Today, VISIT Milwaukee released two 30-second videos, called ‘Unique Unites’ and ‘Powered by the People’, in anticipation of the Democratic National Convention. Created by award-winning Milwaukee agency Hanson Dodge, the “30-second films reveal the innovative, diverse and dynamic people and the institutions they shepherd that make the Milwaukee community so vibrant.
Fueled by performances of local musicians SistaStrings and Milwaukee’s Poet Laureate Dasha Kelly Hamilton, and featuring footage of the Milwaukee Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo, the videos highlight the abundance of local talent and reinforce the city’s place as a cultural epicentre.
The videos tell the story of Milwaukee as a surprising, welcoming and modern community filled with civic-minded people with progressive Midwestern values. Locally directed and produced, the videos underscore the pride VISIT Milwaukee has for and feels within the community.
“Now more than ever, it is important to showcase what makes Milwaukee unique through a powerful, positive message that encourages viewers from all over the world to take a closer look at Milwaukee, and come experience it for themselves,” says Peggy Williams-Smith, president & CEO of VISIT Milwaukee. “While Milwaukee has experiences the nation craves right now – stunning natural assets alongside five-star hospitality – it’s our people who will leave a lasting impression. These commercials honour them.”
Directed by Cody LaPlant, Unique Unites features a music track by the local artists SistaStrings. It juxtaposes unexpected and surprising elements of the city side-by-side to bring to life the idea that Milwaukee is a place for everything and everyone. As SistaStrings sing out, ‘Oh, it’s good’.
Powered by the People celebrates the people who are the fiber of this unique and modern city. It includes Milwaukee Bucks and NBA MVP Antetokounmpo and is narrated by Milwaukee’s poet laureate Dasha Kelly Hamilton, who invites viewers to “come and feel a little bit of the people power for yourself.”
“Working on these films was a shared labour of love, not just because this our home, but because of all of the local people and artists who contributed to the end product. Milwaukeeans are proud people. Hopefully we’ve made something they can all be proud of,” says Joe Ciccarelli, VP creative director at Hanson Dodge.
VISIT Milwaukee plans to widely disseminate the videos during the convention to attendees, virtual delegates, caucus members, and via social channels. These videos are part of a broader marketing effort for the city that is designed to attract business, convention and leisure travelers.
Other elements of the program include 30 short films, narrated by 30 community members, that collectively create a virtual tour of the city and can be viewed here.
CREDITS:
CLIENT: Visit Milwaukee
- CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER: Peggy Williams-Smith
- CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER: Megan Suardini
- SENIOR DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS: Kristin Settle
AGENCY: Hanson Dodge
- EXEC CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Chris Buhrman
- CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Joe Ciccarelli
- ART DIRECTORS: Jillian Turbessi, Ben Halpin
- COPYWRITER: Mike Betette
- PRODUCER: Michael Joyce
- EDITOR: Brad Rochford
- ACCOUNT LEADERSHIP: David Pollard, Susan McBeth
PRODUCTION COMPANY: Cody LaPlant Films
DIRECTOR: Cody LaPlant
EDIT: Wonder Wonder
- EDITOR: John Elmendorf
- ANIMATION: Adam Rossenbaum
MUSIC: Sista Strings (Unique Unites)
- MUSIC: Pharaoh Mac and DMT (Powered by the People)
- VO: Dasha Kelly Hamilton (Powered by the People)
SOURCE: Hanson Dodge
