Background
Hard Rock Hotel opened its first Canadian location inside the 100 Kellogg Lane entertainment district in London, Ontario – a bold location choice that caught many by surprise. As the brand is known for immersive, world-class experiences, there was an expectation that the visuals surrounding the launch would reflect the same level of ambition and polish as their international counterparts. We were brought in to develop photography assets that showcased the hotel’s elevated food and beverage program across its three on-site dining spaces including its hidden speakeasy, 1913 where we also filmed a full commercial.
Challenges
The production was scheduled after the hotel’s grand opening, and we faced tight time windows and shifting schedules due to dishes still being finalized. We had to remain agile, adjusting our shooting schedule to align with kitchen readiness and staff availability, all while working across three restaurants in parallel.
Adding to the complexity, the commercial shoot for 1913 was scheduled the following week, meaning we were managing two high-impact deliverables in rapid succession. With no time to waste, the team had to operate at full tilt from pre-production through wrap.
Solution
To navigate the overlapping schedules and multiple locations, we deployed two dedicated photo units, each supported by its own food stylist which allowed us to shoot in tandem and maximize our time on site. Every frame was designed to elevate the presentation of the menu using refined styling, curated propping, and dynamic lighting setups to reflect the premium Hard Rock experience.
For the commercial shoot, we worked with London-based talent agency ActOut to lead casting, bringing in a diverse, dynamic cast that fit the bold, high-energy tone of the concept. We partnered with Set Ready Rentals (also based in London) to bring in an array of lighting, grip equipment, and lenses that allowed us to move fast and build expressive looks on set without sacrificing quality.
Altogether, the cast and crew exceeded 40 people, and we were over 90% London-based. The collaboration, creativity, and focus across both productions made this one of the most exciting projects we’ve ever delivered.
Outcome
Shortly after launch, Hard Rock Hotel London was named one of “Top 11 Hotels to Visit Worldwide.” Our visuals have since been rolled out across digital channels, marketing materials, and throughout the hotel itself. The commercial also featured product placement for two Labatt beer brands (Corona and Modelo), a subtle nod to the global brewery’s roots in London, Ontario.
The Hard Rock team was thrilled with the final creative, and what began as a single campaign has sparked an ongoing partnership, driven by trust, shared standards, and a commitment to world-class work.
