When you stay true to who you are. When you turn off society’s expectations…
There’s No Wrong Way
“Stay True: There’s No Wrong Way” serves as the perfect antidote to the bleak world around, bringing a positive message of self-expression and choice, that if you Stay True to who you are, then there’s no wrong way. No wrong way to dance, to work, to dress, to love, in fact, there’s no wrong way to live your life. And when there’s no wrong way, suddenly every choice you make can be the right one.
We take you on a journey through areas of life, demonstrating how liberating it can be to know that despite life’s expectations you can choose to live how you want, as long as you Stay True to who you are. Creating a celebration of experiences all brought together by director Oscar Boyson, with a bespoke audio composition by Florentino and photography by Sophie Jones.
Oscar Boyson
Oscar loves his home town New York City, but was elated to direct this campaign IRL during the time of coronavirus. He writes and directs films for screens of all sizes, including work for UBS, Pixar, Estée Lauder, Pinterest, UPS, and an upcoming series for Spotify. As a producer, his feature film credits include Uncut Gems, Good Time and Frances Ha.
On filming with Ballantine’s Oscar said: “In a moment where it’s nearly impossible to use social media without comparing yourself to others, “there’s no wrong way” is a message I could really get behind. It’s rare to encounter a campaign so inherently inclusive – both in terms of casting and aesthetics – so I’m hopeful everyone sees a bit of themselves in it! Obviously, performing artists have been hit hard by restrictions and lockdowns; being able to get dancers and musicians back to work and do it in a safe way was an extra special reward on a shoot that was full of them.”
Florentino
Florentino is a Columbia born, Manchester based, DJ and producer who combines the sounds of Latin rhythms and heartfelt reggaeton, with UK bass structures. His style is a sonic reflection of his heritage, having grown up in two starkly differently cultures: Bogotá and Salford. Florentino is signed with New York based True Panther Records and has previously featured on at Ballantine’s X
Boiler Room True Music Forum in 2019
Florentino created A bespoke – predominantly reggaeton based – track for the film. The track included stems from a DJ Lycox track titled Parabens Mohn Baba.
Talking about composing for this project he said: “Often times with jobs like these you get handed a brief, you stick to it as best as you can, and that’s that, the job is done. This was different. We spoke daily for weeks to ensure we were nailing all the correct cultural references sonically, calling in the best people to help hit those bullseyes. Writing the music, with the right people invested – who held the right intentions in mind – made this an exhilarating experience”
Sophie Jones
Sophie’s fascination with people and personality translates compellingly into her photography.
Her passion for honesty within portraiture is powerfully evident as she explores the diversity within society by documenting the rebellion and freeness of youth culture, capturing raw and authentic moments with bold ethnically diverse casting.
Her innovative and creative images seek to dismantle boundaries and challenge society’s norms. What makes her work so authentic is that she is electric with confidence behind the camera and able to capture the flitting spark of youth that so many try to replicate.
Amicus Humani Generis – A Friend To All Mankind
It’s been written on the crest of every Ballantine’s bottle for over 100 years. It’s what led us to create a film featuring such a diverse and eclectic array of real characters in place of actors, across industries, including friends of the brand and cameos from people found in the cities we filmed in.
Why don’t you inspire us with what it means to you to Stay True, by sharing your own “There’s No Wrong Way” moments on Instagram and Twitter using #StayTrue.
And… while we’re talking about doing your own thing, see how to mix up a Ballantine’s, exactly how you like… it’s not just with ice, you know.
