Studio City, Calif.-based The Shop ups the creep factor in this spot for Lifetime’s upcoming TV movie, Escaping the NXIVM Cult, using tense sound design and repetition of one eerie phrase, “Yes, master.”
The NXIVM cult came to light in early 2018 when leader Keith Raniere (played in the film by Peter Facinelli) and actress Allison Mack were arrested and indicted on federal charges, including sex trafficking. The whole operation ended up also ensnaring NXIVM co-founder Nancy Salzman, Lauren Salzman, Seagram heiress Clare Bronfman, and bookkeeper Kathy Russell. On June 19, 2019, Raniere was found guilty of both sex trafficking and racketeering. Mack pled guilty of racketeering in April 2019 and is awaiting sentencing.
Escaping the NXIVM Cult airs Sept. 21 on Lifetime.
CREDITS
Client: Lifetime
Agency: The Shop
President: Jordan Hayman
Creative Director: Nick Shakarian
Editor: Nick Shakarian
Director of Post: Aubrey Byrne
Director of Production/Creative Director, A&E Networks: Ben Asher
Creative Director, A&E Networks: Jennifer Ferguson
Production Manager, A&E Networks: Maryam Riazian