Cannes Lions

Harry Styles - "Falling"

FREENJOY, Los Angeles / COLUMBIA RECORDS / 2020

Film

Overview

Entries

Credits

Overview

Background

Styles and his team approached Meyers to create a simple video that packed a heavy punch. The goal was to keep the visual in one location and focus on an emotional journey and compelling performance, rather than an overhaul of visuals. Meyers was inspired by the power of the song and felt that a simple room for Harry and his piano would convey his expression of hurt in an interesting way.

Idea

The idea of Falling was to create a visual that symbolically showed what it feels like to "pour your heart out" and drown in your feelings. Harry sings his song over a piano, and as he plays, the piano begins to leak water, eventually filling up the entire room and pulling Harry underwater. The water representative of the well of emotions inside him that he has to face, or "drown in" before he can come to terms with his loss.

Strategy

The strategy with Falling was to use water to create a visual that shows a reflection on lost love in such an all consuming way, so what better than to drown? Harry isn't afraid to get real with his fans. To strip down, be honest, and speak, rather "sing", his truth. In Falling, Meyers wanted to do exactly that. Falling was meant to be a video that brought Harry to a raw, real place of heartbreak that so many people can relate to.

Execution

Falling was written, prepped, and shot in less than a month, and shot in a single night. Harry performed in a room attached to a crane, that was then able to be lifted in and out of a large pool of water to implement the illusion of a drowning room. A one location, one outfit, one cast member shoot - but still involved heavy mechanics to give the impression of such a simple video.

Outcome

Upon its release, Falling has garnered millions of views on YouTube. Fans and non fans alike have commented on the videos ability to capture these emotions of loss in such a moving yet simple way. The slow burn of literally drowning in your feelings is one that many were able to connect with, garnering headlines like "Harry Styles Falling Video Will Make You Sob" and 'Please, Someone Help My Sweet Boy Harry Styles in the new Falling Video". The New York Post, Esquire, Rolling Stone, Billboard, and Vogue have all commented on the piece.

Similar Campaigns

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1 Cannes Lions Award
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LONDON ALLEY, Los angeles

Industry Baby

2022, COLUMBIA RECORDS

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