BRW USA, Los Angeles director Erik Van Wyk reimagines another history for Americans, if present deficiencies in math and science had been present in the past, in the visually inventive new :30 “Touchdown” for ExxonMobil’s Let’s Solve This educational initiative out of The Martin Agency. “Touchdown” features the lunar landing, not as an American first, but seventh. Exxon’s Let’s Solve This (www.exxonmobil.com/letssolvethis) supports programs that encourage students to take an active interest in careers in the math and science fields, professional development of highly qualified teachers and promotes involvement of women and minorities in these subjects. The campaign also includes :30s “Podium,” “Our Challenge,” “Mach Buster” and “Decades.”

Van Wyk employed a wide array of techniques to create this period-inspired spot, both practical and visual effects. To create an authentic period look, the spot was shot on 60mm and special care was taken in postproduction to ensure that the spot contained the same visual aesthetics as the historical 1960s footage. A life-size model of the moon’s surface was utilized as well as scale models, stock footage and extensive compositing and flame work. All of these elements were carefully overseen by Van Wyk to craft this cohesive look.

“Touchdown” opens on a NASA space module floating over the moon’s surface, poised for landing. A super appears over the footage, “Lunar Mission Archives.” We cut to an archived shot of Kennedy Space Center in 1969, where NASA controllers celebrate the initial touchdown. Next, we see the astronaut’s P.O.V. as he prepares to take his first steps. He says “Steppin’ out…” and moves forward to see not a bare moon surface, but one dotted with the flags of other countries. A voiceover asks, “What if we weren’t first? Today, American students rank 17th in the world in science. It’s time to lead again. Let’s solve this.” The super, “Join ExxonMobil in supporting the National Math and Science Initiative,” and “Let’s Solve This” website close out the spot.

About BRW USA

BRW USA is a creative content and commercial production company in Los Angeles, California. The West-Coast based shop boosts a roster of A-List international and domestic directors and offers integrated creative solutions for agencies, brands and the entertainment industry. Along with award winning sister companies, Independent in London and BRW FILMLAND Milano, BRW USA has a reach that extends to Europe as well as strategic production centers across the globe. Founding Partners/Executive Producers Gianfilippo Pedrotti and Michele Nocchi and Managing Director/Executive Producer Jodi Kemper can be contacted through www.brwusa.com

About Exxon’s Let’s Solve This

ExxonMobil supports programs that encourage students to take an active interest in careers in the math and science fields, support professional development of highly qualified teachers and promote involvement of women and minorities in these subjects. In 2010, we directed nearly $110 million to education worldwide, of which more than $42 million was dedicated to math and science education in the United States.

Credits:
Client: ExxonMobil

Titles: “Touchdown,” “Podium,” “Our Challenge,” “Mach Buster” and “Decades” :30X5

Production Company: BRW USA, LA

Director: Erik Van Wyk

Producer: Suzie Tedesco

EP: Jodi Kemper

EP: Gianfilippo Pedrotti

Agency: The Martin Agency

Agency Creative Director: Andy Azula

Agency Creative Director: Jason Komulainen

Editorial: RPS

Editor: Adam Petrofski

VFX: a52, LA

Flame Artist: Glynn Tebbutt
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