Finding Solace in Nature: Lessons from the Birds of the Air

In our latest project with Authenticity Marketing Group for Faith Hospice, we delved into the heart-warming story of a father, a bird enthusiast, and his devoted daughter navigating the challenging journey of in-home hospice care. This poignant narrative was carefully crafted to highlight not just the struggle, but the love, resilience, and faith that can make these moments more bearable. We used subtle elements such as bird books, binoculars, and faith-based literature to paint a vivid picture of the father's passion for bird watching, creating a relatable character facing his twilight years with grace. But how does a love for birds tie into this intimate tale of family and faith? Stay tuned to find out.

TV SPOT

 

Embracing Stillness:

Cinematographer Craig Harmer and Director Zac Page, are employing the potent technique of a locked tripod setup. With the camera staying stationary, this method brings a sense of stability and constancy to our story, echoing the unwavering resilience of our characters amidst adversity. It draws viewers into the raw emotions and subtleties of the characters’ interactions without the distraction of camera movements.

Furthermore, this approach subtly underscores that despite the changing world around them, their love and faith remain unshaken. It’s as if within their home, time stands still, even as the world outside continues to evolve.

The Power of the Sun

Light as a storyteller

The ARRI SUN 60, our “6k on a Condor,” was pivotal in our story. It mirrored the ever-bright spirit of our bird-loving father, adding depth and warmth to his narrative. The controlled light emphasized important details, from bird books to binoculars, making the character’s passion tangible. It shaped the mood, echoed resilience, and highlighted the love within the family’s journey. This powerful light wasn’t just an illumination tool; it was a storyteller, bringing our poignant tale to life

Language of Light

 

Unraveling a Father's Legacy

The ARRI SUN 60 plays a crucial role in this scene, acting as more than just a light source. It sets the stage for our character – the bird-loving father – seated by the window, his face bathed in warm daylight. The audience may not yet understand his intent, but the striking image of him illuminated against the backdrop of the window creates intrigue and anticipation.

Symbolic Haze

 

The Art of Balancing Comfort and Guidance

In the world of cinematography, elements like haze can dramatically shift a scene’s ambiance. Under the skilled eye of Craig Harmer, these elements are used to create a comforting atmosphere.

A behind-the-scenes image captures Harmer in action, leaning down to measure the effectiveness of light and haze in a scene. This moment encapsulates his meticulous attention to detail.

The haze subtly illustrates the complexities within the father-daughter relationship, while the rays of light streaming through the window symbolize hope and warmth. In this family dynamic, the father is akin to this guiding light, offering direction and clarity amidst the comforting haze. Harmer’s careful evaluation ensures that both elements blend seamlessly, enhancing the narrative’s emotional depth.

 

Art Direction

Every frame tells a story

In commercial filmmaking, art direction isn’t merely about aesthetics; it’s a method to narrate a story through each visual element. A behind-the-scenes photo of director Zac Page and Art Director Megan Case Porter exemplifies this concept brilliantly.

Crafting the Frame

Page and Porter are seen meticulously constructing the frame, arranging elements like a family photo, binoculars, and a weathered bird book on a nightstand. The bed in the background is kept in soft focus, subtly directing attention towards these details. The Arri sun punches in from the backlight, casting an aged glow on the bird book.

Megan Case Porter’s Art Direction Strategy

Each prop under Porter’s direction – a photo, binoculars, a bird book – is a character clue. They reveal passions, histories, daily routines. The soft bed backdrop intensifies their narrative power. Porter’s artistry deepens characters and boosts story impact.

Props amplify narrative significance

Behind the Scenes

 

Feathers of Hope: A Tale of Love, Resilience, and the Healing Power of Nature

Our protagonist’s love for birds is not just a hobby, but a profound connection to the rhythms of life and the natural world. As he navigates his journey through hospice care, birdwatching becomes a source of comfort and strength.

The birds, with their resilience and freedom, symbolize a sense of hope amidst trials and tribulations. They remind us that life is fleeting yet beautiful, and that each moment is worth cherishing. This tale, while intimate and personal, resonates with universal themes of love, family, and resilience.

In the end, this story isn’t just about one man’s love for birds; it’s about finding beauty in unexpected places, about the power of nature to heal and inspire, and about the enduring bonds of family. It’s a testament to life’s capacity for wonder, even in its most challenging moments.

Director's Statement

Working on this Faith Hospice ad will be engrained in my mind as one of my favorite memories. All of the collaborators and crew were quite devoted to telling a heartfelt and meaningful story to comfort those who are going through this difficult transition in life. This one didn’t feel like just a job, it felt like a mission. I remember working through an early draft of the script with the copywriter, and we all felt like something was missing. Something about it was a little off and it just didn’t feel emotionally resonant. It was a great script, but it came across as too “clinical” or “tinny” in some way. Something was missing. After scratching our heads for a few days, I remember the “aha” moment when I asked a simple question, “Who is this man? Who is he and what does he love? What would only his daughter know?” And that’s when we realized we needed his greatest love to be the center of the story… his love for birds. Once we discovered that very small detail, the entire project found a whole new trajectory that went straight to the heart… We knew we had found something transcendent.

Zac Page, Director

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