Top Spot of the Week: Directors Yves Geleyn, Mike Thurmeier Team With DDB NY To Show Food’s Emotional Power In Kroger Holiday Film
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Robert Goldrich2170 views
Food has an incredible power to ensnare our senses and punch through time, bestowing upon us a remarkable window through which we can experience sharing past meals with loved ones once again. This enchanting, magical force is behind this ambitious Kroger grocery stores’ film, “Today’s Holiday Moments are Tomorrow’s Memories.” out of DDB New York.
Hornet director Yves Geleyn came together with feature filmmaker Mike Thurmeier to co-direct this holiday film, bringing the Hornet CG toolkit to bear. The story centers on an elderly man named Jack, who stumbles upon the cookbook of his late wife, Isabela. He tries to make a few dishes, and after each taste, he relives a holiday memory. The film ends in the present day when Jack carries on his favorite food traditions with his granddaughter.
“Through Jack and Isabela’s story, we are reminded that as life goes on, we all have special ways of keeping our loved ones with us,” said director Geleyn. “We wanted to make it relatable to the viewer, emphasize the importance of living the moment, and place the magic of family meals at the core. I think our biggest challenge was to hit so many different emotions in the run time we had, without anything feeling underdeveloped or over the top.”
Supporting the story is a unique cover of the Goo Goo Dolls’ 1998 hit sohg “Iris” performed by Gramm-winning artist Colbie Caillat.
Client The Kroger Co. Agency DDB New York Paulo Junger, executive creative director; Cassandra Anderson, Vinicius Fernandes, Mussashi Shintaku, creative directors; Bree Hopenwasser, sr. producer. Production Hornet Yves Geleyn, director; Michael Thurmeier, director; Michael Knapp, art director; Hana Shimizu, managing partner; Karen Lawler, head of production; Kristin Labriola, head of creative development; Alex Unick, exec producer; Dez Stavracos, production supervisor; Sean O’Loughlin, associate producer; Anita Chao, sr. editor; Cole Bannick, assistant editor; Brandon Buikema, production coordinator; Tony Makinen, Camillo Clauser, Stephanie Dere, Valerie Zan, storyboard artists; Margaux Zisner, character designer; Tom Humber, environment designer.