Internationally loved film actress Monica Bellucci serves as the ultimate reflection of timeless beauty in a new ad for Oriflame’s anti-aging treatment Royal Velvet. Director Rebecca Blake not only captures the actress’s stunning features with great lighting, but also brings out her personality and intelligence. Blake’s unique ability at directing high profile celebrities and capturing an authentic performance on camera is demonstrated in this spot with Bellucci.
"We had fun with it," says Blake, who kept the atmosphere light hearted, so that she could work with Monica in a relaxed and intimate manner. "She makes a strong connection with the lens, and with the audience." The beauty lighting was designed in advance to work perfectly from multiple camera angles.
Blake worked with cinematographer Deke Donelian, and New York visual effects boutique Light of Day. The latter contributed CG elements and background environments which were designed as part of the overall concept. Flame artist Colin Stackpole worked with Blake to create the look and motion of these environments, along with adding light flares and effects.
Blake shot Bellucci on a film stage in Paris, where the actress lives with husband Vincent Cassell. "There is always something so magical about working in Paris," Blake says. "It was a great experience, and I’m thrilled with the result".
Credits
Client: Oriflame
Agency: Milk Moscow
Production: Rebecca Blake Films, A STORY Company, New York. Rebecca Blake, director; Deke Donelian, director of photography; Mark Androw and Cliff Grant, executive producers.
Post: Light of Day, New York.
Colin Stackpole, creative director; Justin Barnes, CG artist; Amy Taylor, producer.
Rebecca Blake Films, A STORY Company, is represented on the East Coast by R2 (Robin Fried and Richard Fink) (212) 647-8464; in the Midwest by Dawn Ratcliffe (312) 491-9194; in the Southeast by Sarah Lange, (646) 283-0699; in the Southwest by Gossip!, (214) 288-2813 and on the West Coast by Susan Bennett (310) 827-8441.
