The Nissan Ariya represents a new era of driving: fully electric, modern, and designed for freedom. In this cinematic commercial, a woman leaves behind the stress of her demanding workday and the endless traffic of Los Angeles. As she gets behind the wheel of the Ariya, she transitions from the chaos of concrete and city noise to the peace of Malibu’s coastline, where she can reconnect with herself, embrace nature, and truly unplug.

The title carries a double meaning: unplugging from the hustle and bustle of daily life, and unplugging an electric car built for a cleaner, more sustainable future.

As both Director and Director of Photography, I led the entire production — from concept development to final edit. The project was filmed on the ARRI Alexa Mini paired with Panavision T-Series anamorphic lenses, bringing a wide, cinematic scope to the Ariya’s sleek curves and reflective surfaces. Car-to-car sequences were executed in Malibu and under the overpasses of Los Angeles, combining twilight natural light with controlled setups to emphasize both motion and design.

With a lean crew and a hands-on approach, I directed, shot, and edited the entire piece. The result is a commercial that reflects the Ariya’s forward-thinking electric identity while capturing the emotional journey of leaving behind stress and finding freedom in the drive.

Director / Cinematographer | Michael Gauthier

Talent | Delia Huffman

Locations | Trace Taylor

Production Manager | Matt Boman Studio Boman

Camera Car Driver | Sam Windell Gung Ho

Stunt Driver | Graham Hooper

Steadicam | Dylan Burzinski

1st AC | Ben Smith

Gaffer | Jacob Abrams

Key Grip | Kevin Cecil

Drone | Connor Nelson

PA | Kelsey Karrasch

Color | Matt Wallach Company3

VFX | Patrick Lawler

Sound Design | Christophe Daigle BLKKWAVE Studios

VO | Kelsey Karrasch

LED Volume Stage | Practical Magic

Camera & Lenses | Panavision