Breathing Life into Toyota’s
Happy New Year with a Heartwarming Live-action Video

Project Description

In the face of unprecedented challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, Toyota embarked on a mission to connect with customers on a profoundly emotional level. They aimed to convey their heartfelt New Year wishes through an engaging narrative.

Recognizing the importance of aligning its message with Toyota’s core values, the project sought to inspire hope for a brighter future amidst the adversities posed by the pandemic.

To achieve this, the script pivoted towards personification, seeking to narrate a compelling story through the lens of a Toyota car.

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Problem Statement

Crafting a live-action video shoot that effectively narrates a story through the perspective of a Toyota car during the COVID-19 pandemic was a daunting endeavour. 

Another challenge revolved around conducting a shoot while adhering to stringent lockdown restrictions and health protocols. All this while ensuring that the final production maintained the high-quality standards expected from Toyota.

Solution

Addressing these formidable challenges requires a multifaceted approach. We had to integrate both innovation and a keen sense of responsibility towards the health and safety of the crew involved:

Our strategy was to use creative scripting to imbue the Toyota car with a personality, transforming it into the narrative focal point.

 >Character Development: Instead of a conventional approach, we created a character out of the Toyota car. Through creative scripting, the car became a storyteller, allowing the audience to experience the world through its “eyes”. This approach made it easier to maintain social distancing while achieving an emotional connection.

>  Immersive Storytelling: Our scriptwriters carefully developed the car’s perspective, allowing it to convey the challenges of the pandemic and the resilience of humanity. This approach resonated with the audience, fostering a deeper emotional connection.

> Cinematic Excellence: Expert cinematographic techniques, including the innovative use of drones and remote direction, contributed to the creation of visually captivating scenes from the car’s perspective. The final product maintained Toyota’s high production standards.

> Remote Filming: Talent was selected through virtual auditions, and performances were recorded remotely. This approach showcased the car’s perspective while adhering to lockdown restrictions.

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OUTCOME

In retrospect, our approach to creative scripting breathed life into the Toyota car and allowed it to serve as the narrator of a compelling story during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This innovative perspective brought forth the following outcomes:

✅ Emotional Connection: The video resonated deeply with viewers as they saw the world through the car’s “eyes,” conveying messages of hope, resilience, and unity during the challenging times of COVID-19. It fostered a profound emotional connection between Toyota and its customers.

✅ Cinematic Experience: The video’s expert cinematography and unique narrative perspective contributed to the creation of visually captivating scenes that exceeded expectations.

✅ Increased Brand Engagement: The video achieved significant engagement across various social media platforms, enhancing brand awareness and reinforcing Toyota’s reputation as a compassionate and forward-thinking company.

In conclusion, this case study showcases how the innovative use of creative scripting allowed Toyota to effectively navigate the challenges of COVID-19. By narrating a heartfelt story through the perspective of a Toyota car, the video established an emotional connection with audiences, reaffirming Toyota’s commitment to its customers during trying times.