Adventurer Director/DP Sean Thonson of Wondros Collective "Wandered Wisely" To Panama for Travelocity's Roaming Gnome

Apr. 29, 2020

A world traveler and adventurer, Wondros Collective’s Director/Director of Photography Sean Thonson traveled to Panama this past fall to shoot the newest campaign from Expedia-owned Travelocity, featuring its ever-popular Roaming Gnome Mascot. Thonson is the perfect fit for the “Wish You Were Here” series of spots of the iconic “Wander Wisely” campaign from Austin, TX based Proof, the new creative agency-of-record. These humorous, new spots are currently in heavy rotation on national TV, social and digital channels.

Always up for an adventure, Thonson and his production team found the perfect location in the idyllic country of Panama. The incredible diversity of locales, all within a relatively short distance from one another, was a true find. 

Armed with exceptionally well thought out scripts from the agency creative team, led by Executive Creative Director Craig Mikes at Proof, Thonson executed their vision while bringing his own cinematic eye and aptitude to the table.

Wondros Collective's Director/DP Sean Thonson notes:

“This was truly an amazing collaboration with the agency. ECD Craig Mikes and his team at Proof were game every step of the way.” 

 

According to Thonson, scouting included taking small boats to remote islands, repelling into secluded areas and two-hour jungle hikes (with the Gnome in tow in a backpack), to source the ideal locations ultimately captured in the campaign. After scouting every tourist Zipline in Panama, the decision was made to instead build multiple Ziplines themselves — as well as create a special harness for the Gnome — in order for the drone to capture the most exciting vistas and flight patterns for the spot.

Wondros Collective’s Executive Producer Danielle Peretz comments:

“Sean is an exceptional talent and an incredibly versatile Director/DP, he is incredibly driven, focused, and committed to the project at hand; and he simultaneously dives head first into the adventure and fun that a project like Travelocity offers.”