Tandem Goes To School For Fusion Academy

Chicago-based Tandem Productions teamed up with agency Schafer Condon Carter to create a trio of compelling commercials for Fusion Academy. 

Fusion Academy is a fully accredited private academic institution for grades six through twelve with campuses across the United States. Described as The School That Changes Everything, it offers benefits like one-to-one teacher-student ratios and personally-tailored curriculums. 

The 30-second vignettes completed by Tandem and SCC effectively highlight how Fusion Academy’s innovative approach not only benefits students but also transforms the lives of those around them—especially parents. 

“At the end of the day, Fusion Academy is helping students succeed not only in the classroom but in life as well,” says Tyler Jay, who directed the spots. “They’re thriving, and because they’re thriving, it makes the whole home a happier place.” 

NOT LIKE OTHER SCHOOLS FUSION ACADEMY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WoutMvsBfSw

BEHIND THE SCENES
Getting sentimental in a campaign for a school is risky, but Tandem pulls it off without any schmaltz. According to Jay, the success began with the “professional and amazing” efforts of Schafer Condon Carter. “The scripts and boards were incredibly thorough, and the agency team was such a creative and inspiring partner,” he says.

He also credits the Fusion Academy staff, recalling a visit to the Oak Brook campus. “Everyone we met was deeply engaged and dedicated,” he says, adding that the school’s SVP of Marketing was an essential collaborator.

The spots feature home-based scenarios and multi-generational interactions that gain immediate credibility through top-notch production. One standout scene includes a public-classroom-to-Fusion-Academy-transformation achieved through special effects. Tandem got it done by elevating the cast with stilts and rotating the camera on a lazy Susan while rolling it down a pair of dolly tracks. 

“Our art department and crew did a fantastic job making this shot become a reality,” recalls Jay. “We did it four or five times to get the camera move right, shot a few really great takes and then did a couple extra just for safety.”

The Colonie made it picture perfect with Joe Clear editing and VFX Lead Artist Tom Dernulc adding the final touches. “Tom joined us for the tech scout and shoot, which was invaluable,” says Jay. “He integrated our plate shots flawlessly.” Noisefloor’s sound design complements the visuals. Nolo handled color.

Jay, who founded Tandem in 2014, estimates that “about 35 to 40 crew and 20 to 30 actors” worked on the Fusion Academy spots. As a father of two teenagers, he deeply appreciates Fusion Academy’s mission.

“When your kids are thriving, the whole family thrives,” he says. “Fusion Academy gives parents the confidence of knowing their children are supported, engaged, and in a great place.”

CREDITS
SCHAFER CONDON CARTER
Craig Miller – Chief Creative Officer
Cristen Young – Creative Director
Barry Burdiak – Creative Director
Dennis Bannon – Executive Director, Production
Amy Cesta – Chief Client Officer
Maddie Marret Wirth – Account Director

THE COLONIE
Editor: Joe Clear
VFX: Tom Dernulc
Post producer: Zach Day

Color: Nolo

Sound Design: Noise Floor

Casting: Paskal Rudnicke Casting