Behind the Scenes: The Making of the 50th Seattle International Film Festival Trailer
WongDoody x SIFF
WongDoody x SIFF
Ever wonder how our festival promo trailer gets made? Read on, as we take a closer look at the production of the SIFFTY trailer—a captivating piece that captures the essence of 50 years of must-see films.
WongDoody, a local creative agency known for its innovative campaigns, marks its 20th year creating trailers and marketing materials for the Seattle International Film Festival. Led by Creative Director Monkey Watson and Executive Producer/Director Matteo Mosterts, the team embarked on a mission to make something truly memorable.
One of the standout features of this trailer is that it was produced almost entirely in-house by WongDoody. From concept to execution, the agency’s talented team worked tirelessly to bring their vision to life in collaboration with a fantastic partner, located a little outside of our area code—Proxima Milano; a leading Italian VFX company renowned for its expertise in visual storytelling. The result? A visually surreal and whimsical celebration of the way film brings audiences together for unexpected delights.
Now, let’s talk about that surreal effect. To create a sense of wonder and nostalgia, the production team used a practical effect involving green slime. Yes, you read that right! The same kind of slime you might remember from classic Nickelodeon shows—but with a twist.
During the shoot, actors interacted with the green slime, which lent an otherworldly quality to the scenes. However, the magic truly happened in post-production. The slime was digitally replaced by Proxima with iconic clips from past SIFF favorites. Imagine seeing snippets from Knocked Up, Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me, West Side Story, The Notebook, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, and Run Lola Run, seamlessly integrated into the trailer. There are plenty of cinematic Easter Eggs to discover with repeated viewing.
Despite the grand scale of the project, the production process was scrappy and efficient. The world-class team went above and beyond, fueled by their passion for cinema and the upcoming festival. Long hours, creative problem-solving, and a dash of movie magic—it all came together beautifully.
This wasn’t your average shoot (with green slime); it was a celebration of 50 years of cinematic excellence. The set was abuzz with energy as actors, crew members, and film enthusiasts came together. Laughter, camaraderie, and a shared love for cinema filled the air.
After meticulous editing, color grading, and sound design, the 50th Seattle International Film Festival trailer was ready for its debut. The result is a mesmerizing blend of nostalgia, creativity, and anticipation. Whether you’re a seasoned cinephile or a first-time festival-goer, this trailer promises a surprising experience.