Kiwaii 100% True New Zealand Spring Water is pleased to name William Mull and Nicholas Acosta the winners of its “Make a Kiwaii Commercial” contest for film students.
The winning entry, which can be viewed here and at Kiwaii.com, features young people participating in a variety of sports – including basketball, tennis, dancing, skateboarding and skydiving – while enjoying a bottle of Kiwaii.
Mull and Acosta’s one-minute video was selected from entries submitted by students at Playhouse West, in Hollywood.
“We chose that commercial because it was fun, fast-moving, creative and exciting,” Kiwaii president and CEO Louis Savant said. “The overall theme fits perfectly with Kiwaii’s image as a natural, refreshing drink – no matter what you’re doing.”
The winning students did more than simply film and edit the commercial. Mull, the producer, is seen in the video playing tennis. Acosta, the director, editor and special effects composer, is seen as a skydiver.
“Every project I do, I’m always trying to take it to the next level and try something a little different, whether it’s technical or emotional,” award-winning filmmaker Nicholas Acosta said. “As a filmmaker, it can be hard to find something new to do on every shoot. But this Kiwaii commercial let us do something really clever and interesting.”
Acosta’s on-camera role, Mull said, has drawn the most comments from viewers. Incredibly, the ultra-realistic skydiving scene was filmed in front of a green screen.
“Everyone thinks it’s real,” Mull said. “They don’t believe me when I tell them, because it’s done so well. Nick really knows his stuff.”
“Every project I do, I’m always trying to take it to the next level and try something a little different, whether it’s technical or emotional,” Acosta said. “As a filmmaker, it can be hard to find something new to do on every shoot. But this Kiwaii commercial let us do something really clever and interesting.”
Actors Gabriel Grier, Denise Figueroa and Jeremy Maupin are featured in the commercial in addition to Michael Rinn, Tim Lacatena, Andrea Dobbs, Sara Fenton and Sean Spikings. Maupin and Phuc Doan served with Mull on the crew.
Evan Lesser wrote and performed the musical score. Stephen McCain, Alex Bulat and Maupin provided equipment.
Kiwaii 100% True New Zealand Spring Water originates from the pristine Blue Spring in Putaruru, Waikato, New Zealand. Kiwaii is bottled under certified organic and kosher conditions.