Topo Athletic Embrace the Journey Campaign
Produced by Cheyenne Smith, Directed by Luke Webster
The Challenge
The goal was to create a branded running campaign that felt emotionally grounded and human without relying on scripted scenes or traditional commercial tropes.
The Approach
We leaned into a documentary-first production model. By casting real runners and embedding with them in their everyday environments, the project prioritized presence over performance. Each story was captured by a dedicated, small crew, allowing space for trust-building and organic moments while maintaining a consistent creative vision across all five films.
The Solution
A central hero film anchors the campaign, intercutting each runner’s story to create a collective narrative, while five micro-films allow audiences to connect more deeply with each individual. This structure enabled the brand to tell a larger story about running while honoring each character’s unique experience.
The Result
The final campaign feels intimate, honest, and emotionally resonant, blending documentary storytelling with commercial impact.
Client: Topo Athletic
Director: Luke Webster
Producer: Cheyenne Smith
DP: Jasper Poore, Andrew Boxold, Nick Nelson, Zach Youngberg
AC: Justen Key
Gaffer: Tyler Trepod
Photography: Luke Webster, Chris Meugniot, Tessa Rehbein
PA: Ruthie Molitor
Talent: Christopher Harrington, Brandon Rockers, Jenny Grimshaw, Patrick Mcgrath, Laura Cortez