After a great experience working on the ‘No Regrets’ Bendigo Bank campaign, it was time for a different approach in 2017. This time we wanted to really show the broader point of difference of Bendigo Bank, in particular the enormous contributions that go towards projects around each bank. So we called on the beneficiaries to come forward with a bit of a surprise for customers. Yes it was terrifying to shoot. The unknowns of the surprise set up require a hell of a lot of preparation. But we were all wrapped with the results and after starting with 3 locations we ended up doing the surprise set up in 7 banks around Australia.
Early in 2016 I got a call from an old friend Dan Holland who was working as the Bendigo Bank Creative Hub manager and had written a TV script with a rapidly approaching deadline. It was the first time I’d worked on a script pre-written by an internal creative division, which turned out to be a hugely positive experience. It ensured everyone was on the same page from day one, and I was free to put all my attention on the storytelling and visuals - the first task being to concept up a handful of "regret" scenarios.
Midway through 2015 I pitched for a new Nike apparel launch, which was probably a little over ambitious given the scale of the job and how quickly it needed to be completed. But it turned out to be a ripping task shooting first in New Zealand with fitness trainer Kirsty Godso, then flying to Perth for AFL star Nic Naitanui and hockey player Anna Flanagan, and finishing off in Sydney with NRL player Michael Jennings. It was a very challenging campaign in part due to the locations, also because I was silly enough to simultaneously direct and produce it. But it was an enjoyable challenge, and I loved working with some extremely talented friends to shoot it in Australia and NZ.
The Holden account and it's partner brands have been part of my working landscape since my first job out of uni as a graduate designer. A few years later I moved into the full time roll of creative lead on the digital account, responsible for all digital marketing and the buzz word stuff like 'multi-platform' launch campaigns. After leaving Visual Jazz in 2010 to pursue video production, I eventually ended up back on the red lion as the freelance Creative director at Melbourne production agency Hot Glue. The role has covered anything from launch campaigns, directing TV ads and branded content, also encompassing Holden Special Vehicles and the Holden Racing Team.