AMV BBDO on Snap-Happy Eurostar 'Maybe'

On a mission to capture the 'real' London and Paris for Eurostar, AMV BBDO Copywriter and Art Director, Alex Grieve and Adrian Rossi, were switched on from dusk 'til dawn. The result is between 25,000 and 30,000 pieces of film, perfectly cut into two magical films about the cities in question. Addison Capper caught up with the creative team to talk inspiration, missed moments and dodgy hotels. 

LBB> How did you go about capturing the real people of these cities? 

AG&AR> Our inspiration came from the great street photographers like Vivian Maier. We captured people, places and things by seeing opportunities from the moment we woke up to the moment we went to sleep. From driving around to dinner, every second had the potential to produce something. Some of the best images were found when we were looking for something else. What we discovered is if you wait long enough, pretty well much anywhere, then the most interesting things happen right in front of you. You can't and shouldn't force it.

LBB> How much was originally captured and how much, if any, is stock footage?
 

AG&AR> Between 25,000 to 30,000 pieces of film and photographs were taken. This was distilled down through some magical editing to what is in the films now. The future projections at the end of each film are set up (we didn't have cameras that could see the future).

LBB> What were the most difficult aspects and how did you overcome them?
 

AG&AR> Most people were more than happy to appear in films for Eurostar which shows the affection the brand is held in. The most frustrating thing is the missed images, as most only last for a fleeting moment before they are gone. That and a hotel we stayed in that should have been condemned. 

Credits

Creative Agency:    AMV BBDO 
Copywriter:    Alex Grieve 
Art Director:    Adrian Rossi 
Agency Planner:    Craig Mawdsley 
Agency Account Manager:    Tom Shattock, Emily Atkinson 
TV Producer:    Anita Sasdy 
Media Agency:    Arena  
Media Planner:    Beatrice Boue 
Production Company:    HLA 
Director:    Simon Ratigan 
Photographer:    Matt Stuart 
Production Co. Producer:    Mike Wells 
Post-production Company:    The Mill 
Audio Post-production:    Wave Sound