Over the years, the Airbnb creative team brought some of our favorite stories to life through editorial and conceptual animated and film series. As a lead storyteller on the team, I was responsible for always asking the “what if,” pitching various series, and building strong relationships with hosts and guests around the world. Some of these projects were shot specifically for that piece of content, while many others were pulled from thousands of hours of footage and repackaged for a new concept.
Airbnb Editorial
After years of focusing on host-led storytelling, we shifted our lens to the travelers: capturing what happens when people step into the unknown and let discomfort reshape their sense of place and self. In this piece, host Micah leads three urban explorers out of the city and into the raw, stark Zion landscape.
This creative pivot became a foundational moment, ultimately informing a major strategic shift that culminated in the launch of Airbnb Experiences the following year.
Credits
Writer & Director: Michael Smith
Creative Director: Christian Baker
DP & Editor: Adam Hobbs
Camera Ass’t & AE: Freddie Whitman
Producer: Yara Khakbaz