STAY HOPEFUL
Telus
Filmed just as COVID-19 was starting in March 2019, director Karl Stelter captured his family’s journey as they had their first daughter during quarantine on 3/28/20. Joining forces with agency The & Partnership and post-production house Married to Giants, this became the flagship spot for Canadian telecom company Telus to celebrate the strength of new mothers everywhere.
Nationally broadcast for Mother’s Day 2020, and released online to over 1.2MM views.
Awarded Bronze in the 2021 ADCC Awards.
Recognized on The Mighty List as one of the best commercials of 2020:
“I wondered if the ad struck a chord because of time and context—still early in the pandemic when emotions were so raw and near the surface. But rewatching it now, seven months later, it still brings a smile to my face and a tear to my eye, and the closing super of “Life is different… Yet all the same” was (and is) a lovely reminder that there’s lots to be hopeful about.” -DB
Telus had just launched their new brand initiative “Stay Strong, Stay Connected” they were searching to differentiate themselves from the first wave of COVID commercials. By using a mixed-media approach, and embracing challenges authentically as director Karl Stelter captured his family’s story in real time (his daughter being born on 3/28/20), we were able to deliver a film that resonated deeply with audiences.
the director
director
KARL STELTER: I began capturing this journey the day our daughter Leah was born on 3/28/20, not really knowing where it would go - but as a tribute to my wife Rachel and her quiet strength as she brought our daughter into a world that was new for all of us.
And while I’d initially imagined this would be a time capsule for a unique moment in our lives, it evolved into a beautiful reminder that no matter what is going on, no matter how challenging the outside world is - the love that a mother brings their child will always remain the same.
CREDITS
CLIENT: Telus
DIRECTOR: Karl Stelter
PRODUCTION COMPANY: Journeymen Studios
AGENCY: The&Partnership
AGENCY PRODUCER: Hanna Bratt
CREATIVE DIRECTORS: Yvette Reitner & Jake Bogoch
CINEMATOGRAPHER: Karl Stelter
POST-PRODUCTION
EDITOR: Scott Edwards
ONLINE: Wingman VFX
ONLINE PRODUCER: Jenna Edwards
FLAME ARTIST: James Andrews
SPECIAL THANKS: Rachel & Leah Stelter