A Neat, Subtle Camera Trick Drives the Storytelling in Subaru's New Spot

Subaru has done plenty of safety advertising over the years. Its first spot out of the gate this year celebrates the Subaru Forester being named a 2018 IIHS Top Safety Pick—and it's a story told in sweeping fashion that covers a woman's entire life, up to a moment where it might have ended. The ad, titled "A Life Story on the Line," broke Saturday on TV in a 30-second format and Monday as a :60. It was directed by Lance Acord of Park Pictures, who's made so many memorable spots over the years. In fact, the power of the new ad derives in part from a clever choice with the camerawork. It's a subtle visual choice, but see if you notice it as you watch: [kickout id="1"] The camerawork nicely helps frame the time periods in the ad. In the historical scenes, the camera pulls back—as though retreating through the past. Then, as we reach the ad's turning point—the accident—it turns out to be literally a turning point for the camera. Finally, in the final scenes, the camera drives forward, along with the family, into the future—which wasn't cut short, thanks to the Forester. Brian Cavallucci, national advertising manager for Subaru of America, gives full credit to the agency and director for the artfulness of the approach. "We have an amazing creative team at our agency, Carmichael Lynch, who wrote this story, but it was our director, Lance Acord, who brought the visual storytelling to this spot," Cavallucci says. "We have worked with him several times, and he is an amazing talent. So when he brought this visual idea to us, we knew it was perfect." He adds: "There is a lot happening in this spot, so telling it in a clear, but emotional way, was very challenging. Thankfully we have a very collaborative approach with our agency team and we think it all came together extremely well." The spot will run alongside two other spots Subaru has coming out soon. CREDITS Client: Subaru of America Sr. Vice President, Marketing: Alan Bethke National Advertising Manager: Brian Cavallucci Integrated Media Specialist: Michelle Shoultes Agency: Carmichael Lynch Chief Creative Officer: Marty Senn Exec Creative Director: Randy Hughes Writer/Group Creative Director: Dean Buckhorn Art Director/Creative Director: Brad Harrison Head of Integrated Production: Joe Grundhoefer Senior Executive Content Producer: Brynn Hausmann Director of Business Affairs: Vicki Oachs Talent Payment Specialist: Jennifer Knutson Account Management Team: Brad Williams/Adam Craw/ Caroline Rudzinski Product Information Specialists: Robert Ar & Jonathan Bush Project Manager: Meredith Paul Production Company: Park Pictures Director / Director of Photography: Lance Acord Executive Producer: Jackie Kelman Bisbee Executive Producer: Justin Pollock Head of Production: Anne Bobroff Producer / Executive Producer: Caroline Kousidonis Edit House: Work Editorial Editor: Rich Orrick Assistant Editor: Mike Horan Executive Producer: Marlo Baird Producer: Marguerite Olivelle VFX Studio: a52 VFX Supervisor: Patrick Murphy VFX Lead: Matt Sousa 2D VFX Artist(s): Brendan Crockett, Rob Basham CG Supervisor: Andrew Romatz 3D Artists: Mike Cardenas, Mike Bettinardi, Joe Chiechi Online Editor: Kevin Stokes Producer: Michael Steinmann Production Coordinator: Andrew Rosenberger Executive Producer: Patrick Nugent & Kim Christensen Managing Directors: Linda Carlson & Jennifer Sofio Hall Volt Studios, Steve Medin Post Producer: Amanda Tibbits Telecine: MPC, Mark Gethin Audio Mix: SisterBoss, Carl White Sound Design: SisterBoss, Carl White Post Production Audio Producer: Annie Sparrows Music by: Walker Music Executive Producer: Stephanie Pigott Music Coordinator: Marissa Hernandez Performed by : Mark Tewarson Written by : Mark Tewarson

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A Neat, Subtle Camera Trick Drives the Storytelling in Subaru's New Spot

Lance Acord directs 'A Life Story on the Line' for the Forester

Tim Nudd

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Tim Nudd