Just in time for Earth Day (celebrated on April 22) MediaMonks, Baldwin&, and Google worked together to spread the word about a beautiful story of a simple man who fully respected nature’s laws. Although he died in 2015, the grumpy old man with a big beard, Burt Shavitz, the co-founder of the ‘earth friendly natural personal care products‘ company Burt’s Bees, which is now a Clorox subsidiary, continues to live among us. We are told his inspiring lifetime story through a digital platform that hosts a beautiful 360-degree-experience.
The man who believed that “the old ways are the best ways,” refused to conform to society’s requirements, and enjoyed a minimalistic life in his rustic cabin in Maine, where lack of access to running water or electricity did not stop him from living the way he wanted. In fact, his greatest fortune was represented by his golden retrievers, beautiful sunsets, love for his bike and, of course, the care for his bees that helped him develop a successful business.
“Burt’s Nature” VR tour takes users on an immersive journey, right in the heart of Maine. There, viewers can experience the humble life of the beekeeper who had become a brand ambassador of the company known for its premium personal care, beauty, and hygiene products, made only with natural ingredients.
The virtual journey starts right in front of Burt’s wooden home and it carries viewers into a world where technology seems to simply merge with nature.
Starting from here, users are able to find out more details about the beekeeper’s humble lifestyle by clicking on various hot spots that pop up on the screen. Along with some pictures that portray the old man carrying out normal daily tasks are a series of videos that depict sequences of Burt’s life, who was madly in love with Mother Nature.
The virtual visitors can follow Burt’s footsteps, enter his house and discover more about how he developed his honey business, how he managed to wake up every morning without having an alarm clock, or how he heated his small house.
In an effort for the Burt’s Bees community to be closer to the natural roots that ultimately gave birth to a successful business, the 300-square-foot cabin was recently moved from Maine to the company’s headquarters in Durham, North Carolina, as a tribute to Burt’s lifetime work.
These interesting videos featured on the digital platform are actually just film pieces cut from the documentary about the life of the wise old man, “Burt’s Buzz,” made with the help of producer and director Jody Shapiro.
This amazing project is accompanied by a series of beautifully colored illustrations. In partnership with artist Matthew Willey, Burt’s Bees brand wanted to highlight both the special bond between the company’s founder and bees, as well as the fact that these pollinators are in danger of extinction. Under the ‘Good of the Hive’ project, commemorative wall-paintings will embellish the walls of the Durham campus. Also, the artist who embarked on a personal journey to paint 50,000 bees in impressive 100 murals will color other buildings around the world, with the aim to raise awareness about the population decline of honeybees.
This is not the first time when the North Carolina-based company celebrated Earth Day with the help of Baldwin&‘s experts. In collaboration with musician Diego Stocco, nature lovers were able to enjoy Mother Earth’s delightful and peaceful voice, accompanied by captivating sounds of some unusual musical instruments, provided by the living world.
Credits:
Project: Burt’s Nature
Client: Burt’s Bees
Agency: Baldwin&
Creative Production: MediaMonks