Innovative Photo Activations at Banff World Media Festival: A Brand Engagement Case Study
Welcome to the forefront of innovation and engagement in the world of media.
MDRN Activations had the exhilarating opportunity to attend the Banff World Media Festival—a gathering that plays host to the crème de la crème of the industry, from top creators and producers to influential networks and streaming services. Our mission? To execute captivating brand activations for two leading streaming services.
In this blog post, we'll take you behind the scenes to show you how our dedicated team brought these dynamic installations to life, enhancing brand engagement and leaving a lasting impression. Keep reading to discover the power of strategic photo activations with us and learn how we can make your next brand activation a standout success!
An unattended photo booth setup with a 'BANFF' sign and a 'Yellowstone' backdrop, part of a Paramount+ promotional event.
Held at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel in Alberta, the Banff World Media Festival is a hub for media professionals to congregate with creators, producers, showrunners, talent, and media representatives alike.
Our client's goals were to offer an engaging experience that would leave a lasting impression on guests in attendance. In a setting where key industry players and influencers are present, brand activations are a strategic business tool, helping to build meaningful connections and elevating brand visibility. With that in mind, our clients wanted an activation that would showcase their respective leading shows: Wednesday and Yellowstone.
For Netflix’s Wednesday activation, we created a print photo booth that produced 4x6 prints for guests to take home. The client wanted the prints to replicate the student portrait-esque promo posters of Wednesday characters. So, we flaunted our photography manipulation and AI background removal skills to get the job done.
A hand holding a printed photo featuring a person in front of a 'Wednesday' series promotional backdrop with a Netflix logo, taken at BANFF World Media Festival.
A portrait of an individual against a purple background with 'Wednesday' series branding from Netflix, presented as part of a media event.
Our editors adjusted the images to make guests look a little less Enid and a little more…Wednesday. By playing with the saturation and lighting, we achieved that pallid, vampire-y look that made guests look like they had just stepped out of Nevermore Academy. Then, we added the client’s chosen branding elements, including the iconic Wednesday font and the Nevermore Academy crest, to cinch it all together.
When it comes to AI background removal, making photos look cohesive with the background and branding elements takes skill and experience. It can look disjointed if you don’t blend it together properly. For the best results, you want to make sure the experience is well-branded and well-coloured, which is a skill we’ve mastered over the years.
Our next activation was a print photo booth and a digital mosaic photo wall for Paramount+’s hit series in the Yellowstone universe. We provided three custom overlay options for guests to select from, including Yellowstone, 1883, and 1923. Guests would enter the photo booth, select which show they wanted an interactive experience for, and receive 5x7 prints as keepsakes.
A photo of a printed photograph showing one person holding a picture with a 'Yellowstone 1883' backdrop at a branded media activation.
Two individuals posing for a photograph at the BANFF World Media Festival with a promotional background for the series 'Yellowstone' from Paramount+.
Set up by the Mount View BBQ, the beautiful scenery of the Canadian Rockies complimented the Western ranching aesthetic of the Yellowstone universe. We used AI background removal to change the background of guests' photos to the rugged landscapes of the American West and added each show’s unique branding. Guests’ photos were printed on custom metallic paper to match the rustic vibe, making the colours really pop.
On top of the custom photo booth, we created a digital mosaic displayed on screen at the festival. Using the individual images from the photo booth to make a larger composite image, we layered a photo of the Dutton ranch overtop to create the mosaic, then completed it with logos for the Banff World Media Festival, Yellowstone, and Paramount+. From afar, it simply looks like the overall branded image. But if you look closely, you can see all the individual photos!
Digital mosaic photo walls have become increasingly popular in recent years, and it's not hard to see why. These innovative displays offer a unique way to showcase a collection of images, whether for artistic expression, personalized gifts, event backdrops, or promotional displays.
Our innovative designs and cutting-edge technology not only captivated guests, but also seamlessly integrated each streaming service's unique branding, creating an opportunity for them to showcase their brand personality, foster engagement, and generate organic buzz among a highly influential audience.
A collection of three photographs from a 'Yellowstone' promotional event, including one person giving a thumbs up, displayed against a white surface.
Photo booth brand activations offer businesses a distinctive opportunity to connect with consumers, craft branded content, and make a lasting impression at events. These activations highlight the strategic significance of leveraging such interactive experiences to bolster brand visibility and foster stronger industry connections.
Imagine stepping into a photo booth at a bustling event, surrounded by friends or colleagues, and snapping a series of playful, branded photos. Each snapshot becomes a tangible memory, capturing the essence of the moment while showcasing the brand's identity in a fun and engaging way.
Looking to elevate your next brand activation with an unforgettable photo experience? Look no further! At MDRN Activations, we specialize in transforming branding efforts into vibrant, shareable moments that guests talk about long after they've happened.