A Most Intriguing Lady
Organic social campaign
A Most Intriguing Lady is a social video series designed to promote Sarah Ferguson’s book launches for her two new historical fiction romance novels. A Most Intriguing Lady and Her Heart for a Compass are based on real, self-determined, royal society figures during the Victorian period in The United Kingdom. Our short films were published in 2023 as part of a broader rebranding initiative for The Duchess, so the team was very excited to develop some of the first creative for her new empowered era of romance, joy, and a little mystery.
The Duchess and her team were pleased to report resounding positive feedback paired with refreshingly high engagement on Instagram. Our short film, Through the Keyhole, has been particularly well-received, garnering over 1.1 million views and 25 thousand likes.
Through the Keyhole
The Duchess prepares for a night out in her warmly decorated home. Curiosity ensues when strange noises echo down the hall. As she investigates, we witness her intrigue through a keyhole, leaving us in suspense.
The Tea
With a charming ring, an ornate doorbell inscribed "Press For The Tea" beckons us into a lively tea party thrown by our most intriguing hostess. Amidst inaudible gossip and laughter, the camera explores the elegantly laid table with place-cards revealing scandalous and whimsical tales about The Duchess's life and those of her characters.
You Won’t Want to Miss It!
In her garden, the Duchess is deeply immersed in A Most Intriguing Lady, oblivious to the whimsical scene unfolding behind her. A dog and duck casually converse, adding unexpected charm to her serene day.
Process
As creative director, I aimed to charmingly blend Sarah's refreshed brand with AMIL novel themes. At the start of our partnership, I proposed ten progressively quirky concepts. Thrilled with the outcome—You Won't Want to Miss It, Press For The Tea, and Through the Keyhole—all a touch mad, glam, and most intriguing.
While collaborating on the character design for You Won't Want to Miss It, we initially considered Corgis but opted for Flea, a real rescue dog belonging to Sarah, paired with a duck. Leveraging Midjourney AI, I imagined Flea and his buddy into charming characters, later refined by our VFX partner.
Client, Talent: Sarah Ferguson, AKA: The Duchess of York
Producer, Director: Joel Nuñez
Concept, Creative Director: Jenna Josepher
Wardrobe: Lonnie Sean
Make Up: Hannah Martin
VFX: Arnag Baltaian
Voiceover: Butch McCain
Brand, Props: Khrysgiana Pineda
Photography: Christopher Horne, Violeta Sofía (Mbala Mbassa)
Production: Book Nuñez