Creative production company Where the Buffalo Roam partnered with Google Brand Studio EMEA on The Bicycling Bookseller, a heartwarming story about Mattia Garavaglia, a local bookstore owner in Turin, Italy. This three-and-half-minute film is a story of hope and resilience navigating the pandemic as a small business owner – and how Google Maps helped make it happen.
Garavaglia’s dreams of owning his own bookshop were nearly shattered when COVID-19 hit. Looking for new ways to stay connected with his customers and community, he posted a photo of himself and his bike on social media with the caption, “I’ll come to you.” Within days, Garavaglia was hand-plotting 50 delivery points around the city and spending hours on his bike. With the help of Google Maps, he was able to efficiently navigate the quickest bike routes and deliver more books in half the time. In the true spirit of camaraderie, Garavaglia also partnered with another local business, NORA Book & Coffee, to help extend their reach even further.
“We all wanted the takeaway of this film to be about hope,” said director Jonathan Zames of Where the Buffalo Roam. “We love working with Google. They always do a great job of keeping the story about the person, which allowed us to focus on Mattia’s ingenuity and passion for his community.”
Trying to shoot an international production while under lockdown presented parallels between Garavaglia’s story of problem-solving and perseverance. Where the Buffalo Roam traveled to Turin, Italy, for the late summer production, which required a two-week quarantine before shooting began.
Zames, Where the Buffalo Roam partner/executive producer Tim Pries, and DP David McMurry utilized the lock-in for exploring visual inspiration–everything from film to photography to lighting and lenses–while meticulously planning shoot logistics, such as location scouting, permits, and sourcing production equipment.
“This shoot only underscored how fortunate we, like Mattia, are to keep doing what we love, even under abnormal circumstances,” concluded Zames. “To come through a big adventure at a time like this made it all the more special.”
CreditsClient Google Brand Studio EMEA Ben Malbon, sr. director, Google Marketing; Dan Germain, executive creative director; Lou Trethewey, head of production; Kelsey Conklin, creative producer; Stevie Yip, Mike Dorrance, art directors; Amy Durrant, copywriter. Production Where The Buffalo Roam, Oakland, Calif. Jonathan Zames, director; Tim Pries, exec producer; David McMurry, DP; Christine Whitney, head of production; Eden Cooney, coordinator. On-Location Production Company Panorama Films, Roma, Italy Fabio Aneto, exec producer; Ute Leonhardt, producer. Stock Footage Shutterstock, NY Erik Kinoglaz, drone footage pull; Emli Bendixen, photographer. Editorial Where The Buffalo Roam Collin Kriner, editor. Postproduction MPC, London Phil Hambi, colorist; Edwin Elkington, exec producer. VFX Where The Buffalo Roam Simon Mowbray, sr. Flame artist. Sound Design/Audio Post Jungle Studios Digital Media + Post Production, London Chris Turner, sound designer/audio engineer. Music Asche + Spencer, Minneapolis Matt Locher, exec producer.
The Best Work You May Never See: Ad Council, U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs, GSD&M, Director Andre Muir Show Us “The Bravest Thing”
As Suicide Prevention Month begins, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Ad Council teamed with agency GSD&M to roll out PSAs for their national campaign: “Don’t Wait. Reach Out.” The initiative, which started in 2021, urges Veterans who are facing challenges to visit VA.gov/REACH, a comprehensive website that helps them access the many resources available.
The PSAs, including this one titled “The Bravest Thing,” were directed by Andre Muir of production house SMUGGLER. “The Bravest Thing” acknowledges that it can be hard for Veterans to reach out if they’re struggling--but in the eyes of their loved ones, seeking help is an act of bravery. By featuring Veterans alongside their friends and family, the film encourages Veterans to open up if they’re struggling and reminds everyone that they can play a role in supporting Veterans in their lives.
“When a Veteran is ready to reach out, VA is ready to provide services and support. One of the bravest things Veterans can do is ask for help,” said Dr. Matthew Miller, executive director, VA Office of Suicide Prevention. “These new messages are powerful and compassionate additions to the ‘Don’t Wait. Reach Out.’ campaign that features the voices of loved ones, underscoring the vital role that family and friends play in supporting Veterans. We all play a role in suicide prevention and this call to action engages community and connections, which are crucial in preventing Veteran suicide. Through this campaign, we can spread hope that Veterans, and all of us, can overcome crises and difficult life challenges.”
6,392 Veterans lost their lives to suicide in 2021, according to the latest data from the 2023 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report.... Read More