Tourism Vancouver’s new destination film is blazing a trail around the globe via social media. Just one week after its official release, “It’s You…Vancouver” has received more than 100,000 views in 87 countries worldwide.
Incorporating a local band and original song, Tourism Vancouver’s three-minute production is among the world’s first professionally produced destination films in music video format.
The song is performed by Watasun, a local duo whose music fuses urban beats with traditional folk sounds. The word ‘Watasun’ simply means ‘Life’.
Throughout the video, the band perform their catchy tune while making appearances in, near or atop iconic Vancouver attractions, including snow-covered Grouse Mountain, an Aquabus ferry and the newly renovated BC Place stadium.
In collaboration with Watasun, along with partners Silent Joe West and Barbershop Films, Tourism Vancouver released the video last week through various social media channels, including the organization’s Inside Vancouver blog, Twitter accounts, Facebook page and YouTube.
In addition, Tourism Vancouver members and industry partners were encouraged to help extend the video’s reach by using it in their own marketing initiatives.
“We’re thrilled at the interest our destination film has received both locally and internationally,” said Walt Judas, vice president of Marketing Communications and Member Services at Tourism Vancouver.
“Locals love it, and we’ve had views from as far away as Kenya, Thailand and Jamaica. It’s extremely validating that taking an unconventional approach has paid off and called worldwide attention to Vancouver.”
“We shot the video for ‘It’s You… Vancouver’ over the course of six days, playing the song at least a couple hundred times,” said Watasun’s Reid Hendry.
“It was the first time Adam and I had made a video of such magnitude. Luckily, we had an amazing crew from Barbershop Films and beautiful scenery to keep us motivated. The whole experience reminded us that we can enjoy Vancouver’s natural beauty throughout the year, all around the city – anyone can.”