Father-and-Daughter Dances Shine in Subaru's Spotlights

Production company Paxeros announced the winner of its Women of Color Commercial Directing Program (WCCDP), an initiative that the executives of the Los-Angeles-based company implemented to help amplify diverse women voices across advertising. After more than a hundred applications and careful and thoughtful deliberation, a distinguished panel of advertising creatives named Stacy Pascal Gaspard the winner of its 2020 WCCDP, whose ideas came to life in a heartwarming video titled “Isadora,” a spec commercial for Subaru released on Father’s Day.

When choosing the company to make a spec for, the Paxeros team was informed that even though car brands want to hire female directors, the lack of women with previous car commercial experience has prevented them from being employed. Plus, the team wanted a brand that’s committed to equality and love. Putting the two criteria side by side, they decided that Subaru’s Love Promise makes the company a perfect fit.

The sweet spot focuses on a young ballerina doubting herself because of the insecurity she has over her look. Seeing her upset, her father decides to lift her spirits with an impromptu dance on a less common stage: Outside their car, in the glow of their Subaru’s spotlights. A little hesitant at first, the little one joins her dad. Years later, this spontaneous performance transforms into a tradition of memorable salsa dances.

“The program allowed me to make a commercial that was deeply personal. Many Black and Brown communities don’t highlight the support of father figures when it comes to the arts, but my dad was one of the first to invest in my Hollywood dreams. When you’re a young artist, that act of support means everything. To cast a little girl who looked me at that age, dancing salsa… highlighting that representation was so important to me,” Gaspard says.

She also explains that commercials, particularly those that generate emotions, have always been fascinating to her. “Talking to people from all areas of the advertising world, now I have a better understanding of all the steps that go into delivering that content. It painted a map of how the industry works, including the balancing act of delivering what the client wants while staying true to your voice, and remembering that your unique point of view is the reason your pitch was chosen,” she adds.

Besides helping Gaspard bring her spec script to life through WCCDP, the currently Directing Fellow at the AFI Conservatory also received a one-on-one directorial membership. Alongside Gaspard, there are Elitia Daniels and Julia Elihu, second- and third-place finalists. They each received one-on-one mentorships with the judges and free rental of Paxeros’ Alexa Mini Camera package and Angenieux EZ zoom lenses for their upcoming projects.