Johnnie Walker 'Start of the Year' celebrates the fresh beginnings a new year brings. BBH and RESET directing duo US worked with The Mill to create the unique spot.
A man is pulled from his celebration with a glass of Johnnie Walker to run through the steps of a new year. A shop transitions into a plane, and then into a conference room and beyond before bringing him back to the party. He climbs, runs or stands triumphantly through each environment.
The spot was shot in one take, on a set built on a 240ft track, which pulled through the entire length from start to finish. A large treadmill was placed in the center for the main character to walk on, and adjusted to move quickly or stand still through different situations. The Mill's shoot supervisor Hitesh Patel was on hand to advise on the technical transitions, and 2D lead artist Richard Lyons modified slight details throughout the spot to let the practical effects shine through. Fireworks were added in 2D for a grand finale.
Check out the behind the scenes on how the spot was filmed here.
Agency: BBH
Producer: Abbie Noon
Creative Director: Gerard Caputo
Creatives: Mikio Bradley, Klara Lindberg
Production Company: RESET/ACADEMY FILMS
Director: US
Executive Producer: Jeff McDougal
Producer: Medb Riordan
Editing Company: RPS
Editor: Ted Guard
VFX & Design: The Mill
Executive Producer: Sean Costelloe
VFX Producers: Alex Fitzgerald, Alexandra Paton
Shoot Supervisor: Hitesh Patel
2D Lead Artist: Richard Lyons
2D Artists: Krissy Nordella, Dan Rossenberg, Kshitj Khanna
Pre-Viz: Philip Maddock, Rob Holmes