SpecialGuest Enlists Alex Honnold to Climb ‘Heaven’ for Squarespace

By Erik Oster 

Agency SpecialGuest enlisted professional climber Alex Honnold to take on a route in Yosemite known as “Heaven,” in free solo fashion, meaning no rope or protective gear for an ad promoting Squarespace 7.

While Honnold is one of the world’s preeminent solo climbers, “Heaven” is no walk in the park, even for him. Before the ad was shot he’d only taken it on once without gear, and describes it as “the most severe route you’ll ever climb.” Since it also affords the best views in Yosemite, Honnold was happy to take on the challenge. A 30-second version of the spot debuted during the World Series last night, but we’ve included the full length version above.

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The spot is part of a larger campaign promoting the launch of Squarespace 7 and Alex also helped inspire “Shift,” one of twelve new design templates in the latest version of Squarespace. As you may remember, he’s also not a stranger to advertising, having scaled the GS&P building this June for Stride Health.

Credits:

Client: Squarespace
Chief Creative Officer: David Lee
Senior Producer: Rich Minkoff
Designer: Luis Gonzalez

“Squarespace Presents: Alex Honnold”

Agency: SpecialGuest
EPs: Cheri Anderson, Sam Penfield
ECD: Aaron Duffy
CD: Jonathan Emmerling
Post Producer: Barry Gilbert
Live Action Producer: Garrett Fennelly
Editor: John McSwain
Additional Editor: Chelsey Blackmon
Sound Design and Audio: Color, NY
Original Music: “Daybreak” by Panam
Color Grading: Ricart & Co

Production Company: RXR
Director/Photographer: Jimmy Chin
Consulting Director: Jonathan Emmerling
DP: Dirk Collins
Camera Operator: Robert Frost
Line Producer: Shannon Ethridge

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