In a jarring new documentary-style film, Off the Street Club (OTSC), Chicago’s oldest boys and girls club, reveals the impact that growing up in an urban war zone can have on kids, by juxtaposing children’s real life experiences with those of US veterans of combat. The moving piece aims to raise awareness of the commonalities shared by these two groups of individuals—both heroes in their own right. By bringing children and veterans together, OTSC hopes to illuminate the dire need for support on Chicago’s West Side. The veterans forge a powerful bond with this unexpected Chicago community based on letters written by kids who live in Chicago’s West Garfield Park, one of the country’s most dangerous neighborhoods.
Titled The Toughest Letter, this film is one piece in an overarching “Hope is Tougher” effort being led by ad agency Energy BBDO. The message speaks to the fact that the children of the OTSC are so much tougher than the streets they grow up on. Their hope is stronger than gangs, stronger than guns, stronger than violence—these children are heroes of hope, against some of the worst odds in the country. Funds raised from this campaign provide funding for the Club’s daily operating costs for the entire year. OTSC offers a positive refuge for more than 3,000 children in West Garfield Park.
Client Off the Street Club Agency Energy BBDO, Chicago Andres Ordonez, chief creative officer; Pedro Perez, Josh Gross, creative directors; Fernando Passos, Dan McCormack, associate creative directors; Daniel Kuypers, director of music; Nick Maker, associate music producer; Hung Vinh, lead designer; Mitch Monzon, exec producer; Stefanie Spiegel, producer; Jason Chiu, DP; Garrett Gassensmith, camera operator. Postproduction Kendall Fash, director, postproduction; Becca Sita, postproduction coordinator; Sean Berringer, editor; Geoffrey Neal, Alec Pieper, Austin Andries, assistant editors. Color Company 3 Tyler Roth, colorist. Audio Sarah Krohn, Katy Mindeman
Ford, W+K London, WracK Team On “Charge Around The Globe” Docuseries
This trailer promotes Charge Around The Globe, a new adventure docuseries that follows record-breaking traveler Lexie Limitless on an extraordinary journey to circumnavigate the globe in an electric vehicle--traveling over 30,000 kilometers across six continents, all in pursuit of one world record. The three-part series on Prime Video in the U.K. showcases the capabilities of modern electric vehicles while immersing viewers in the numerous experiences and challenges Lexie encounters throughout her journey. As she navigates various challenges throughout her trip, Charge Around the Globe serves as a testament to the spirit of exploration. Ford, Wieden+Kennedy London and WracK teamed on the series.
The documentary aims to address the primary concern hindering many consumers from transitioning to electric: doubts about the range and capability of electric vehicles. As a 120-year-old brand, Ford looked to its past as inspiration for the switch that’s taking place today. Over a century ago, pioneering explorer Aloha Wanderwell set off from Nice at the age of 16 to become the first woman to drive around the world in a Ford Model T. Now, in 2024, we get to see Lexie, the youngest person to visit every country in the world, take to the wheel of the electric Ford Explorer, reinventing that historic journey for a new generation. Along the way, she meets extraordinary people, navigates difficult terrains, and faces the challenges of a constantly evolving charging infrastructure that puts her to the test.
“Charge Around The Globe has been the ultimate test drive for our new electric Ford Explorer. We took on every kind of weather and road condition and dealt with just about every charging scenario. The journey embodies the true... Read More