Commute Seattle

60-second Campaign Kickoff Reel

This sizzle reel served as the kickoff to an expansive storytelling series produced for Commute Seattle, designed to showcase the diverse transit habits of the city’s workforce. The film captures the energy of seven distinct commuter profiles—ranging from midnight bike rides to cross-Sound ferry trips and neighborhood walks. By documenting these real-life journeys, the series highlighted the intersection of urban mobility, mental clarity, and environmental sustainability.

Ann’s Walking Commute

For Ann, the best part of living in downtown Seattle is the walk. By choosing a route through Pioneer Square to her office at the Renaissance Seattle Hotel, she’s found a way to stay connected to the local businesses and the daily rhythm of the city. This vignette captures how a simple commute can turn into a way to truly embrace the community, one block at a time.

Scott’s “Cruising” Commute

Navigating the back roads by bike from the Central District to SODO is how Scott balances the high-energy pace of his workday at Bean Box. By trading the direct commute for a chance to cruise down neighborhood hills, he’s turned a daily necessity into a moment of zen and a way to stay present. This vignette captures how he’s found his own rhythm on two wheels, proving that the best way to see Seattle is by carving out your own path.

Tom’s Multi-Modal Commute

Bridging the 25 mile gap between Renton and Google’s Fremont campus requires more than just a car, it requires a strategy. By trading a long drive for a mix of the Sound Transit Light Rail and the “final mile” on his bike, Tom has reclaimed his morning from the frustrations of traffic. This vignette explores how breaking the car-dependent mindset allows for a more predictable, relaxed arrival. His experience offers a practical look at how mixing transit modes turns a daunting commute into a productive moment to listen to a podcast, catch up on work, or simply enjoy the ride.

Sean’s Commute by Boat

For Sean, the daily trip from West Seattle to his office at DocuSign is about more than just a commute—it’s about “finding adventure”. After spending so much time indoors, he’s traded enclosed spaces for the open deck of the water taxi, where he can watch the city skyline come and go. Whether he’s reading a book or simply watching the water, Sean has found that the best way to decompress is by embracing the rhythm of the Sound.

Bridgette’s Neighborhood Walk

For Bridgette, owning a business in the heart of the Central District means her commute is measured in steps rather than miles. After years of enduring a long drive to Bellevue, she intentionally chose a space for Central Cafe and Juice Bar in Seattle that allowed her to walk to work. This vignette explores how trading traffic for a meditative stroll through the neighborhood provides her with fresh ideas for her garden and a moment of quiet before the day begins.

Ivan’s Midnight Commute

For Ivan, a 20 mile round trip from Ballard to Harborview Medical Center begins just as the rest of the city is winding down. As a respiratory therapist working 12-hour night shifts, Ivan trades the traditional morning coffee for a bike ride through the night that gets his blood flowing and clears his mind. By the time he reaches First Hill, Ivan has found that the ride through the dark is the best way to stay sharp and energized for his patients.

Jessica’s Commute to Class

For Jessica, a middle school teacher known to her students as the "bicycle queen," her 13 mile round trip to the Ravenna-Wedgewood neighborhood is about more than just a commute. After years of balancing driving and cycling, she embraced an electric bike to ensure she could ride every single day without exhaustion. This vignette captures the philosophy behind Jessica's commute: the idea that we make progress on the things that matter most by finding our balance and refusing to stop pedaling. By parking her bike right in her classroom, Jessica shows her students that sustainability and a connection to the natural world can be part of every journey.

Seattle Moves

This video served as the centerpiece for a city-wide campaign designed to help businesses navigate the shifting landscape of urban mobility during the COVID-19 pandemic. It highlights the collective effort required to keep the city moving–demonstrating how Commute Seattle partnered with employers to implement safer, more intentional transit strategies. Grounded in the philosophy that “when we work together, Seattle moves,” the campaign provided a roadmap for prioritizing employee well-being and maintaining productivity through a period of significant change.