From Oslo to Seoul: Supporting PRAVDA’s BankAxept Commercial in Korea

From Oslo to Seoul: Supporting PRAVDA’s BankAxept Commercial in Korea

8.10/26

In the landscape of Korean video production, Moktan Productions has built a reputation for delivering strong visuals, creative problem-solving, and high-quality end-to-end execution. While many of Moktan’s projects are developed fully in-house, from pre-production through post, an equally important part of the company’s work lies in supporting international productions on the ground in Korea.

With an extensive network of freelancers, local crew, and production partners, Moktan operates as a flexible platform for overseas teams looking to execute projects in Korea. This capability was central to a recent collaboration with PRAVDA, a Norway-based production company, for a commercial campaign for BankAxept.

In April 2026, PRAVDA traveled to Seoul to produce a spot highlighting the limitations of Norway’s domestic payment system abroad, using the city as a vibrant and visually distinct backdrop.

Building a Story Around Location

The concept of the commercial is simple and situational. Three BankAxept employees travel to Seoul, where they navigate everyday experiences such as dining at a local restaurant and taking a taxi, only to reveal they cannot use their domestic payment system outside of Norway.

Seoul serves as more than just a backdrop. It reinforces the contrast between familiarity and limitation, using a globally recognizable yet culturally distinct setting to frame the narrative.

To bring this concept to life, PRAVDA’s director, producer, director of photography, and clients from BankAxept traveled to Korea, relying on Moktan to manage all aspects of local production.

Pre-Production: Building the Foundation

Moktan’s role began well before the shoot, handling all on-the-ground pre-production requirements. This included sourcing locations, assembling crew, coordinating logistics, and ensuring that every element aligned with the client’s vision.

Location scouting was a central focus. For the restaurant scene, the team identified and evaluated dozens of options, considering visual tone, layout, accessibility, cost, and logistical feasibility. Each location was visited in person, documented, and presented to the client for review. This process involved continuous back-and-forth communication to refine selections and ensure alignment.

Additional locations required equally detailed planning. A busy street was needed to match the storyboard while still accommodating filming constraints. The team also sourced and secured elevated vantage points for high-angle shots overlooking the street, adding visual variety and scale to the final film.

Beyond locations, Moktan managed transportation, airport pickups, equipment sourcing, and crew assembly. Local talent and extras were cast, hair and makeup teams were hired, and wardrobe coordination was handled in close communication with the client’s team. Details such as sourcing a real local taxi driver for authenticity were also addressed.

Throughout this process, constant communication ensured that PRAVDA and BankAxept had full visibility into decisions, adjustments, and progress.

Shoot Day: Executing Across Two Locations

The shoot was completed in a single day, divided into two distinct parts, each with its own technical and environmental challenges.

Part 1: Restaurant Scene in Sinchon

The first half of the shoot took place in a restaurant in Sinchon. Although the scene was set at night, it was filmed during the day to better control sound and scheduling. This required fully blacking out the windows to simulate a nighttime environment.

With only a four-hour booking window, efficiency was critical. The team moved quickly through setup and shooting, ensuring that all required angles and performances were captured within the limited timeframe.

To create a lively and authentic atmosphere, approximately 20 extras were brought in to fill the space. Real food preparation played a key role in the visual realism. Charcoal grills, fresh meat, and active cooking were all incorporated into the scene. Restaurant staff remained on standby throughout the shoot, reheating dishes between takes to maintain visible steam and freshness on camera.

The result was a controlled yet naturalistic environment that matched the tone of the concept.

Transition Between Locations

Following the restaurant shoot, the production relocated to the second location. After a short break for dinner, the team prepared for an exterior night shoot in central Seoul.

Part 2: Street Scene in Jonggak

The second half of the shoot took place in Jonggak, in an active pedestrian area. Conditions quickly became more complex as rain began shortly before filming.

Despite this, the team proceeded as planned. Hair and makeup artists performed quick touch-ups at a nearby basecamp, and filming began under wet and humid conditions.

Operating in a live urban environment required a minimal footprint. Without full location control, the crew worked carefully within Korean regulations while avoiding disruption to pedestrian and vehicle traffic.

Logistics added another layer of complexity. Due to restricted access, production vehicles could not be parked near the filming location. Equipment had to be transported from a parking facility approximately ten minutes away on foot. Camera and lighting teams repeatedly moved gear back and forth, setting up and breaking down equipment in the rain.

Coordinating the Final Shot

The most technically demanding moment came at the end of the shoot. The final shot required precise coordination between multiple elements. The camera was positioned on a third-floor location overlooking the street, while the talent performed at street level and a taxi navigated a narrow road with active traffic.

Timing was critical. The team synchronized talent movement, vehicle positioning, and camera operation while briefly controlling traffic flow. Despite the complexity and delays caused by weather and conditions, the shot was completed successfully.

Delivering Under Pressure

The shoot extended beyond the original schedule, but all required footage was captured. Preparation, adaptability, and on-the-ground problem-solving allowed the production to stay on track despite changing conditions.

The client team from PRAVDA and BankAxept left with a complete set of visuals aligned with their original concept.

Moktan as a Production Partner

This project reflects Moktan Productions’ role as a reliable production partner for international teams working in Korea. Beyond creative execution, the company provides comprehensive support across every stage of production, adapting to the needs of each project.

From detailed pre-production planning and location scouting to managing complex shoot days in unpredictable environments, Moktan ensures that global productions can operate efficiently and confidently on the ground.

By combining local expertise, technical capability, and a flexible production approach, Moktan continues to support a wide range of international projects, translating ideas into fully realized productions within Korea.