Campaign: Martin Werner for Merge Mansion
Watch all the films here. Produced by Bacon, made with Reaktor. Oh, and starring Pedro Pascal.
Launched in 2020, mobile game Merge Mansion now has more than two million active users and 40 million downloads. In other words, it is a smash hit. So how does the Helsinki-based developer Metacore behind the game tease the next update for the game? With a fake crime campaign starring Hollywood’s leading man Pedro Pascal.
In the new campaign, Pascal plays a detective investigating secrets in the Boulton family. The campaign is directed by Martin Werner, produced by Bacon and made with Reaktor, and blends cinematic quality with subtle humor.
“This campaign has been a dream project for me. Getting the opportunity to translate the Merge Mansion game into a mockumentary short gave my production company Bacon and me the opportunity to flex all our filmic muscles,” says Martin Werner. “Being able to structure everything around a world class actor like Pedro Pascal took the concept to a higher level and although Pedro is playing a fictional character here, the legacy of his previous work felt like it combined perfectly with our take on the Merge Mansion universe. I am truly proud of what we have been able to put together, it required sheer precision and teamwork from the entire crew who all performed to the highest level from start to finish.”
The campaign was shot in Lisbon and continues the mysterious tonality of the mobile title.
“Merge Mansion has created a fascinating story centered around family drama filled with mystery and secrets that has captivated fans all around the world through their entertaining and unpredictable video campaigns,” says Pedro Pascal. “Making this short film for Merge Mansion was truly a unique experience and I had so much fun working with Martin to fulfill his vision and bring the lore of Merge Mansion to life. From the first day, it was clear how much love and passion the group at Metacore has for its characters and this game and I’m happy that I got to be a part of their next big moment.”
Watch the films below and keep scrolling for credits.
Merge Mansion / A Twisted Game
Merge Mansion / Think Like a Grandma
CREDITS
Production Company: Bacon
Director: Martin Werner
Executive Producer: Mette Jermiin
DOP: Lasse Frank
Production Designer: Simone Grau Roney
Prod. Manager: Nicholas Perry
Costume Designer: Pernille Holm
Steadicam Operator: Jonas Torp
Directors assistant: Philip Anker
Production coor: Freja Gelbjerg
Production assistant: Morris Allerup
Service Company: Tantor Films
Service Producers: Dinga Haines, Marcia Meireles, Julie Van Den Bulck.
1st AD: Jorge Salgueiro
Post Producer: Louise Ryge
Editor ‘A Twisted Game': Rasmus Gitz
Editor ‘Think Like a Grandma’: Adam Nielsen
Sound Designer: Adrian Aurelius / ballad
Music Composer: Asger Baden & Merge Mansion
Finalizing: Thomas Irving
Post Production: BaconX
Executive Producer: Eliana Carranza-Pitcher
HoP/Senior Producer: Cilie Kragegaard
Producer: Daniella Strand
Production Assistant: Denise Borré
Colorist: Lasse Selvli
VFX compositors: Mikkel Hansen, Oliver Buus
Conform: Søren Knudsen
Talents:
Detective: Pedro Pascal
Podcaster: Lola Paja
Sergeant: Garry Guerrier
Baker Women: Bonnie Hellman
Grandma: Laura Braz
Maddie: Jenny Helen
Young Maddie: Gabriela Sabino
Police officer: Leandro Pires & Miguel Cunha
Client: Metacore Merge Mansion
VP Brand Marketing: Sandra Fenyo
Agency: Reaktor
Creative Director: Jan Sederlöf
Art Director: Elisa Konttinen
Copy writer: Akseli Kouvo
Project director: Roose Ketola
