Mercedes-Benz’ latest global brand film celebrates the confidence and vision of Bertha Benz–Carl Benz’ business partner and wife–who was instrumental in launching Mercedes-Benz.
Released in honor of International Women’s Day (March 8), the film tells the story of the world’s first long distance drive in a car from Mannheim to Pforzheim, Germany in 1888. Early one morning, Bertha took her two sons out for the 12 hour, 106 km / 65 mile trip. She understood the potential of her husband’s invention, and was determined to prove it worked at a time when people were skeptical of this new technology.
Shot like a classic Western with modern stylization, the film conveys the fear and confusion of the people who witnessed Bertha’s incredible journey, and dramatizes one of her stops along the way. Mechanics didn’t exist, so she went to the pharmacy to find fuel, used her hat pin to clear fuel lines, and her garter for insulation. Through her dedication, she paved the way for the invention of the Benz Patent Motor Car.
The story of Bertha Benz is the latest in an ongoing transformation of Mercedes-Benz’ communications–aiming to appeal to women and a younger demographic–with Berlin agency antoni. Sebastian Strasser via Anorak Film directed Bertha Benz: The Journey That Changed Everything.
Credits
Client Daimler AG, Mercedes-Benz Agency antoni_garage, Berlin Marcell Francke, Tilman Gossner, Veit Moeller, executive creative directors; Alice Bottaro, creative director; Andre Santa Cruz, writer; Juliane Krause-Akelbein, creative director digital; Alicia Gaworska, strategist; Sebastiaan Peters, Marcus Wetschewald, producers; Antonio Alfonso, motion design. Production Anorak Film Sebastian Strasser, director; Christoph Petzenhauser, exec producer/producer; Bjoern Levy-Kreuger, producer; Justin Brown, DP; Christian Wegehinkel, postproduction supervisor. Production Service Co. Icon Films Editorial Trim Editing/Slaughterhouse Berlin Thomas Grove Carter, editor; Benedikt Hugendubel, colorist; Romola Davies, assistant colorist. Sound Studio Slaughterhouse Berlin Florian Kruse, sound designer/mixer; Raife Burchell/Dirty Soup, sound producer. Music Steve Slides & Steffen Thum, music; Raife Burchell/Dirty Soup, music coordinator. Postproduction/VFX The Mill London Justin Stiebel, producer; Dan Williams, VFX supervisor; Carl Norton, 2D lead; Can Y. Sanaian, matte painting.
This trailer promotes Charge Around The Globe, a new adventure docuseries that follows record-breaking traveler Lexie Limitless on an extraordinary journey to circumnavigate the globe in an electric vehicle--traveling over 30,000 kilometers across six continents, all in pursuit of one world record. The three-part series on Prime Video in the U.K. showcases the capabilities of modern electric vehicles while immersing viewers in the numerous experiences and challenges Lexie encounters throughout her journey. As she navigates various challenges throughout her trip, Charge Around the Globe serves as a testament to the spirit of exploration. Ford, Wieden+Kennedy London and WracK teamed on the series.
The documentary aims to address the primary concern hindering many consumers from transitioning to electric: doubts about the range and capability of electric vehicles. As a 120-year-old brand, Ford looked to its past as inspiration for the switch that’s taking place today. Over a century ago, pioneering explorer Aloha Wanderwell set off from Nice at the age of 16 to become the first woman to drive around the world in a Ford Model T. Now, in 2024, we get to see Lexie, the youngest person to visit every country in the world, take to the wheel of the electric Ford Explorer, reinventing that historic journey for a new generation. Along the way, she meets extraordinary people, navigates difficult terrains, and faces the challenges of a constantly evolving charging infrastructure that puts her to the test.
“Charge Around The Globe has been the ultimate test drive for our new electric Ford Explorer. We took on every kind of weather and road condition and dealt with just about every charging scenario. The journey embodies the true... Read More
