We’re always drawn to projects that allow craft, storytelling, and collaboration to converge in meaningful ways. Our recent work with Hiltachk Marketing Group (HMG) for Ontario International Airport’s (ONT) new comedic campaign, “Not So Fast,” was exactly that kind of project.
The campaign consists of three spots, each designed to highlight the ease and efficiency of traveling through ONT— told through humor, relatable characters, and sharp visual storytelling.
Producing a commercial inside an active airport requires precision, preparation, and teamwork. For “Not So Fast,” our team at Windsong Productions spent significant time in pre-production coordinating with HMG and ONT to ensure every detail aligned with operational realities.
Working within TSA guidelines meant carefully planning what equipment and personnel could go beyond security checkpoints, and scheduling shoot days around live flight activity. Our production team worked closely with ONT to choreograph each scene around the natural rhythm of the airport. To keep production running efficiently, we even built a fully dressed bedroom set on-site for the opening of the concept, “Family,” allowing us to transition seamlessly between locations without losing time.
Speaking of time, it was our most valuable commodity for this project. Why? Each of our three concepts were captured in two languages. Thanks to our partners at HMG, we collaborated with their Creative Director/Copywriter, Christine Coe, and Spanish Creative Director, Digna Roque, for the entirety of the production process. This allowed us to create nuanced, comedic commercials for our Spanish speaking community. Producing a dual language project in this timeline requires a team alchemy and near-perfect preparation to remain on time, on vision, on budget and enjoy the process.
Each commercial presented its own creative and technical challenges, and each required a slightly different approach to performance, pacing, and production design. Here’s a look behind the scenes of how our team brought these ideas to life.
Family Travels:
In Family Travels, we follow a classic scene many travelers know too well—a dad determined to get to the airport way too early. His teenage daughter, our protagonist, is less than amused, especially since ONT is known for being “so easy.” The result? The family arrives so early they have time to nap in the terminal.
This spot was heavily performance-driven, so casting became one of the most important parts of pre-production. We spent several weeks finding the right mix of talent—actors who not only looked like a real family but could also deliver the subtle timing required for this kind of humor in both English and Spanish. The dynamic between the Dad and the less-than-enthusiastic teen needed to feel authentic, with just the right balance of exasperation and affection.
Misguided Traveler:
The Misguided Traveler spot was an entirely different kind of challenge. Structured as a mock testimonial, the story centers on a traveler who insists on keeping her identity hidden. She confesses that she made the mistake of flying out of a more crowded airport, only to realize she should have chosen ONT instead.
This concept relied heavily on visual storytelling and technique. To maintain her anonymity while keeping the scene visually engaging, our production team employed a variety of creative solutions: strategic lighting setups, practical shadows, and carefully designed blocking that revealed just enough while keeping her face obscured. The effect required precise coordination between camera, lighting, and performance. It was a technical puzzle that showcased our team’s ability to solve creative challenges in-camera, rather than fixing it in post.
First-Time Business Traveler:
The First-Time Business Traveler concept began as a story about an awkward, out-of-place, first-time traveler. Over time, and through the casting process, the tone of the commercial evolved into something more sincere and whimsical. Our lead actor brought an unexpected innocence to the role of a man who’s never flown before and is genuinely delighted by how smooth and welcoming the ONT experience is.
On set, this shift transformed the piece. Instead of playing into cynicism, we leaned into discovery and wonder. The actor’s natural reactions became central to the storytelling, supported by clean camera work and direction. What emerged was a spot that feels genuine and optimistic—a reflection of ONT’s brand.
The Team Behind the Spots:
Producing “Not So Fast” reminded us that comedy is often about precision—timing, tone, and the subtle craft that makes each moment land just right. Working with HMG and ONT allowed us to bring these stories to life in both English and Spanish and with both technical expertise and creative freedom. Each part of this commercial campaign required its own rhythm and approach. Together, they tell a cohesive story: that travel through ONT isn’t just fast, it’s easy.
