FRANKLIN, Tenn.  – Today, Visit Franklin launched a new marketing campaign devoid of traditional ads, instead, highlighted entirely with aspirational content focused video. In the inaugural six-episode series titled, Made To Be Makers, the “Makers” who cultivate the creative culture that permeates Franklin and Williamson County, Tennessee are spotlighted. The short stories will be promoted across all of Visit Franklin's marketing channels, including the new website VisitFranklinFilms.com, and used as advertisements across the country. Visit Franklin Films will be an ongoing project focused on sharing captivating stories from across Williamson County.

The decision to create a purely content-based campaign ties directly back into the vision of Visit Franklin as an organization to “inspire the world to visit Williamson County.”

“When travelers are deciding where they want to spend their hard-earned vacation time they are prioritizing connection and transformation over transaction now more than ever.  They're wanting to be truly inspired, said Josh Collins, Digital Communications Manager for Visit Franklin. “For most, that connection and inspiration come through authentic stories and creative outlets and we want to highlight just a few of the creative culture makers from here in Franklin and Williamson County that are truly inspiring the world.”

The components of Visit Franklin's Made To Be Makers series include six short stories from:

Jason McConnell of McConnell Hospitality Group

Chef McConnell shares how his story started with a cast iron skillet from his grandmother, then was inspired by a movie premiere at the Franklin Theatre before evolving into owning three restaurants along Main Street and being invited to cook at the famed James Beard House.

Dan Blom, Blom Guitars

Music is a central part of the creativity around Franklin, and much of it is produced on guitars shaped by the hands of Blom. He shares the inspiration behind his dedication to the craft of making world-class music instruments.

Isaac Meek, Five Daughters Bakery

Meek shares the story of how Five Daughters Bakery, and its famed 100 Layer Donut that has drawn national acclaim, was inspired by family and why they don't drift far from the roots of the Franklin community.

Elizabeth & Michah Behan, First District Coffee

More than just makers of incredible coffee, the Behan's share how they create a sense of community and how they have been called to cultivate a creative environment for those looking to connect.

Heather Ainsworth, Southern Firefly

Ainsworth shares how Franklin inspires the enchanting aromas that are the cornerstone of her wildly successful hand poured candle operation that now creates custom scents across the globe.

Jeremy Cowart, Photographer & Founder of The Purpose Hotel

Cowart, who has been named the most influential photographer on the internet, is passionate about two things, creating and helping others. He shares how being in Franklin and the creative artists that make up the community inspire his passion.

Visit Franklin Films launches on VisitFranklinFilms.com, YouTube, as well as through social media and various online destinations. The Made To Be Makers series and additional upcoming film series will be managed and produced by Visit Franklin and local filmmaker Ryan Smith. The decision to create content, rather than traditional ads, ties into the increased importance of video to the decision making process of travelers and the way they are consuming content.

“We are fortunate to have such creative, inspiring people all around us here in Franklin and we hope to share that sense of creativity that makes our community so unique,” said Visit Franklin President & CEO Ellie Westman Chin. “People don't come to Franklin and Williamson County because it's the newest, flashiest thing of the moment. They come here because of the feeling being here gives them. That sense of calm that allows them to soak up the music and creativity that radiates from here.”

ABOUT THE WCCVB
 The Williamson County Convention & Visitors Bureau (WCCVB) is the official destination marketing organization for Franklin and the unique communities of Williamson County, Tennessee. The WCCVB stimulates economic growth through the promotion of travel and tourism assets such as history, music, attractions, entertainment, the arts, and events to visitors from around the world. For information on Franklin and Williamson County, visit us on the web at VisitFranklin.com.