Artist brings Nashville to life with enchanting video capsules at BNA's grand lobby

• Thibaut Duverneix specializes in creating immersive experiences, from airports to live shows.
• Duverneix's efforts highlight the renovation plan at the Nashville International Airport's grand lobby. The area opens Tuesday.

Gentilhomme CEO Thibaut Duverneix and his team of filmmakers and artists spent months bringing Nashville and its natural, urban beauty to life.

Two 70-foot video boards at Nashville International Airport are flush with the city's nightlight, Smoky Mountain love and everything in between, showcasing Tennessee's charm in 12K resolution. The three-minute video plays on a loop, paying homage to the Volunteer State. Starting Tuesday, drone shots of Lower Broadway and footage of scenic nature shots, including waterfalls, will welcome guests riding down the escalator to the Transportation Security Administration checkpoint.

Called "City of Lights," Duverneix's work highlights the multibillion-dollar BNA Vision improvement plan, a true showstopper as passengers enter the airport's new grand lobby.

Duverneix's production team visited 20 sites around Nashville and Tennessee, compiling a combination of live-action shots and computer-generated imagery.

"It's immersing you in the city and on the street," he said. "We wanted to showcase the nature and the diversity that Tennessee offers."

As the airport expands, as many as 23 million annual passengers are expected to walk by Duverneix's videos.

He said the project will remind travelers of Orlando's airport, which welcomes guests with a video package.

"Every time I push content, I try to make it very unique," Duverneix said. "We really spend time in understanding the city and the locals."

As guests maneuver through Nashville airport's expanded TSA checkpoint, Duverneix said he wants everyone to enjoy a different level of engagement with the video boards. Some, he said, will feel a calm come over them; others may want to take selfies or photos as the bright lights of Lower Broadway color Nashville's night sky.

He's ready for passengers to review his long-awaited project.

"It's for the world to decide now," Duverneix said, "and I love those projects because you get direct feedback."

Reach reporter Craig Shoup by email at cshoup@gannett.com and on Twitter @Craig_Shoup. To support his work, sign up for a digital subscription to www.tennessean.com.