Holland America Line Sizzle

The CEO of Holland America Line asked for a highlight reel that would capture the “energy and spirit” of the cruise line’s brand.

We knew this would be a fun challenge, because there were so many different aspects to feature. How do you showcase what it feels like to cruise with Holland America Line in 90 seconds?

We decided to focus on the key brand pillars: music, food, destinations, and service . . . and mix it with a great R&B soundtrack.

CLIENT: Holland America Line

Alaska Land + Sea Journeys

This 30-minute travel show highlights Holland America Line’s famous Land + Sea Journeys. Hosted by Bill Fletcher, this adventure takes viewers through the Alaskan wilderness and into the Yukon.

CLIENT: Holland America Line

Top Chef Winner: Kristen Kish

I remember calling Chef Kristen to introduce myself and discuss the project. Going down my list of pre-production questions, I asked her about hair and make-up. “I don’t want it,” she said without hesitation.
“I don’t need it.

We filmed at her restaurant in Austin, TX. It was a blast.

During our interview, she was honest, funny, and unscripted.We had agreed to stop filming at 6:30 in the evening, so the kitchen staff could prepare the restaurant for the Friday night crowd.

But, as the afternoon went on, Kristen kept saying, “You guys should stay. This is fun.”

I think we wrapped at 10pm.

CLIENT: Holland America Line

Sophia Fiori Diamonds

One of my favorite challenges of filming brand spots is to take real environments and elevate them cinematically.

Sophia Fiori jewelry are beautiful, high-quality works of art. But, the warehouse where they are crafted is not. Then again, it’s not supposed to be. Like most workshops, it’s functional: shipping boxes, spare parts, OSHA notices, cleaning supplies . . . you get the idea.

It was great fun to film a behind-the-scenes look at how these customs designs are crafted.

CLIENT: Holland America Line

We Are Alaska

Holland America Line developed the slogan “We Are Alaska” and asked for a video to help launch the campaign.

I proposed a series of videos about the diverse people and places that represent the authentic Alaskan experience.We produced 10 videos. In the course of developing these spots, I realized we could do a combo spot — an anthem video featuring all the experiences.

I remember writing the creative brief for the combo spot. I described the tone and feel as a “collage of voices” with “nature as the chorus.”

In 20 years of producing television, commercials, and documentaries — this is one of my favorites.

CLIENT: Holland America Line

Talking Wine with
James Suckling

James Suckling tastes and rates wine for a living, so naturally he’s a lot of fun to work with. His is extremely busy, traveling between the U.S., Europe, and Asia.

When we learned he was going be on board one of the cruise ships for a press event, we jumped at the chance to film with him.

We flew to Ft. Lauderdale and filmed with him in different dining venues on board the Nieuw Statendam and Nieuw Amsterdam.

The result is a fun series of tips, recommendations, and general ‘musings’ to promote the cruise line’s wine program.

CLIENT: Holland America Line

Give Big

I love producing fundraising videos.

Downton Abbey was the mega hit sensation when I was producing spots for the PBS member station in Seattle.

Every year, Washington has a one-day fundraising event for nonprofits.

We leaned on the popularity of high-profile PBS programs, searched through hours and hours of footage to find just the rights clips.

CLIENT: KCTS9, PBS

Artfully Inspired

In 2018, Holland America Line launched a new cruise ship named Nieuw Statendam. The ship’s signature is her artwork. Architectural design. Paintings. Sculptures. Photographs. Every detail is on display.

We produced a series of profiles about the artists who contributed custom works of art.

CLIENT: Holland America Line

Mystery Flavor Challenge

Sparking Ice needed a spot to promote their annual “Mystery Flavor Challenge.”

Using their label design and “What the Flavor” tag line, we edited this short and sweet spot for social media.

CLIENT: SPARKLING ICE