Lensing in a state-of-the-art mechanized car factory with its high-tech assembly line machinery and robotic-like devices takes on a decidedly, surprisingly human, humorous dimension in this spot for Skoda automobiles from Fallon London.
Rather than hearing the humming of humdrum machinery, the high-tech hardware sounds joyful, playful and even giggles as it puts together the various components that go into making a Skoda. That’s because the Skoda is such a fun vehicle, spawning a generation of happy drivers. Even the machines are having a jolly good time.
Former Fallon creative director Andy McLeod helmed the spot–marking his directorial debut–via London production house Rattling Stick. The core Fallon creative team consisted of the duo Matt & Ian, as well as producer Kirsty Burns.
Alwin Kuchler was the DP. Editor was Steve Gandolfi of Cut+Run, London.
The creation and selection of happy sounds was key to the spot. So Parv Thind and Joe Mount, sound designers/audio mixers from Wave Recording Studios, London, flew to Skoda’s Czech car factory to work closely with McLeod and the Fallon team early in pre-pro to help shape this audio-driven concept.
Review: Director Jon M. Chu’s “Wicked”
It's the ultimate celebrity redemption tour, two decades in the making. In the annals of pop culture, few characters have undergone an image makeover quite like the Wicked Witch of the West.
Oh, she may have been vengeful and scary in "The Wizard of Oz." But something changed — like, REALLY changed — on the way from the yellow brick road to the Great White Way. Since 2003, crowds have packed nightly into "Wicked" at Broadway's Gershwin Theatre to cheer as the green-skinned, misunderstood Elphaba rises up on her broomstick to belt "Defying Gravity," that enduring girl-power anthem.
How many people have seen "Wicked"? Rudimentary math suggests more than 15 million on Broadway alone. And now we have "Wicked" the movie, director Jon M. Chu's lavish, faithful, impeccably crafted (and nearly three-hour) ode to this origin story of Elphaba and her (eventual) bestie — Glinda, the very good and very blonde. Welcome to Hollywood, ladies.
Before we get to what this movie does well (Those big numbers! Those costumes!), just a couple thornier issues to ponder. Will this "Wicked," powered by a soulful Cynthia Erivo (owner of one of the best singing voices on the planet) and a sprightly, comedic, hair-tossing Ariana Grande, turn even musical theater haters into lovers?
Tricky question. Some people just don't buy into the musical thing, and they should be allowed to live freely amongst us. But if people breaking into song delights rather than flummoxes you, if elaborate dance numbers in village squares and fantastical nightclubs and emerald-hued cities make perfect sense to you, and especially if you already love "Wicked," well then, you will likely love this film. If it feels like they made the best "Wicked" movie money could buy — well, it's... Read More