The Corner Shop's Ivan Grbovic Takes First Horizon Bank on a Fantastical Journey
First Horizon Bank debuts a whimsical new commercial that cleverly illustrates its brand promise—“the best of big and small”—by imagining a magical world operating inside a smartphone. Directed by Ivan Grbovic of The Corner Shop, the film takes us into a fantastical, Wonka-inspired factory hidden behind the screen of a user’s phone.
Blending live-action performances with seamless visual effects, the commercial reimagines everyday mobile banking as a delightful behind-the-scenes operation. As the central character navigates her day and uses the First Horizon Bank app, a team of miniature factory workers inside her phone springs into action—managing complex transactions with playful precision.
The phone screen becomes a window into this charming, microcosmic world—where every swipe, tap, and transfer sets off a chain of joyful, choreographed activity. While the user remains blissfully unaware, the inner workings of her digital banking experience are brought to life with surprising detail and imagination.
Director Ivan Grbovic and creative agency Mindgruve strike a cinematic balance between spectacle and storytelling. The result is a fresh take on financial advertising—one that injects wonder and personality into the technology we often take for granted.
“Playful and smart storytelling are at the heart of this film,” says Ivan Grbovic of The Corner Shop. “It’s about reintroducing a sense of wonder to the technology we so often take for granted. By surprising viewers with a delightful, original idea, we offer a fresh perspective on digital banking—what once felt like a far-off dream is now an everyday reality, and this film reminds us just how magical that truly is.”
“Ivan was the perfect choice for this project,” says Mindgruve Executive Creative Director Victor Camozzi. “As a brand, First Horizon has a deep sense of humanity and a commitment to standing out in the category. And Ivan's vision and execution delivers both.”
Credits:
Agency: Mindgruve
First Horizon Bank Credits
Production Company: The Corner Shop
Director: Ivan Grbovic
Executive Producer / The Corner Shop Founder: Anna Hashmi
Executive Producer The Corner Shop: Jay Shapiro
DOP: Sara Mishara
Set Designer: David Pelletier
Agency: MindGruve
Producer: Rose Hansen Smith
ECD: Victor Camozzi
Client: First Horizon Bank
Charles Talley
Phil Raskin
Visual Effects: ARC Creative
ECD: Gavin Wellsman
Sr. Post Producer: Sally Wnek
VFX Supervisor: Ajit Menon
VFX Supervisor: Jimmy Bullard
Editorial: Work Editorial
Editor: Martin LeRoy
EP: Marlo Baird
Music: Joe Davies
Sound EFX: Jacob Johnston
