BuzzFeed was approached by Google to create content promoting the Pixel 2 smartphone. Specifically, its best-in-class camera. I was assigned the mission of heading to Hamburg to write and star in a post on the best selfie spots in the city.
Role: Hybrid Creative at BuzzFeed
Date: 2017
As a piece of branded content, the article needed ensure a good ratio of aspiration to function – the finished post needed to be genuinely cool and inspiring for wannabe travellers, but needed to hit the brief – clearly demonstrating product USPs, like low-light sensitivity, Portrait Mode, and voice control.
After some exhaustive research (including a thorough review of Germany's tight photography laws), I drafted a dream shot list and proof-of-concept article for client sign-off. I also pulled together a tight production schedule for the weekend ahead, firing off location agreement forms to our destinations.
The two days in Hamburg went astoundingly smoothly. Although we later found out, sadly, that a couple of our favourite selfie spots didn't want to be featured after all.
My final English post was swiftly translated by BuzzFeed’s in-house team and went live on the German homepage.
I learned to take fire selfies... Kinda.
