Kirk Balden of design, animation and VFX studio Smoke & Mirrors New York leads his adept team in creating the captivating VFX on a recent :60 for HYATT, via BBDO, NY.
In There’s a Place, we venture through global avenues of the entire HYATT experience, not only capturing the relaxing essence of a stay at the premier hotel, but the magical luxury as well.
With a balcony view of NYC’s shining lights, beaches off the coast of an exotic island, and a secluded location in Asia…the effort truly encapsulates the HYATT hotel experience.
Smoke and Mirrors artist Kirk Balden designed and executed the end title sequence and finished the look of this beautiful spot.
Production in the New York office is lead by Managing Director Jo Morgan and Executive Producer Celest Gilbert. Diverse projects range from work on the Harry Potter and Bond film series, to commercials campaigns for Mercedes, Burger King, Miller Lite and Sirius.
The Creds:
Client: HYATT Hotels Corp.
Spot Title: There’s a Place
Air Date: January 2009
Agency: BBDO/NY
CCO: Bill Bruce, David Lubars
EVP, Executive Creative Director: Don Schneider
Sr. VP Creative Director: Chris Cole, Mark Wegwerth
Sr. VP, EP: Helene Balzarini
Copywriter: Joe Lovering
Asst. Producer: Regina Iannuzzi
Prod Company: Knucklehead, London
Director: Joe Roman
Producer: Tim Katz
DP: Joost Van Gelden
EP: Helene Balzarini
Post/Effects: Smoke & Mirrors/NY
CD: Sean Broughton
Lead Flame Artist: Kirk Balden
Assist Flame Artist: Stephanie Isaacson
Managing Dir: Jo Morgan
EP: Celest Gilbert
Producer: Lauren Shawe
Editorial: Nomad Editing Company
Editor: Jason Painter
Asst. Editor: Tyler Peck
EP: Lynne Mannino
Telecine: The Mill
Lead Telecine Artist: Fergus McCall
Asst. Telecine Artist: Sal Malfitano
Producer: Claudia Guevara
Mix: Sound Lounge
Mixer: Tom Jucarone
Music: Emoto
Composer: Steve Hampton




