About Gozo
“Though separated from mainland Malta by a mere 5km stretch of sea (25 minutes by ferry) Gozo is distinctly different. The Island is a third the size of Malta, more rural and much more tranquil. Gozo is known for its picturesque scenery, pristine coastline and untouched country trails. Baroque churches rise from the heart of small villages, and traditional farmhouses dot the rural landscape. Its culture and way of life are rooted in tradition and yet open to the present.
Developed just enough but not too much, Gozo is a masterpiece wrought by nature and shaped by 7000 years of culture. Myth and reality meet here on what is believed to have been the Isle of Calypso in Homer’s Odyssey, where the sea nymph held Odysseus (Ulysses) in her thrall for seven years.
The people of Gozo, numbering at 31,592, have nurtured Calypso’s Island into the beautiful place we know today. Based on the values of sustainability and the need to protect the natural environment, the Government of Malta has embarked on an ambitious yet achievable vision of Gozo as an eco-island.”
The Brief
Our producers were instructed to create two short videos, one TV Commercial and another longer video for the visitgozo.com website. The video was to promote Gozo as a tourist destination and show highlights of the island, and portray a family friendly destination that has something for everyone.
Challenges
The most challenging aspect of this project (for our producers) was logistics. Pre-production research showed it to be a mere few minutes to drive from one location to another, however on an island without postal codes satellite navigation was a big challenge! Working with the horses was also a challenge, and our crew gained additional experience in traffic control during the shoot!
Results
Universal produced a TV commercial following a small family on holiday in Gozo, the first half of which is seen through the eyes of a child, to encapsulate the wonder and beauty of landmarks.
Additional ad hoc shots were taken while out in the field that were not planned, and these replaced some of the shots from our original storyboard. On completion of the spot, Universal planned and executed a global TV campaign.