Raleigh Tourism Video Campaign: Let’s Make It Happen
When Visit Raleigh and creative agency Avenir Bold approached us to bring their latest campaign to life, we were all in. The goal? Invite visitors to experience the city like locals—through bold visuals, fun storytelling, and a healthy dose of cinematic flair.
The Challenge
Tourism videos are everywhere, so standing out means doing more than showcasing landmarks. This campaign needed to feel current, playful, and different. It had to inspire travelers—especially groups of friends on the East Coast—who were looking for their next warm-weather getaway.
This wasn’t our first time partnering with Visit Raleigh on this concept. A previous campaign leaned into a Shaun of the Dead-style spoof with Edgar Wright-inspired pacing and editing. For this spring refresh, we kept the cinematic tone but added vibrant lifestyle energy, focused on Raleigh’s dining, culture, and community appeal.
Our Creative Approach
To match the concept, we transformed a Raleigh backyard into a full-blown film set for a day—then returned it to normal before the sun went down. The spot follows a group of friends grilling, laughing, and planning their next trip. From there, we see fast-cut footage that captures the heart of Raleigh’s experience: local eats, vibrant neighborhoods, and memorable adventures.
Here’s how we brought the campaign to life:
- Backyard BBQ Narrative: The main 30-second spot centers around a group of friends, making it relatable and lighthearted from the first frame.
- Edgar Wright Editing Style: Quick cuts, stylized motion, and witty transitions created a fun, kinetic feel that grabs attention.
- Bright & Seasonal Visuals: Spring wardrobe, sunny skies, and playful props made the visuals pop—setting the tone for warm-weather travel.
- Restaurant-Centric Cutdown: A targeted 15-second version was built to spotlight Raleigh’s incredible dining scene, perfect for foodie-forward placements.
The Results
This tourism video campaign gave Visit Raleigh a fresh, exciting asset for spring and summer advertising. The campaign:
- Boosted Engagement: The fast-paced, cinematic style stood out in paid placements and social.
- Appealed to Group Travelers: Centering the story around friendship made the campaign feel inclusive and adventure-ready.
- Kept the Experience Local: Filming in a Raleigh home and highlighting city spots kept the storytelling grounded and authentic.
Final Thoughts
Filming with friends, grilling in a backyard, and capturing Raleigh’s essence? Just another day on set. We loved helping Visit Raleigh tell this story—and inspire new adventures in the City of Oaks.
Want to connect people to your destination through cinematic storytelling? Let’s make it amazing.
