Metlife Building | 200 Park Ave

The MetLife Building, also known as 200 Park Avenue and formerly the Pan Am Building, is an iconic skyscraper located at the intersection of Park Avenue and 45th Street, in the bustling Midtown Manhattan neighborhood of New York City.

Designed in the International style by renowned architects Richard Roth, Walter Gropius, and Pietro Belluschi, this architectural masterpiece was completed in 1962. Rising to a height of 808 feet (246 meters) with 59 stories, the MetLife Building stands as a testament to modernity and innovation.

At the time of its opening, the MetLife Building boasted the title of the world's largest commercial office space by square footage, offering a sprawling 2.4 million square feet (220,000 square meters) of usable office space.

Today, the MetLife Building remains an integral part of the New York City skyline, standing tall as one of the 100 tallest buildings in the United States. Developed by Erwin S. Wolfson, this architectural marvel has transcended generations, captivating both locals and visitors alike with its timeless design and unparalleled stature.

With its sleek lines and striking presence, the MetLife Building continues to symbolize the dynamic spirit of Manhattan's Midtown district. As of November 2022, it ranks as the 35th-tallest building in New York City and the 79th-tallest in the United States, solidifying its status as an enduring symbol of urban sophistication and architectural excellence.

Background:

MetLife 200 Park Ave, an iconic landmark in the heart of New York City, recently underwent a multi-million dollar renovation aimed at reinvigorating its appeal to tenants in a post-COVID-19 world. With the rise of remote work, the challenge was to craft a narrative that would draw companies back to the office space.

Goal:

Our aim was to produce a captivating video commercial and stunning photos that would showcase the newly renovated spaces within MetLife 200 Park Ave, highlighting its prestigious location and enticing potential tenants.

Concept:

The concept for the video treatment centered on accentuating the iconic status of MetLife 200 Park Ave and spotlighting key renovated areas such as the lobby, lounge spaces, conference rooms, meeting rooms, and dining establishments. We carefully selected four diverse principal talents to represent the broad spectrum of professionals who could thrive within the building.

Conclusion:

The renovation of MetLife 200 Park Ave signifies a strategic investment in revitalizing a historic landmark while adapting to the evolving needs of the modern workforce. Through the creation of a compelling video commercial, we brought to life the building's distinctive features and amenities, positioning it as the premier choice for companies seeking prestigious and contemporary office space in New York City.

Metlife Building | 200 Park Ave

In our exploration of creative direction, we set out to capture the essence of the MetLife Building through the lens of our cameras. Positioned prominently in the heart of New York City, this architectural masterpiece offered a captivating subject for our visual storytelling. As we embarked on our video and photo shooting journey, our focus was not just on the building's prime location but also on its ability to evoke a serene ambiance amidst the city's hustle and bustle.

CHALLENGES

Managing Light Flickering:

One of the key hurdles we faced during the production of the video commercial was dealing with inconsistent light flickering across different areas of the MetLife 200 Park Ave building. This issue arose due to variations in light frequencies between spaces like the lobby and conference rooms, despite their close proximity. To tackle this challenge, our team meticulously adjusted the filming frame rate to synchronize with the diverse lighting conditions throughout the building. This precise calibration ensured visual uniformity across all footage, resulting in a seamless viewing experience for our audience.

Optimizing Natural Light:

Another significant challenge was coordinating our filming schedule with the ever-changing natural light conditions. Nestled amidst the towering skyscrapers of New York City, MetLife 200 Park Ave presented unique lighting dynamics that shifted throughout the day. To capture the desired shots, we had to meticulously time our filming sessions to capitalize on the ideal lighting in each area before it was obscured by neighboring buildings. This required careful planning and execution to maximize the available natural light and achieve the desired visual impact in the video.

Navigating Logistical Hurdles:

The sprawling layout of MetLife 200 Park Ave posed logistical challenges during filming. With key spaces spread across the building, we needed strategic planning to ensure an efficient shooting schedule. Additionally, we had to minimize disruption to the building's occupants, adding another layer of complexity to the project. To address these challenges, our team meticulously coordinated schedules, considering each space's availability and minimizing disturbances to tenants. Leveraging the building's freight elevators for equipment transport, we streamlined our workflow, ensuring a seamless production process while respecting the daily operations of the occupants.

200 Park Ave

Our cameras traced the contours of the MetLife Building, highlighting its majestic presence against the iconic backdrop of the Manhattan skyline. We captured the interplay of light and shadow as the sun danced across its facades, showcasing the building's timeless allure from dawn to dusk.

STRATEGY

Aerial Perspective:

The video begins with breathtaking aerial shots of the MetLife Building, establishing its commanding presence in the iconic New York City skyline. As the camera pans closer, viewers are immersed in the newly revitalized lobby, featuring contemporary designs and sophisticated furnishings that exude elegance and modernity.

Vignettes of Integration:

A series of vignettes unfold, showcasing the seamless integration of diverse talents within the office environment. Professionals are depicted collaborating in cutting-edge conference rooms, engaging in dynamic brainstorming sessions in chic meeting rooms, and networking in vibrant lounge areas. These vignettes highlight the versatility and functionality of the space, emphasizing its adaptability to various work styles and needs.

Highlighting Amenities:

The video also shines a spotlight on the dining options available within the building, underscoring its convenience and amenities. Whether it's grabbing a quick bite or hosting a client lunch, MetLife 200 Park Ave provides an array of culinary experiences to suit every palate.

Narrative Reinforcement:

Throughout the commercial, a narrator provides a compelling narrative that reinforces the message of innovation, professionalism, and connectivity that MetLife 200 Park Ave offers to its tenants. The narrator's voice serves as a guiding force, guiding viewers through the immersive journey of the building's transformation and its commitment to fostering a thriving, interconnected community of professionals.

Throughout our shoot, we sought out hidden gems within the building's interiors, from sleek lobbies to chic meeting spaces, each frame meticulously composed to convey a sense of sophistication and tranquility. As day turned to night, our lenses lingered on the building's illuminated silhouette, capturing the magic of the city lights as they cast a warm glow on its surroundings.

We crafted a visual narrative that not only showcased the MetLife Building's architectural grandeur but also invited viewers to experience its serene beauty firsthand. From captivating aerial views to intimate interior shots, our imagery transported audiences into a world where tranquility reigned supreme amidst the urban chaos of New York City.