD: Denise O'Bleness
Copywriter Emily Goldenberg
Director, Broadcast Production Bennett McCarroll
VP / EP: Kim Kietz
AP: Sophia Pellicoro
Casting Director: Nina Pratt
Senior Music Director: Zack Pollakoff
EVP: Chris Hinkaty
VP: Hope St. Clair
AE: Ben Krame
AAE: Joe Colandrea
Post Production // ODD, NY
Creative Director: David Holm
Executive Producer(s): Tim Case & Charles Salice
Head of Production: Matthew Turke
Editorial // Union
Editor: Marco Perez
Senior Producer: Sara Mills