Seattle Bookmarked

Five well-known Seattle personalities sit down to read evocative excerpts from books set in the city. Each video immerses viewers in the sights and sounds of Seattle, as seen through the eyes of its authors and residents.

Each episode of Seattle Bookmarked—a video series produced in partnership with Visit Seattle—draws viewers into a literary passage set in Seattle that illuminates the city’s unique character and charm. Iconic Seattlites, such as actor Jeffrey Dean Morgan or Seattle Seahawk Bobby Wagner, crack open a book that catapults viewers to attractions like Pike Place Market, Gas Works Park, the International District, and more. The series invites viewers to see Seattle in a new light, and as a colorful and creative cultural destination. This execution also extended off the screen, as an onsite activation at The Atlantic Festival, where Visit Seattle hosted a branded booth and poetry slam.

See the results

The Story

Crafting
the Series

Our challenge was to enchant our target audience by showing them a Seattle that they hadn’t seen before. To do so, we paired the star quality of well-known Seattle personalities with the magic of literature. From the beginning of each excerpt, we literally dive into the book and transport viewers into Seattle, as described by its authors and residents. Each episode has its own character and charm inspired by the literary passage, and demonstrates how Seattle is not just any one thing to any one person—it’s a city to which we can all have our own connection and experience.

The Talent

Selecting
Our Stars

We featured diverse Seattle-based talents to infuse their readings with the essence of the city. Actor Jeffrey Dean Morgan narrated “The Art of Racing in the Rain” with a whimsical dog’s-eye view, capturing Seattle’s rainy allure. Actor Erika Christensen interpreted “The Magical Language of Others” with dreamy visuals that mirrored West Seattle’s poetic scenery. Dancer Jonathan Batista explored personal and urban discovery in “I’m in Seattle, Where are You?” using dance and visual motifs to reflect his journey as Seattle’s first Black principal dancer from Brazil. These talent choices ensured that the series not only celebrated Seattle’s cultural landmarks but the personal significance they hold for individuals.

Pacific Northwest Ballet Principal Dancer Jonathan Batista

The Readings

Choosing
Our Voices

We selected Seattle-centric book excerpts for their compelling imagery, and variety across tone, style, and subject matter. Some excerpts are from bestsellers; others are written by emerging, independent voices. “Boys in the Boat” allowed us to navigate Seattle’s waterways through its unique rowing culture, while ‘I Can Make This Promise’ allowed us to show a Seattle standby, Pike Place Market, in a new and interesting light. Across each vignette, the readings exemplify the singular character and richness of the city.

*I’m In Seattle, Where Are You?* by Mortada Gzar

*The Magical Language of Others* by E.J. Koh

Results

Resonating Across Seattle—and Beyond

This campaign far exceeded expectations across audience reach and engagement and was honored as a Webby Awards finalist in Branded Content for Tourism & Leisure as well as in an AdWeek feature, highlighting Seattle Bookmarked’s broad appeal and creative excellence.