Since 2014, Hilton’s “Fresh New Way” campaign has sought to encourage society to think about everyday things in new, unexpected ways. “We filmed everyday activities, like going for a morning run or going to work on a Monday morning or even recycling, all with a surprise and delight element to challenge the notion of the ordinary,” says Kelly Laundre, director of All Suites brand marketing for Hilton.
Check out those videos at www.home2suites.com/freshnewway
To continue that momentum, Audience Awards launches Hilton’s “Fresh New Way” short film contest, which asks filmmakers “What are some other things that could benefit from some fresh thinking?” The most vibrant, exciting, compelling films share winnings totaling $17,000.
In just one year, Hilton and Audience Awards have partnered in four video contests, garnering over a hundred submissions that reached over a million social impressions, which clearly makes this a win for all involved. The partnership started in 2015 with the “Book Direct” campaign. This inaugural contest asked participants to highlight, in a one-minute short, that booking direct with Hilton would get you the lowest price.
“As an artist, it’s always fun to be given an assignment and flex your creative muscles,” says Rachel Fleischer. Fleischer, already an award-winning documentarian, won $8,000 for 1st place jury and 2nd place audience award in this first contest for her film, Be Direct, proving the Hilton/Audience Awards partnership draws in and supports stellar talent.
Next came the “Director’s Challenge,” which was to show why someone would choose to stay at Homewood Suites. Filmmakers Evan Moore and Adam Ruhland took full advantage of the short format to use humor to make the point and each were honored by being jury selections, winning $8,000 in total for their films, Ants on a Log and Be At Home.
This past February, Home2 Suites opened their 100th hotel and celebrated Audience Awards style. Again Evan Moore came home with a jury prize for his film, Bertle’s 100th Birthday.
In the Kitchen with Homewood and Home2 Suites by Hilton asked filmmakers to submit video showing off its in-suite kitchens. Tommy Wooldridge, the contest’s 1st place jury and 3rd place audience award winner, submitted his film Yummy Eats at Homewood Suites. As a freelance filmmaker in Los Angeles, Tommy says winning this contest boosted his confidence and helped him further his career. “Seeing my friends, family and strangers sharing my video and voting for me daily reminded me why I started making movies in the first place: to connect with people.” That video, in turn, helped people connect with Hilton.
Watch Yummy Eats at Homewood Suites by Tommy Wooldridge
Jordan Cohen, who also participated in the “Book Direct” contest, recognized Hilton’s desire to elevate the quality of their content by appealing to artists, a revolutionary way to think about marketing. “The brands involved with Audience Awards contests have joined because they have a similar passion of storytelling,” he said.
Hilton’s Home2 Suites continues to commit to this passion with their latest contest. Filmmakers can begin submitting today and on Feb. 21, 2017, the world can look forward to seeing things in a Fresh New Way.
For more information about Hilton’s Fresh New Way contest or Audience Awards go to: https://theaudienceawards.com/home2/fresh-new-way
