Rick Jarjoura from Hungry Man contacted me a few weeks ago about shooting the incredibly talented cast of Modern Family for a WhatsApp campaign. I was excited and eager to jump into the creative direction with BBDO Worldwide.
Initially, the plan was to only shoot alongside motion directed by Wayne McClammy and a few steps in moments. As the creative evolved, there was a need for all four cast members to be in one image, which would be possible but challenging to capture them all in focus without the use of strobes. At that point, I suggested shooting the cast on a seamless and compositing them into the environment. My team and I would match the lighting, allowing maximum flexibility for the final artwork produced.
This shoot also incorporated cell phone photography from the perspective of the talent taking the images. The trick with that is that I need to be the one taking the pictures. One of the benefits of COVID-19 was virtual shoots, which used the same technology that allowed me to take images while the talent was holding the mobile device.
The cast was incredible to work with. I’m always looking for ways to connect with them meaningfully. With Julie, it was the fact that we both have twins and are from Baltimore. With Eric, it was the fact that we are both huge football fans; Ty was sports, family, and art, and Jesse was energy and humor, making for good times all around.
Thank you to the incredible team of creatives I was able to collaborate with on this campaign:
Production: Hungry Man
Producer: Rick Jarjoura
Head of Global Marketing: Vivian Odior
Global Creative Lead: Lucas Heck
SVP CD: Ricky Bowry
SVP CD: Joe Fox
Jr. Art Director: John Ratkowiak
Jr. Copywriter: Ross Hull
Lighting Tech: Robb Eppifino
Digi Tech: George Brooks
Photo Assistant: Kevin Gray
Photo Assistant: Jack Rigollet