The Challenge

Momentum Agency and Rogan Productions sought a deeply human, hand-crafted film to honor the legacy of The Balvenie's Malt Master, David Stewart, as he approached the twilight of his iconic career. The core objective was to tell a story of unparalleled craftsmanship and mastery, reflecting the distinct quality of The Balvenie's single malt scotch whisky.

My Creative Direction

The initial concept focused on global masters. However, I recognized an opportunity to elevate the narrative, transforming it into something far more powerful and universally resonant. My approach was to include David Stewart and expand the story globally, identifying two additional world-class masters—renowned potter Warren Mackenzie in Minnesota and legendary knife/samurai sword master Kazuo Myojin in Japan—who were also in the sunset of their careers. By meticulously juxtaposing their journeys with David Stewart's, I crafted a compelling, intertwined narrative that transcended individual crafts, demonstrating a universal theme of dedication, knowledge preservation, and enduring excellence, which intrinsically tied into The Balvenie's brand ethos.