Nice Shirt Films Showcases a Wistful Tale About the Feeling of Bunking-off for the Day

One look through Jesper Ericstam’s catalogue shows his innate ability to blend the ordinary with the extraordinary. 

In this whimsical spot for Cross Country Trains, created by McCann and produced by Nice Shirt Films, the Swedish director showcases a lovely wistful tale about the feeling of bunking-off for the day, in this case to the British seaside. 

There seems to be no motive or reason for our hero to ditch a mundane day at the office and set off on an adventure through a coastal town, engaging with games, dogs and even ice cream with child-like wonder. But it is that mystery behind the motive that makes it refreshing. We don’t need to know exactly why he felt the need to get away, we have all felt the call to skirt our responsibilities and enjoy a day away at some point.

And even though our main character enjoys some weird looks from the locals (and their dogs) not even that can seem to tamper the enjoyment he feels at being out and about in the sun. 

After a relaxing day and a quick nap, he runs back to take his train home, sand and seaweed stuck to his shoes, where no one seems to be none the wiser about his little getaway at the beach, except for the train hostess who cheekily calls “Big meeting today, then…” when he finally takes a seat to end his adventure. 

Jesper’s talent for finding inspiration in the people that he works with and the places that he visits ground his directing style, which entails underlining the comedy of the everyday situations and weaving it with the heartfelt moments that it consequentially leads to, make him an excellent choice when the work is to quietly highlight the more tender elements of everyday life.