The Ritz-Carlton announces the next phase of a global partnership with Hearst Magazines on "The Stay," a groundbreaking digital campaign that explores the infinite possibilities offered by a stay at The Ritz-Carlton through the lens of five original short films. Bold enough to put its brand storytelling in the hands of others, The Stay campaign stays true to a key mission of The Ritz-Carlton - to inspire life's most meaningful journeys - both in terms of the emerging talent the campaign supports as well as through the stories told in the films themselves.

The program, which launched in June, invited emerging writers and directors to submit screenplays setting the scene for their take on "what happens next" after two actors enter a bustling Ritz-Carlton hotel lobby, check in and are shown up to their suite. A panel of five judges - featuring Academy Award-nominated director and writer Mike Figgis (Leaving Las Vegas), YouTube's head of content for the EMEA region Luke Hyams, Harper's BAZAAR UK digital editor Sarah Karmali, Esquire.com culture editor Tyler Coates, and Lisa Holladay of The Ritz-Carlton -selected five winning writer/director(s) who each received a fully-funded opportunity to develop, direct and produce their short film, bringing their creative vision to life. The winning directors each traveled to one of five international Ritz-Carlton properties - including the United Arab Emirates; Hong Kong; Lake Tahoe, Geneva, and Grand Cayman - to shoot their respective films.

The Note, which was written and directed by Malcom Roy Greenhill and filmed at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel de la Paix, Geneva, was the first of the five films to be released. The remaining films will be released on a rolling basis, available to watch across Ritz-Carlton and Hearst digital channels and will soon be available to watch in-room at Ritz-Carlton properties as well.

About Marriott International

Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of more than 8,100 properties under 30 leading brands spanning 139 countries and territories. Marriott operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts all around the world. The company offers Marriott Bonvoy®, its highly awarded travel program. For more information, please visit our website, and for the latest company news, visit Marriott News Center. In addition, connect with us on Facebook and @MarriottIntl on Twitter and Instagram.