Written by Anton Rollino on Feb 22, 2012. Posted in Contributors

Rascal Films and One Step Beyond double Cape Town for Iceland in Whipped Vodka ad

When White Rock Distilleries of Maine conceived their new spot for Pinnacle Whipped Vodka, they envisaged a fantasy spa in an Icelandic setting. However, various logistical and permit issues dictated that Iceland was a no-go for the shoot.

Directors Liam Kan and Grant Hodgson, along with Executive Producer Jim Golden of Rascal Films of New York, cast their net wider in the search for a substitute location. Extensive scouting in South Africa resulted in a couple of options with the final choices between the Sea Point Pavilion and Public Pools in Cape Town.

The Director of Photography was Rob Malpage of Johannesburg, who shot the spot on the Arri Alexa using newly-launched Hi-Speed upgraded software, both above and below the water.

Fairly extensive set builds and dressing were required to transform the pools into the requisite fantasy spa. The seamless horizon, orientation of the pools, long summer shooting days, cost-effectiveness and general film-friendliness all played a part in swinging the shoot to One Step Beyond in Cape Town and Executive Producer Anton Rollino.

All production design and art department personnel were locally sourced, practical sets were constructed by local Cape Town companies and all talent was locally sourced. The Director of Photography was Rob Malpage of Johannesburg, who shot the spot on the Arri Alexa using newly-launched Hi-Speed upgraded software, both above and below the water.

Shot over three days the production was superbly run by Liam and Grant. The biggest challenges they faced involved possible wardrobe malfunctions when the lead lady dived into the pool! Computer generated imagery and final post-production was done by Glasshouse in London.

Credits:
Client: White Rock Distilleries of Maine
Production Company: Rascal Films, New York
Executive Producer: Jim Golden
Production Service Company: One Step Beyond, Cape Town
Executive Producer: Anton Rollino
Director of Photography: Rob Malpage
Directors: Liam Kan, Grant Hodgson