NOLA: The Concierge

As vaccinations continued at a rapid pace, New Orleans launched a marketing campaign to remind visitors of all the charm and hospitality the city had to offer. The centerpiece series of spots starred New Orleans native Wendell Pierce, known for his roles in hits like The Wire and Jack Ryan, and were directed by fellow NOLA denizen Phillip Youmans, who in 2019 at the age of 19 became the youngest and first African-American director to win the Founder’s Award for Best Narrative Feature at the Tribeca Film Festival for his feature-length debut, Burning Cane. Pierce starred in that film, and this is the first time the two have come together again, with the shared vision of showcasing the very best of their hometown and reminding travelers that whenever they were ready, New Orleans was ready to host. The campaign leaned heavily into the nostalgia, reminding travelers of all the special comforts – the music, drinks, food, service, people, historic charm, and wildlife – that can only be found in New Orleans.