[Commercial - Master Control Systems] Based in Chicago, Master has been manufacturing in the US since they were founded over 60 years ago - including their physical location, labor, engineering, proprietary software, and even parts. But they weren’t allowed to ‘officially’ call themselves American Made due to government red tape.
Until now.
With the new NEMA Certification 70901, they became BABA (Build America, Buy America) compliant - and ready to let engineers and contractors know that ‘waivers’ are now a thing of the past for fire pump controllers.
Our job was to develop creative that would both showcase the new certification - but also highlight their rich history, innovation and workforce - all in a succinct 30 second spot that could play at trade shows, before meetings, and reach a broad net of engineers and contractors.
Director: Karl Stelter
Client: Master Control Systems
Production Company: Journeymen Studios
Executive Producers: Karl Stelter
Production
Producer: Karl Stelter
Cinematography: Pedro Bringas
1st AC: Miles Andersen
Gaffer: Mitch Storey
Key Grip: Paul Odrobina
Dolly Grip: Paul Demos
GE Swing: Nolan Cooper
Production Assistant: Michael Villalobos
Post-Production
Editor: Karl Stelter
Music: Christy Carew Marshall
Sound Design: Austin Audio Laboratory
Color: James Knott
VFX: Danny Shepherd
Directors Statement
What does being made in America mean? Technically, it’s an esoteric calculation of labor and parts - but that’s an equation, not a feeling.
Developing the story, we were looking for ways to enable echoes of Americana to reverberate through the story - complementing Master’s journey, but not exclusively defining it. To show what Master is about as a company alongside this game-changing certification. And to give audiences a chance to connect with their people-first ethos.
Using real workers from Master gave the piece a grounded authenticity, and when paired with a lean, thoughtful voice-over - gave audiences space to connect with the deeper themes of what it means to be a manufacturer in America.
