A fast-paced collection of TVCs and social spots featuring F1 legend Daniel Ricciardo, shot for brands including Optus, St Hugo, and YouFoodz. These projects combine sharp visual storytelling with Daniel’s trademark humour and charisma—delivered on tight schedules with adaptive shooting styles.

TVCs & Social Content

Project: TVCs & social content
Format: Television commercials / social media content
Role: Director of photography
Camera: ARRI Alexa + Master Primes, Leica Summicron-C,
Canon CN-E Zooms
Clients: Optus, St Hugo, YouFoodz
Talent: Daniel Ricciardo & Ash Barty

Working with Daniel Ricciardo is always a blast—but with his packed schedule, efficiency is everything. Across multiple campaigns for Optus, St Hugo, and YouFoodz, I’ve supported directors in capturing both polished commercials and looser, improvised social content by prepping thoroughly and staying nimble.

Behind the Scenes

For social spots, typically filmed in loft spaces or infinity coves, I favour Canon CN-E zooms for speed and flexibility. Directors often prefer cameras to roll continuously, capturing off-script moments that can become gems in post. These sessions rely heavily on well-planned blocking and pre-lit setups so we can maximise our limited time with Dan.

For the TVCs, I shift over to primes—usually Master Primes or Leica Summicron-Cs—to deliver a more cinematic, stylised look. A great example is the St Hugo campaign, where we built three distinct visual worlds:

• A vintage British country manor

• A bright, modern Australian home

• A wine cellar transformed into a trophy room

Each setting had a tailored lighting and design approach, developed ahead of time so Daniel could simply step in and perform. These environments were enhanced by dream sequence moments, with looks created using in-camera filtration—bringing a subtle surreal quality that elevated the visual tone of the commercials.

With tight turnarounds and multiple location changes, preparation was key. Sets were dressed and lit in advance to allow the directors full flexibility to work quickly with Dan—while still maintaining the high production value expected of national TV spots.