This spot for Starling Bank–“Helping Business Fly” directed by Elliot Dear through Blinkink for agency Wonderhood Studios, London–follows the journey of a small business owner heroically setting off into the unknown. The main character waves goodbye to her supportive family before her shed/home office literally takes off with the help of the app from U.K. digital bank Starling. Her epic adventure takes us on the relatable highs and lows of starting a new business before successfully breaking through the clouds.
The creative concept was brought to life with both live action as well as through miniatures and practical effects to give it a hand-crafted authentic feel. The Hollywood score, re-recorded with a full orchestra, gives the ad a family movie feel and sets the tone of optimism and bravery.
Blinkink director Dear said, “I love shooting with miniatures. I’ve always been fascinated with how they achieved the special effects in Hollywood films before CG was an option, and most of my favorite movies use models and practical effects. The design and build part of a project is really enjoyable for me, and I personally love watching the skill and craft that goes into making a scale model.
“When it comes to the filming, I feel that there’s a certain quality to the finish of a miniature, coupled with the real light and lenses, that can often make it feel more realistic, and any movement tends to feel more organic and nuanced. It really depends on what the effect is, but for me it’s a far more enjoyable process than solely using CG, and has a charm that’s difficult to simulate… although I do like to use CG to augment miniatures and add any finishing touches.”
Blinkink handled this CG augmentation in addition to producing the overall job in terms of live action, miniatures and practical effects.
