Directing for the creative alliance formed by commercial production companies Zero 2 Sixty (New York, NY) and Comotion Films (Atlanta, GA), a joint marketing and production partnership, Director Mark Claywell filmed the :60 "We Stared Down," which promotes a revitalized lower Manhattan. Developed through Eric Mower and Associates, the campaign for the Empire State Development Corporation (ESDC) began airing in major DMAs on network and on national cable last November. New York Governor George Pataki voiced the piece and also appeared on camera.

Claywell, known for his ability to tell a human story, to capture dialogue and for his contemporary visuals, has filmed breathtaking cityscapes and captured the vitality and diversity of the men and women who live and work in Lower Manhattan. "This was a unique opportunity to tell a touching and progressive story, to remind businesses, and those who might wish to live here, that lower Manhattan is the most dynamic part of the best city in the world, that the area is open and ready for business," explained Claywell.

The spots were shot over a three day period in numerous lower Manhattan locations by a Zero 2 Sixty/Comotion creative team which included Claywell, DP George Motz, Executive Producer Doug Robbins, Producer Brian Bennhoff and Production Supervisor Angela Griffith-Lima. Representing Eric Mower and Associates were Creative Director/Art Director Richard Skiermont, Creative Director/ Copywriter Dave Kock, Director of Broadcast Production/Producer Laurie Wolfe and Account Executive JoAnne Latham