Twenty-four filmmakers from across Canada are helping raise funds for frontline health workers.
“Heartbeat of the Nation” is an 80 second film that captures the spirit of the cheers for healthcare workers from Canadian balconies. It tugs on the heartstrings and begs its viewers to continue their support by staying home and cheering on our heroes. The film was released on Friday (4/24) in partnership with CanadaHelps and Gore Mutual to draw attention to their COVID-19 Healthcare & Hospital Fund. Gore is matching donated funds up to $1 million dollars for this particular fund. They have contributed two million dollars in total for COVID relief.
The film was produced while adhering to physical distancing guidelines. Sixteen cinematographers from across Canada filmed their cities empty. Director, Ross Allen, communicated with the crew from concept to post-production through video conferencing.
Everyone involved in the project volunteered their time, skills, and equipment in order to help spread the message of thanks and support to our healthcare workers.
Credits
Client CanadaHelps, Gore Mutual Production Ross Allen, writer/director; Mack Stannard, producer; Jon Thomas, Mitchell Baxter, Jaryl Lim, Ben Cox, Cristobal Ruiz, Liam Higgins, Jonny Micay, Justin Black, Adrian Vieni, Daniel Everitt-Lock, Brian Hamilton, Shae Paterson, Halley Davies, Simon Jaynes, Oli Jobin, Matthew A MacDonald, cinematographers; Dane Armour, art direction; Andrew Chee, social strategist. Postproduction Ross Allen, editor; Matt Drake, sound design & mix; Sam Gilling, color grade. Original Music Blake Matthews
When dozens of Klick Health team members said they wouldn’t be able to hug loved ones over the festive season, the agency turned to AI and other magic to orchestrate a series of sentimental, surprise reunions captured in its “Holiday Hugs” video. The heartwarming four-minute video, benefitting the D.C.-based Foundation for Social Connection (F4SC), parallels recent findings from a Maru/Blue Public Opinion survey commissioned by Klick.
The poll found 74 percent of Americans and Canadians won’t be able to hug at least one person they wish they could over the holidays. And like those in the video, survey participants cited geographical distance and loved ones having passed away as the leading factors preventing their hugs.
“I just wish I could really squeeze her right now,” says teary-eyed New York Klickster Kari Bocassi watching her AI-generated hug with her sister Marlene, moments before she bursts onto the set for a long in-person embrace. The siblings have spent the past 14 years caring for their mother since her Alzheimer’s diagnosis, but haven’t been together for the holidays since Marlene moved to Virginia. Similarly, Toronto’s Fred Duarte gets the bear hug of his life when his brother Rico, who lives in Brazil, walks into Klick’s production studio for their first holiday reunion in seven years.
Directed by James Cooper via Cooper Films, “Holiday Hugs” also taps into the fact that hugs don’t just make people feel better emotionally, they also have numerous health benefits. According to the National Institutes of Health, hugs can lower blood pressure and boost the immune system.
“There’s nothing quite like the warmth and reassurance of a heartfelt hug,” said Klick’s chief creative officer Rich Levy. “With ‘Holiday... Read More
