A new Sutter Health spot, "Resilient," via agency barrettSF and directed by Plummer/Strauss aims to ease patients back into the doctor's office. "We humans are resilient," commences the 30-second ad, as scenes unfold of people moving on with life after surgery, refreshing themselves in nature, and even entering the world. It goes on to remind us that we're vulnerable, too, explaining "At Sutter, we see you as the sometimes vulnerable, always resilient person you are—it's helping every human, every way we can.” 

Sutter Health is a dedicated network of healthcare professionals across Northern California, and they provide care to millions. While every person is unique, there is a universal truth that regardless of the circumstances, everyone is both vulnerable and resilient in many ways. In the :30 and two :15-second spots, Sutter Health and barrettSF explored that idea further and found there was real value in talking about something that doesn’t gloss over the fact that humanity is fascinating, something to be acknowledged and celebrated.

"There's an elephant in the room right now, and it's vulnerability. People aren't sure what to believe, or who to believe. It takes leadership and courage for Sutter to speak to that vulnerability that so many of us feel” said Jamie Barrett, barrettSF Founder/Executive Creative Director.

Getting close up and personal was the guiding force behind the production approach by directing duo Plummer/Strauss who worked side-by-side with the agency early on to design how most effectively to impart a diverse expression of resilience in the face of many life experiences. With two days, two locations and a small crew, the team used tight shots and expressive framing to provide an intimate vantage point on how quality care supports positive momentum. 

“We thought the timeline and budget would require a mix of live action and stock, but our director team of Plummer/Strauss came up with an ambitious way to shoot everything. And the end product is anything but scrappy,” notes barrettSF Creative Director Aryan Aminzadeh. “In fact, they made the ordinary seem extraordinary with how beautifully they captured everyday moments of human resilience and fragility.