SAP, Directed By Chris Buck

I’m very excited about these two motion pieces that I recently directed for SAP Concur, with BBDO New York (see them in my two previous posts). I’ve shot a number of video projects but this was the most elaborate, with correspondingly delightful results. With multiple talent, cross dialogue, movement, and mechanical objects as characters, there was plenty to plan ahead of the shoot days.

In collaboration with the agency Creatives and Julie Kim, our DP, I had to work out precise blocking, timing, CGI prep, and placement of post graphics. Each spot was broken down by the second, and multiple rounds of storyboards were made to help with the planning and visualization.

One of the great things about being so thoroughly prepared before the shoot days is that once we were on set, we had the time and flexibility to improvise alternate lines and staging. Not only did it give the agency and client more and varied material to pull from; it also brought out engaged and lively performances from our talent in the scripted takes.

The agency likely hired me for my humor, however it’s the well-honed story visual story telling that really brings the commercials together. 

Top Image: On a sound stage for the Dish Robot set build. First Assistant Director Brett Taylor to my left here (so awesome - want to kidnap him to have him continually at my side keeping things moving).

Bottom Image: The Construction spot was shot on a working site, hence the fashionable attire. The BBDO creative team, L to R: Corey Rakowsky, Kleber Menezes, Jesse Langer, Jacque Lombardo. Thank you also to producer Jasmine Batista!