Lightening speed production

THE NEED

My team was hired to photograph a national print campaign for Volkswagen that was to take place within a few days of their initial correspondence. The portraits were of Volkswagen factory employees at the Chattanooga Tennessee plant to bring a human element to their manufacturing while highlighting the workers specific tasks.

THE GAME PLAN

With only two days before we had to fly to Atlanta and then drive to Chattanooga, we quickly went into production mode and assembled our team of assistants, techs, and stylists that were coming from New York, Atlanta, and Michigan. The project revolved around a casting call of factory workers for an upcoming national tv campaign. We were to photograph the employees as they came out of casting. The employees were told to wear what they normally wear to work and bring a few of their tools they use on the job. The goal was to create authentic heroic portraits highlighting each employees specific role in the manufacturing process.

THE RESULTS

This project was a huge success for Volkswagen by bringing a human element to the car making process. A national print campaign rolled out quickly after shooting the project resulting in beautiful real people portraits that showed the pride Volkswagen employees have for the place they work. Alternately is gave Volkswagen the opportunity to show how important it’s employees are to their promise of quality and commitment. All this was made possible by the enthusiastic employees we photographed and super talented crew, art direction, and writers on the shoot.

BY THE NUMBERS:

2-days to Assemble and shoot a national campaign

1-Day to set up and shoot

40 workers Photographed

10 Authentic final Portraits

1 extremely happy client