JW Marriott Marquis Dubai slated for Marriott film

JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts and Marriott International’s Content Studio has started production on Two Bellmen Two in partnership with Substance Over Hype.

This follows the first movie, Two Bellmen, which was released earlier this year.

Slated for a multiplatform premiere in January 2016, the studio’s fourth original short film will be shot on location at the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai.

The story returns to follow bellmen Gage and Christian, played by Hollywood actors and stuntmen William Spencer (Spider-Man; Spider-Man 2) and Caine Sinclaire (NBC’s Grimm; How I Met Your Mother) respectively, as they race through the streets of Dubai to rescue a confidential presentation for the beautiful businesswoman Sandra, played by award-winning actress Freida Pinto (Slumdog Millionaire, Planet of the Apes, Trishna).

Other cast members include Dubai comedian Ali Al Sayed and actor Darin Toonder (June, Adrift; Flashback; Missed Connection). The movie also features a cameo from JW Marriott’s celebrity brand partner and event planner Colin Cowie.

”Two Bellmen was conceived as a global franchise property and is just one way we are using storytelling to connect with next generation travelers, and it’s working,” said David Beebe, vice president, global creative + content marketing for Marriott International.

“Our short films are creating raving brand fans and driving commerce for our hotels, and I’m excited to expand the franchise even further, particularly in a world filled with so many screens and marketing messages. By becoming producers of content, our brands are on a mission to stop interrupting consumers, and instead use storytelling to reach them where they are already.”

Two Bellmen Two will have a global multiplatform premiere in early 2016 through a limited theatrical release, YouTube, Marriott.com and additional digital-platform rollouts, as well as via in-room and partner channels.

Plans to produce Two Bellmen Three are also in the works, to be shot on location at one of JW Marriott’s properties in the Asia-Pacific region.

Two Bellmen, the debut film released by Marriott’s Content Studio in March 2015, has received over 5.1 million views to date. Since its premiere, the studio has also unveiled French Kiss, which has been viewed more than 6.1 million times, and is currently in production on its third film in partnership with Renaissance Hotels, entitled Business Unusual.

“With its breathtaking design and constant influx of global travelers, JW Marriott Marquis Dubai is an inspired setting for creative content,” said Mitzi Gaskins, vice president, luxury brand management & guest experience at Marriott International.

“Two Bellmen Two brings to life the JW Marriott luxury guest experience for viewers, and provides a fun and engaging way for the brand to connect with consumers on an emotional level.”

Two Bellmen Two begins with Sandra, a top executive traveling to JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai to give an important presentation at the Luxury Symposium hosted at the hotel. Upon arrival, Sandra gives her young assistant, Reed, the USB drive featuring her presentation, only for him to lose it moments later.

Bellmen Gage and Christian notice that something is wrong and quickly pursue the limo where Reed absentmindedly left the USB behind. The two travel through Dubai via horse, ATV, jetski, airboard, skateboard and more, while escaping the clutches of the “Bio Bots,” robots representing the dehumanisation of personalised service, in order to return Sandra’s presentation before time runs out.

The “Bio Bots,” played by the dancers and parkour athletes from Substance Over Hype (who recently performed on NBC’s Best Time Ever with Neil Patrick Harris), wear futuristic suites designed in collaboration with James Springham of Legacy Studios, whose recent film work includes designs for The Avengers, Jurassic World, and Disney’s upcoming Jungle Book movie, with additional styling and vision added by stylist Candice Brittain. The film is accompanied by a custom soundtrack, featuring music from Fingazz, Malakai, AMP Live and more.

“Two Bellman Two is a fantastic platform, not only to showcase JW Marriott Marquis Dubai ‘s elegant design and world-class service, but also the dynamic and diverse city in which it is located,” said Sandra J. Schulze, senior director, brand marketing & ecommerce for Marriott International, Middle East & Africa.

“Thanks to our Content Studio and local talent like Ali Al Sayed, we are able to showcase one of the world’s most vibrant destinations through innovative content that will be well received both at home and abroad.”

The film was written by Daniel Malakai Cabrera and overseen by executive producers Beebe and Schulze.