CIRCLE K

A lot of time has passed since today’s petrol stations went from being “gas stations” to serving as service stations for thousands of people every day. Circle K is no exception. Almost half of their 760 stations are so-called full-service stations. A wide selection of fuels makes it easy to choose sustainable alternatives, fresh and good food for everyone in the car, good organic and fair trade coffee, car rental, car wash and washer fluid on a pump. So much more than just fuel.

In May 2021, Circle K’s agency Berntzon & Bylund Comm Group contacted Starlings once again to produce a commercial – a long and fine agency collaboration that we are proud of. We had four days of shooting for Circle K – and almost 50 (!) different versions of the film, adapted to different channels.

Now two productions were to be started, where one replaced the other.

Commercial 1.

One business area, PRO – primarily aimed at professionals, such as truck drivers and craftsmen – needed film for social media. In a short time, artisan cars would be produced – a medium-sized truck of a particular model, an actor with a truck card and so on.

In addition, we were to catch the morning light. In June. In Sweden. The consequence: the recording started at 3 am two days in a row. It turned out beautifully, and the result broadcasts in the company’s social media in the formats 16: 9, 1: 1, 4: 5 and 9:16.

Commercial 2.

Circle K also wanted a brand-building film that would go on social media, TV, and cinemas. That kind of film is more inspiring than informative, and there is often room for beautiful pictures. We love this, but there were completely different challenges than in the first production.

Among other things, we were to produce a classic American convertible and a very special truck. Some of the sequences would also be taken with moving cars, plus we needed darkness for some of the scenes – in midsummer times. And do you know how difficult it is to get a bright red station wagon? The result began to be broadcast as TV commercials in most tv-channels and SF cinemas at the end of August 2021.

A third production is underway and will be recorded at the beginning of September 2021, and the only thing we can say about it is… if you thought it was tough to get hold of ONE red station wagon – what do you think about THREE identical red station wagons! But we´ll work it out. Keep an eye out this fall!