Background and Objective
Warwick Castle approached us to produce their 2024 TV advert, aimed at highlighting its wide range of attractions and accommodation. The campaign was designed to appeal to families planning a short getaway and showcase their newly opened hotel. The client’s objective was to emphasize the blend of entertainment, history, and comfort that Warwick Castle offers.
Creative Concept
The core narrative of the advert revolves around a family planning their exciting day out at Warwick Castle over breakfast, packing in as much as possible. The storyline takes the viewer through a journey of the castle’s various attractions, including the Birds of Prey Show, the Trebuchet show, the Jousting show, and the immersive Dragon Slayer experience. The advert concludes with the family enjoying a relaxing stay at the new Warwick Castle Hotel.
Pre-Production
Scriptwriting and Storyboarding: We began with brainstorming sessions, leading to the creation of a script that blended adventure with family fun. The script featured a relatable family discussing their plans, while the imagery conveyed a blend of historical excitement and modern luxury.
Casting: Our team cast a family of four (parents and two children) who would resonate with the target audience. We also cast supporting actors for the various castle events, as well as a knight for a key VFX scene.
Logistics: Location scouting was straightforward, as all filming was done on-site at Warwick Castle. We worked closely with the castle’s event coordinators to ensure that the attractions being filmed (e.g., Birds of Prey, Jousting, Dragon Slayer) aligned with their schedules.
Production
Filming: The two-day shoot took place at the castle, covering multiple attractions and scenes. Our team included a director, producer, camera operator, make-up artist, and sound recordist to ensure high production value.
Post-Production
VFX and Transition: In post-production, we integrated a key VFX sequence where a knight waves a flag, transitioning into the first live-action scene of the family. This effect helped tie the historical theme of Warwick Castle into the modern-day family setting, creating a seamless blend between the past and present.
Editing: The advert was edited to a tight 30-second spot, emphasizing the key attractions, family moments, and the new hotel. We ensured the pacing was engaging, with quick cuts for the action sequences and smoother transitions during family interactions.
Final Delivery and Distribution
Once the editing and VFX work were completed, the advert was approved by the client and submitted for broadcast. The TV spot aired across several major UK channels and Warwick Castle’s digital platforms.
Key Deliverables:
30-second TV advert with VFX
Behind-the-scenes footage for promotional use
Social media teasers and cut-downs for digital platforms
We were responsible for:
- Cinematography
- Directing
- Editing
