Filming VW T-Roc in Lisbon: A Creative Adventure

Lisbon, one of the many cities we film in throughout Europe, but not easy for car shoots. For obvious reasons, too many tourists. That said, this job went smoothly and it was fun to work film there again after so many years. This time it was for VW, the new T-Roc. Agency was DDB, prod co was Optimist and service pro co, Mamma Team. Some intro pics of Lisbon to start the post.

Yes, so as I said earlier, the agency was DDB, prod co Optimist, serviced by Mamma Team. Its always easy and inspirational when everyone is on board with the concept from the start, and the guys from DDB were great and I feel we got the best out of the original idea that this girl is inspired by the car to then spread her good vibes even to everyone in a supermarket. Collaboration is key when it comes to filming as time is precious. The idea of a rebel little girl who’s energy is contagious, bringing life back into a situation which is opposite of fun, a supermarket, was what I loved about the script. I’m pretty good at directing kids but this time the actor, Amelie Anthony, was so focused and a natural, that she made my job so easy. Client and agency guys, what can I say, very fun job and a pleasure to work with you all.

I can’t show the car yet, until the spot is aired, but obviously we filmed the T Roc in the streets as dynamically as the story allows. Looks great by the way! Here are some snippets form the supermarket moments with a stellar performance from Bogdan, in his own tribute to “The Dude”.

Optimist was the pro co. EP was the marvellous Per Sascha Zech who did a great job of achieving the impossible in two days. I finally managed to work with a DOP I’ve been trying for some time, Antonio Paladino. Fantastic and a true craftsman, gentleman and professional. The main local key crew in Lisbon, Joao Pedro Ruivo, 1st AD, Pedro Penha Production designer, Mamma team producer Silvia Reis, Joanne Gatefield stylist, and all their teams, were fantastic and made the job very easy to navigate. And finally, a massive thanks to Alex Jurkat for editing a cool spot, as always!