Sam Brown has directed ‘Fantastic Journey,’ Virgin Media’s first television and cinema campaign for its Mobile product since it formed in 2007.  The ad features Virgin mobile’s endless ‘on the go’ entertainment options.  The spot was produced by Danielle Sandler at Rainey Kelly Campbell Roalfe/Y&R and Kate Hitchings at Rogue, with MPC providing the post.

‘Fantastic Journey’ builds up on the ‘powerful stuff’ marketing strategy, showcasing the power of the internet on a Virgin mobile phone, travelling through music, film, games and social media.  The stunning commercial was shot anamorphic to create a cinematic look, while playing 'Into Dust' by 1990s rock band Mazzy Star.  

MPC’s team crafted the moving backgrounds seen through the train windows, and refined the transitions between scenes.  Digital matte painting cityscape elements were added to the train station and train interior shots.  Explosions, smoke and sparks were added to the ‘video game’ sequence.

Director Sam Brown says ‘Creating a graceful flow, rather than a slick ‘Post’ approach, between shots was important. MPC were very supportive - not coming to them with the usual green-screened, mo-con stuff, but being a bit more organic about the whole thing.’

Jean Clement Soret added the master grade on Resolve from 35mm film scanned images. Jean Clement worked with DoP Tom Townend and Director Sam Brown to enhance the beautiful spot.  Great care was taken to keep the colour space of the images in a slick movie aesthetic.

The 90 second commercial (with cut-downs) will be on TV, cinemas and online in the UK from 24th June.