Chris Fowles delights us once again with his talent for subtle, emotive storytelling and detail-driven approach for Subaru’s latest commercial, ‘What Drives You’.

Chris Fowles’ latest work for Subaru beautifully captures the call of wild places—those vast, untamed landscapes that offer both solace and challenge. His film explores the powerful connection between nature and self – striking a perfect balance between stillness and stepping outside of one’s comfort zone – and illustrating how these spaces shape who we are and how we engage with the world around us.

The commercial highlights the flexibility and opportunity that the new Subaru Forester provides, taking you where you need to go with a focus on comfort and support.

Chris had this to say about the project: 

“Car spots are always great to work on, but it’s even more interesting when the car itself plays a small role in the story. 

From the start, the agency and client were set on making this a human film - one about bravery and overcoming anxieties. 

I suggested opening with a single unbroken take to really trap her in the moment and build up to the actual jump. That, I think, is what makes the film special. 

We shot in late January in Snowdonia, expecting the worst the English weather could throw at us, but it ended up being the most amazing sunny warm day. 

The lake itself was still about 4-5 degrees and I definitely wouldn’t have tried to go in myself… but we had to create the cold breath in post because it was just that warm.”

CREDITS:

Agency: Cogent

Art Director: David Finch

Copywriter: Mark Teece

Senior Account Manager: Beth Hinton

Production Company: Junction Eleven 

Producer: Lucy McDermott

Production Manager: Alex Hill

Location Manager: Joel Cockerill

Lifeguard/Water Rescue Team: Matt Jones

Director: Chris Fowles

Director’s Agent: The Visionaries

Director of Photography: Rhys Warren

Focus Puller: Raul Menendez

Loader: Dewi Roberts

Steadicam Operator: Gary Kent

Key Grip: Adrian Greenfield

Gaffer: James Duffy (Cinelight)

Spark: Orlando De Silva

DIT / BTS: Peter Hackett

Photographer: Daniel Du Cros

Photography Assistant: Steve Thomas

Editor: Peter Hackett

Post-Production: Black Kite

Colourist: Thomas Mangham

Sound: JJ Mitchell 

VFX: Afterworld Studio 

Camera: Panavision