Heineken Makes Connecting Online Sweeter in SMUGGLER Spot

Stay at home orders can’t keep friends and family from enjoying beers together in Chris Smith’s latest spot for Heineken via Publicis Milan.  

Publicis Milan approached SMUGGLER London and director Chris Smith about shooting a global spot for Heineken during lockdown on a tight timeline.

Chris Smith alongside EP Sara Wallace devised an approach for Chris to direct everything remotely with trusted DP’s from across the globe, shooting safely in their own homes. 

“We quickly compiled an extensive list of DOP’s, along with location images of what their homes looked like, and casting links to people they lived with who were happy to be part of the campaign. We intentionally worked with cinematographers from different time zones, LA, London, Australia, Brazil, in order to schedule our days so all scenes were shot at dusk. The entire production took approximately 10 days from prep to final films.” Noted EP Sara Wallace.

The approach allowed for a premium look, diversity in locations and casting, to create a spot that feels of the times, but not stuck in the moment.

While Chris directed the spot remotely, he injected his trademark sense of humour, knack for storytelling and cinematic aesthetic. The story is full of nuanced relatable moments and rings true to the universal experience of life during quarantine.