On Tuesday last we were delighted to attend the premier of The John Jameson Story in The Old Jameson Distillery and mix with cast, crew and friends. vStream were commissioned by Jameson to work with UK agency Contagious, to bring the story and character of John Jameson and his world famous Dublin distillery to life. Set in 1802, the 11 minute film gives a voice to Mr. Jameson for the first time in the history of the brand’s advertising. According to vStream co-founder and Writer-Director, Niall O’Driscoll: “The challenge of representing the character of John Jameson while maintaining the right balance of humanity and myth was a task taken very seriously by the team here at vStream and brand owners, Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard.”
Such a project necessitated bringing the very best in the industry together and working with Paul Tulley at Fuel TV as production services for the shoot brought a very experienced and talented crew on board, including Director of Photography Ruairi O’Brien and recent IFTA- winner Anna Rackard as Art Director.
Producer and vStream co-founder, Andrew Jenkinson worked very closely with the team in Jameson to insure the brand values and the personality traits that had been historically documented were woven into a narrative that would entertain and educate the 1.2million people expected to see the piece over its lifetime in The Old Jameson Distillery.
According to Vaughan Yates, Contagious, “Having interviewed several companies from the UK we made the decision to place the business in Ireland with vStream due to their creative response to the brief and superior understanding of the brand.
Niall’s professionalism as a creative director combined with his ability to take advice while in the middle of directing a cast and crew of over 100 people on a historical set underlines vStream’s positive approach and openness to making sure the end result was flawless. I have worked with many directors before and often they can be quite difficult to work with, but the relaxed nature of the cast and crew over the period of the week’s filming was a reflection of the calm and professional nature of the director in charge.”
Yates goes on to add: “Andrew and his team work pro-actively from a production point of view and make sure that as a client you have a good understanding of the process and costs movements (both savings and extras) throughout the project. Over the period of time we have worked with vStream, Andrew’s ability to negotiate on our behalf has ensured projects have been achievable on limited budgets and also delivered as outlined at the beginning of the process. vStream are an exciting and innovative company to work with, they are constantly researching new technology and are a great resource for keeping clients informed of the latest developments within digital media.”
Nicola Connolly, Jameson International Marketing Manager, Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard highlighted the importance of the relationship vStream has with their client brand: “I have been working with vStream personally on a number of projects for the Jameson International brand over the last two years. As a starting point they ensure complete understanding of the brief and brand they are working on which makes for a successful outcome. I have complete confidence in their ability to manage a project from start to finish, staying on budget, meeting key deadlines and delivering a creative and innovative results.”
With acting veteran Bryan Murray cast as John Jameson, the film was shot over five days on location in Middleton and Ardmore and posted by vStream Digital Media, including impressive visual effects recreating College Green in 1802. Visitors to the Old Jameson Distillery can see the film as part of the Distillery Tour.
