Renaissance Hotels and Marriott Content Studio Announce Latest Original Film "Business Unusual," in Partnership with Substance Over Hype

BETHESDA, Md., Oct. 13, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Renaissance Hotels and Marriott's Content Studio have partnered with Substance Over Hype to produce a new comedy short film, "Business Unusual." "Business Unusual" will have a global multiplatform release in early 2016, including a limited theatrical release, YouTube posting and additional digital-platform rollout.

The 12-minute film, shot throughout Chicago and on location at the newly transformed Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel, boasts an impressive cast including Yoshua Sudarso ("Power Rangers Dino Charge"), Jason Gerhardt ("General Hospital," ABC's "Mistresses"), Grant Bowler ("Defiance," "True Blood," and "Ugly Betty"), Tia Carrere ("Wayne's World") and Brian Poli-Dixon (artist, actor, and former NFL receiver). Featured cameos from Chicago natives include Ozzie Guillen (former White Sox player), The O'My's (Chicago-based band) and the world's best parkour athletes and dancers from Substance Over Hype. A custom soundtrack that features local Chicago artists including The O'My's will also accompany the film.

On the heels of "French Kiss" and "Two Bellmen," "Business Unusual," written and directed by Daniel Malakai Cabrera & Caine Sinclair, is the third original short film produced by the Marriott Content Studio. The studio has also produced two original YouTube Series for Marriott International, "Hot Shoppe" and "Do Not Disturb."  In addition, Renaissance Hotels is launching season two of its "Navigator Live" series October 21, with AXS TV. The show follows touring musicians such as Awolnation, A-Track and The Lone Bellow -- modern business travelers -- as they discover Dallas, Long Beach and D.C. during their Renaissance Hotels stays.

"Brands must stop interrupting what consumers are interested in and become what they are interested in, and short films driven by storytelling vs. advertising are just one of the many ways we are engaging with next generation travelers," said David Beebe, Vice President, Global Creative + Content Marketing, for Marriott International and its portfolio of 19 brands. "Not only do the short films and other projects from the Marriott Content Studio engage an audience, they inspire them to travel, and drive revenue for our hotels, and we've found the right recipe for mixing art and commerce together to win the hearts, minds, and wallets of travelers globally."

"Business Unusual" centers around two ad executives and former colleagues, having just arrived in Chicago to compete against each other in a pitch. A pompous character, Chip, delivers the first pitch and receives extremely positive feedback from the clients. Following Chip's seemingly successful presentation, David, (a less seasoned entrepreneur) nervously begins to present his pitch-- when the client is suddenly called away to an emergency and is asked if he can finish the next day. David agrees and returns to his hotel. As he is anxiously preparing to revamp his pitch, the Navigator (Renaissance Hotels' local concierge) persuades him to join other guests for an evening of discovery through beverage, food and local music in the hotel's bar. Here he has a chance platonic encounter with a kind, wise, and successful woman named Ella. David finds his groove and is inspired to create an exceptionally fun and clever campaign, focused on the use of a Rube Goldberg machine that ultimately lands him the account. The Rube Goldberg machine in the film was designed by "America's Got Talent" quarterfinalist Steve Price.

"Renaissance Hotels is designed for the today's business travelers, who see travel as an opportunity to experience something new and unexpected, so they come away with a new perspective -- whether that's from experiencing the local neighborhood around our hotel or simply stumbling into a live performance, a mixology demonstration or an art exhibit in the programmed public spaces," said Dan Vinh, Vice President Marketing, Renaissance Hotels. "'Business Unusual' incorporates cameos with strong Chicago ties to demonstrate the importance of Renaissance Hotel's passion for incorporating unexpected, indigenous and local elements into the guest experience."

The film's executive producers are David Beebe, Dan Vinh, Daniel Cabrera, Scott Ehrlich, William Spencer and Caine Sinclair. 

About Marriott International's Content Studio:
Launched in September 2014, Marriott's Content Studio is dedicated to publishing, distributing and sharing digital content across multiple platforms and on all screens. To further the company's focus on next-generation travelers and to drive new business, the studio aims to own original content marketing and to produce engaging content that builds worldwide communities of people passionate about travel that will drive commerce to the company's hotels.

About Renaissance Hotels:
Renaissance Hotels believes in defying business travel conventions for guests who crave unexpected experiences. At Renaissance Hotels, It's Business Unusual. Each of the brand's 160 hotels, located in over 35 countries around the world, is unique and every stay offers unconventional programs that help business travelers discover rich, local experiences. We promise to feed the curiosity, fuel the imagination and excite the senses of our guests who see their business trip as an exciting opportunity for new, interesting, and sharable experiences. We understand their desire to make the most out of every moment and we offer signature events in our lobbies, bars and lounges designed to showcase emerging talent in music, the arts, mixology, gastronomy and more. Renaissance Navigators are neighborhood experts who are ready to assist guests in discovering true local flavors and activities. R.E.N. Meetings offers groups an experience beyond a traditional meeting, rooted in creative sensory meeting design and custom-curated local Navigator excursions and networking events. At Renaissance Hotels, we work to ensure that every trip is transformed into an eye-opening, unforgettable journey. To discover more visit www.renhotels.com. For upcoming events visit www.renhotels.com/events.

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Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, with more than 4,200 properties in 80 countries and territories. Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com.

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SOURCE Renaissance Hotels

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