A string of well-known Bath faces, including Olympians, rugby players, a chef and a comedian, star in a new promotional film that showcases the city in a new light.
Commissioned by Visit Bath, the city’s destination marketing organisation, and available on a number of social media channels, the light-hearted two-minute film challenges some traditional perceptions of the city by combining landmarks, including the Roman Baths, Prior Park and Bath Thermae Spa, with people who are from or live in the city taking part in different activities Bath has to offer.
The film, the launch of which was timed to coincide with the unveiling of Bath Rugby’s new kit, opens and closes with the strapline ‘So, you think you know Bath? Think again…’ and aims to tell a vibrant story which brings the city to life.
It kicks off with British Lion and Bath Rugby player Jonathan Joseph passing a ball to club colleague Freddie Burns, who then kicks it over the Royal Crescent Hotel.
The ball is caught in the hotel’s gardens by Olympic medallist and BBC broadcaster Sharron Davies – beginning a journey around the city.
The film ends with Winter Olympic women’s skeleton gold-medal winner Amy Williams dropping the ball from a Bath Balloon to two other international Bath Rugby stars – Semesa Rokodugini and Jamie Roberts – who are seen enjoying afternoon tea at the Gainsborough Bath Spa Hotel, pictured above. Also making short appearances are chef Martin Blunos, pictured below, and comedian Jarred Christmas.
Visit Bath head of marketing Neil Priscott said: “In making this film, Visit Bath hopes to surprise and delight viewers and challenge them to think about the city in a different way. It is an energetic and entertaining film which captures the variety that Bath has to offer the visitor who wants to stay and explore.
“We are grateful to the many individuals who gave their time to this project – they all share a passion for this wonderful city and have really helped us to show what a dynamic and contemporary place it is to live, work and visit.
“We are also thankful to the organisations who have part-funded this film or supported us in-kind, who together have allowed us to be ambitious and alternative in our outlook.”
Amy Williams, pictured below, added: “To me, Bath is home; it’s where my heart is. I’ve lived and trained in Bath since I was six years old, and there’s just a sense of peace when you’re walking around the city. I’m in love with Bath and am excited to be able to show the city off in this new film.”
The film was produced by Bristol-based Woven, which has worked with Destination Bristol, the city’s destination marketing organisation, as well as the National Trust and Bristol International Balloon Fiesta.
It supports Visit Bath’s new marketing campaigns, which include the current Unexpected Bath and the forthcoming Remarkable Bath, which are designed to encourage visitors to stay in the city.
The full line-up of ‘stars’ in the film are, in chronological order: Jonathan Joseph (Bath Rugby), Freddie Burns (Bath Rugby), Sharron Davies (Olympian and BBC broadcaster), Richard Bertinet (chef), Jonathan Last (Free Runner), Saint Loe (band), Kate Grey (Olympian), Samantha Murray (Olympian), members of the Bath City Football Club squad, Martin Blunos (chef), Jarred Christmas (comedian), Martin Salter from The Jane Austen Centre, students from Norland College, Raquel Dos Santos (dance student from Bath Spa University), Danny Byrd (DJ), Amy Williams (Olympian), Jamie Roberts (Bath Rugby) and Semesa Rokodugini (Bath Rugby).
Filming locations – also in chronological order – were Royal Crescent Hotel, Bertinet Bakery, Southgate, Fashion Museum Bath, The Roman Baths, Thermae Bath Spa, Parade Gardens, Prior Park, Milsom Street, Bath Recreation Ground, Graze Bar and Restaurant, The Gainsborough Bath Spa, Bath Abbey, Bath Balloons in Victoria Park, Alexandra Park.
The film appears on Visit Bath’s digital channels as well as on the social media channels of partners involved in it.
Click here to watch the film.
