Capturing The Spirit Of A Canadian Adventure

Director Sean Thonson has shot a colossal 16 spot campaign for Travel Alberta titled “Remember to Breathe”.
A total of nine spots were shot for winter and seven for summer, with each spot seizing majestic scenic landscapes along the gateway to the Canadian Rockies. A master DP and cameraman, Thonson used signature techniques for these impressive vignettes that showcase all the recreation and splendor that visitors may experience while venturing and exploring Alberta’s alpine mountains and wilderness. Also an avid skier, Thonson perfectly blends elements of his appreciation for nature with his enthusiasm for the outdoors. 
 

“Sean’s ability to ‘play with time’ through his slow motion photography and time lapse really brought this concept to life,” states Karo Agency’s Group Creative Director, Phil Copithorne. “Sean has shot a lot of film in Alberta for many clients and is familiar with the landscape and the experiences we needed to portray. He was a natural choice and on top of that, he really understood our desire to capture this great, epic place called Alberta through the tiniest moments in time, the ‘goose bump’ moments that come from being in a near perfect experience. This is the stuff travelers crave and that memories are made of.” 

“Creating a balance by shooting each vista while combining specific personal moments was my fundamental approach,” says Thonson. “Promoting the magnificent Alberta landscape essentially as the product was an added bonus.”
 

A director with U.S. based Supply&Demand Integrated, for several years Thonson has loaned out his talent to multiple Canadian production companies developing longstanding relationships with local production crews. Shot over the course of 15 days, Thonson and his crew spent weeks scouting on horseback for perfect locations. Local crews welcomed an opportunity to promote their homeland. Local artists provided music for the spots as well.
 

“The response to this campaign has been amazing. It’s really capturing the attention, and more importantly the imagination of travelers. And it’s really helped stir up local pride amongst Albertans,” says Copithorne. “The scenery is absolutely breathtaking in Alberta–in summer or winter. And it’s full of all kinds of experiences that will take your breath away.

‘Remember to Breathe’ is our way of reminding travelers to do what they love to do: travel and experience life. And when you get the urge to travel, you must put us on your list.” 

YouTube has recognized Travel Alberta’s three minute montage as #1 Most Viewed, #2 Top Favorite - Travel and Events Canada; and #24 Top Favorite in Travel and Events globally. 
 

The summer portion of the campaign begins airing this spring.

See Alberta as if you’ve never seen it before. 

Check out “Snowshoe”, “Skating” and “Ice Walk” and see if you don’t feel like journeying to Alberta’s neck of the woods, eh? 

 

View  “Skating” and “Ice Walk” and more
 Skating: http://bit.ly/y0yF5L

Ice Walk: http://bit.ly/zaEEty

Credits:

Agency: Karo Group, Calgary

Group Creative Director: Phil Copithorne

Acct Supervisor: Leigh Blakely

Agency Producer: Richard Cairns

 

Production:

Circle Productions, Vancouver BC

Executive Producer: Chris Bowell

Producer: Rita LeRoux

DP, Cameraman/ Director, Supply&Demand Integrated: Sean Thonson

 

Post:

Editor: Paul Bertino

Color Transfer: Technicolor Vancouver

Colorist: Claudio Sepulveda

Conform/Post Management: Matthew Griffiths, Cycle Media

 

Music: Six Degrees, Calgary