The dedication, initial butterflies and artistry in performance of Winter Olympic athletes is captured in this image ad for Visa that’s currently airing in China.
We open on a lone ski jumper at the height of a slope, preparing for an Olympics run down the incline. Next seen are other Winter Olympians–a pair of figure skaters, a line of speed skaters–each about to start their respective sports in competition, the venue in this case being a rink.
The camera takes us from one sport to the next as each performer starts his or her routine. The skier zips down the mountain, the figure skaters–a man and woman–begin their beautiful piece of ice choreography, and then the speed skaters let loose. There’s some Visa signage in the rink, but it’s only a small bit of the backdrop.
The grace of each athlete is on display, culminating in the skier making her jump, twisting and looping through the air before ending with a perfect landing. She forms two of her fingers into a V for victory, which also serves as the V in a supered Visa as the spot concludes.
“Victory” was directed by Hari Carlos Sama of Catatonia Films, Mexico City, for BBDO Shanghai.
Merrillyn Lim was executive producer for Catatonia, with Ari Madrid serving as international producer/coordinator. The job was shot on location in China by DP Miguel Lopez. Facilitating production in China was Gravity Films, which has offices in Shanghai and Singapore.
The BBDO team consisted of executive creative director Johnny Tan, copywriter Rocky Hao, art director Kit Koh, and producer Grace Yu.
Editor was Yong of Video Headquarters, Singapore. Jerry Teo and Ricky Ho of Yellow Box Music House, Singapore, served as sound designer and music composer, respectively.
Principal actors were Yang Yang, Tong Jian, Pang Qing and Li Ni Na.
