Behind the Scenes in Liverpool

Liverpool! 

Remember how I told you I went there last week for work? Well, it was great. I have lots and lots of pictures. But, I'll boil it down to some of the highlights.

Let me set the scene: I work for an advertising agency, cs2, (learn about my job here) and we are partners with the fantastic hotel brand, Hampton Inn. We're working on a series of videos right now showcasing their awesome product and new properties. Part of the assignment? Shoot a new hotel in Liverpool, UK! So, along with a few co-workers, my clients, and a big crew, we spent 3 days capturing the best of the best!

The view from the hotel: Hampton by Hilton Liverpool City Centre. What you see here is Albert Dock, a popular tourist destination, and the Mersey waterway.

Welcome to the coolest hotel in the city!

Let me tell you, it is no small task to shoot a video. What would seem to be a simple shot takes a lot of thought, planning and attention to detail. Everything must be just right!

I love this picture! It's no accident that the colors pop, the receptionist is glowing, and the suitcase is pristine. All perfectly planned!

Behind the scenes with my fab clients from Hampton: Denella and Paula

We had a make-up artist and talent. And these ladies were just charming. I could listen to their delightful accents all day long!

Alex was another local talent we used. He had experience in underwear modeling. I was not surprised. 

Holy Molar. 

Ah hem. Anyway.

Attention to detail is everything...

Kaleo cuts up apples so that only the freshest, non-brown apples are used!

Olga and Eric pay close attention. 

I wanted to take Olga home. She could work wonders on making my home look magazine-ready!

Even the way a salad is displayed is a debate! All worth it though....

Beautiful breakfast!

Places carefully set...

Even TVs were loaded with carefully-selected still images to make them look nice!

And the lighting. Oh my, the work that goes into lighting. You see, it's only EVERYTHING.

The hotel was already beautiful, but we put its best foot forward!

This is the fancy rolling dolly camera system.

Denella checks out the next shot!

"Ok, everyone, act naturally! It's breakfast time!" Even though it was really 6 pm..... :)

Shooting in tight places like the bedroom was more of a challenge. There is such a thing as too many cooks in the kitchen!

The bathroom may be small, but it sure is nice!

After lots of hard work, it's a WRAP!! We had a great team working on this one :)

Time to celebrate and relax a little!

We had just a bit of time for sightseeing. Here I am on Albert Dock.

And THE BEATLES. Of course.

Liverpool is the inspiration behind so many hits: Penny Lane, Strawberry Fields, Yellow Submarine! The Beatles are like the greatest. Ever.

It also turned Sept 12, my birthday, while we were there. So, we celebrated by taking a ride in the big Ferris wheel on Albert Dock on our last night:

It was so big!

Celebratory champagne on the Ferris wheel ride with Kaleo and Eric.

Denella, Chad and Michael.

(Michael spends most of his time working on the set of NBC's Parenthood in LA, it's only my favorite show!!! I tried not to pick his brain too much :)

What a great trip! It was a wonderful time, and a successful video shoot. The final edits are in progress now, and I promise to link to the final product. Pssst- I'll be in it, too! Ahh! :)