Braving the Storm: Filming Newfoundland’s Iconic Campaign in a Category 4 Hurricane

It was September of 2022, and Airfoil’s shiny new roster of directors was starting to heat up. Notably, Ryan Patrick was slated to put his stamp on one of Canada's most iconic campaigns in history for Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism. The team was expected to film two days of exterior scripted comedic vignettes showcasing the “real” people behind the Newfoundland and Labrador 1-800 info line. As the shoot date drew nearer, so did a looming swirl of low pressure and torrential weather over the South Atlantic.

Hurricane Fiona was on a collision course with the crew's exterior filming locations and she did check her call times. Demonstrating their commitment to delivering top-notch content regardless of obstacles, the Airfoil team quickly adjusted their plans to ensure the project's success.

To prepare for the worst case severe weather, Airfoil's production team scouted alternative interior locations for all three spots. They had these locations on hold so that at a moment's notice the team could change course to shoot interiors. The team also had the option to use the pre-existing “weather hold day," a contingency plan designed for such unexpected events. The full crew was holding a separate weather day, though no one knew how long it would take for mighty Fiona to pass. In the end, here is how Ryan Patrick and his nimble team were able to maintain the fully exterior shoot in the midst of a category 4 hurricane (with only a brief pause for Fiona) while upholding the utmost levels of safety and professionalism. 

The adjusted filming schedule unfolded as follows:

• Friday: Filming proceeded as planned, capturing beautiful exterior shots.
• Saturday: The hurricane hit the coast, bringing heavy winds (up to 80 miles/130 km) and necessitating a pause in production.
• Sunday: With the storm having passed, the team made the early morning call to resume filming in the initially planned exterior locations, completing the shoot as originally envisioned.

Despite the disruption, Airfoil's quick thinking and flexibility ensured that the production was completed on time and to the highest standards. The final commercials not only highlight the stunning landscapes of Newfoundland and Labrador but also capture the intended comedic tone, making them a perfect fit for the tourism campaign.

“Newfoundland is such a profoundly unique place. It was a dream to shoot,” said director Ryan Patrick. “Combining Airfoil’s production experience with the charm of a local crew made trudging through the mud to cliff sides and shooting on the water as smooth as it possibly could be. I wouldn't trade our experience with Fiona and Newfoundland for anything.”

“At the time we were just so pumped to get a chance to work on this campaign we all grew up watching,” said Airfoils executive producer David Kalinauskas. “But watching Ryan literally lead the team into, and out the other side of a hurricane with what became three great, picturesque and funny spots was a true career highlight.”

The success of this project underscores Airfoil's reputation for excellence and their ability to produce high-quality content under any and all circumstances, including Mother Nature’s wrath. By turning a potential setback into a triumph, Airfoil once again demonstrated why they are a trusted name in the production industry.

For more information about Airfoil and their recent projects, visit their website here.