Marina del Rey, CA-based Backyard director Nick Piper tells the story of two people living in the most bizarre of living situations. The new lighthearted spot entitled “Slant House” portrays the misfortunes of a couple who built their dream house on a hill. The incline causes their dishes to slide, drawers to fall open and vacuuming to be more of chore than it already is. But thanks to their new Toro all-wheel-drive lawnmower (and the redesigned, easy to use Z Tractor), mowing their steep lawn has become the least of their worries.
From the first conversation with the agency (Minneapolis-based agency Mithun), Piper knew this concept would hit a creative sweet spot. “Slant House blends two of my favorite filmmaking food groups; real, honest performances and a quirky photo-real effect,” notes Piper, “but it isn’t an effects spot, and it isn’t a montage of slapstick sketches either. It’s a human story that delves into the lives of two people going about their daily routine, albeit in a slanted reality. The comedy is in the sincerity of the performances framed against the bizarre nature of their situation. The payoff becomes the perfect selling point for the product.”
Client: Toro
Title: “Slant House” :30
Director of Marketing: Rob Little
Agency: Mithun (Minneapolis, MN)
CCO: David Carter
Producer: Angie Schoemer
Associate Creative Director / Art Director: Randy Gerda
Associate Creative Director / Copywriter: Joe Stefanson
Account Director: Alison Stienessen
Production Company: Backyard
Director: Nick Piper
Director of Photography: Terence Maritz
President/Partner: Blair Stribley
Managing Director/Partner: Chris Zander
VP/Executive Producer: Kris Mathur
Head of Production: Emily Malito
Executive Producer (South Africa): Janette De Villiers
Head of Production (South Africa): Debra Stubbs
Line Producer (South Africa): Mel Charrington
Editorial: Channel Z
Lead Editor: Mike Weldon
VFX / Finishing: VOLT Studios
Owner / Creative Director: Steve Medin
Music: Finger Music
Who is BACKYARD?
We are Backyard: a trusted production company, defined by genuine talent and driven by a commitment to deliver inspired creativity beyond expectations. With offices in Marina del Rey, New York City and Cape Town, Backyard utilizes its global reach to collaborate with top international clients from around the world.
Backyard is led by President/Partner Blair Stribley, Managing Director/Partner Chris Zander, VP/Executive Producer Kris Mathur, and Partner Tom Duff and his Partners at Optimus. Backyard takes pride in its down to earth team, and a collaborative approach that encourages loyalty and long-term relationships with clients.
For more information, please visit: www.backyard.com.