BENDIGO BANK "NO REGRETS" CAMPAIGN
Director, Editor: Chris Phillips
Client & Initial Script: Dan Holland
Producer: Mitch Forrester
DOP: Marin Johnson
Launch Date: April 10
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. I focussed on the target audience (young home buyers) and media placements (reality TV and sport) to define the territory for the comedic intros, and set up a recognisable couple who we could then follow into the bank to satisfy the retail elements of the campaign. It was definitely one of the most enjoyable campaigns I've worked on despite the deadline crunch. Now I must buy a golden retriever.
Shots by Max Milne
BEHIND THE SCENES
CREDITS
Direction, Editing, Creative Direction: Chris Phillips
Client & Initial Script Writer: Dan Holland
Producer: Mitch Forrester
DOP: Marin Johnson
Casting: Jamie Houge, Adrienne Pickering
Props / Art Direction: Holly Preston, Phoebe Smith
Still Photography: Max Milne
Edit Assist: Isaac Hodgkinson
Production Assist: Virginia Kay
Colour Grade: CJ Dobson
Online: Patrick Salter, Andrew Pascoe
Sound Mix: Backlot Studio
Lead Actors: Neil Goldsmith, Leah Winterton
First AD: Robbie McEwan
VFX: Cole Gadsby, Paul Travers
RELATED WORK
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.
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.
For the launch of the 2015 Holden Racing team season, we were briefed on creating a "Brand Mantra" video to kick off the season. The brief was to celebrate the fans on the 25th anniversary of the team, so I travelled with producer Matt Hearn to visit some of their most committed fans around Australia, and ask them what they loved most about Australia's oldest V8 race team. What I enjoyed seeing most was the sense of community they drew from their passion for the team.