This mixed media piece is part of a package of films–directed by Amar Chebib of creative and production studio Even/Odd–which showcases Zendesk’s Tech For Good program supporting nonprofit organizations with donated software and expertise, enabling these groups to increase efficiency and amplify impact.
In this spot, the spotlight is on nonprofit org Ameelio which connects families with incarcerated loved ones.
Zendesk gives its software to the selected nonprofits free of charge to help them accomplish their goals with ease. Through the initiative, these partners are better able to track volunteers and donations, release emergency response resources, and give clients personalized help.
Credits
Client Zendesk Scott Morris, SVP, global campaigns and integrated marketing; Erin Pinkley, VP, creative; Laura Shear, director, social impact communications; Sam Kind, tech for good manager; Ariana Blair, brand producer; Elyse Kanagaratnam, Olivia Kingsley, creative directors; Sam Bathe, associate creative director; Julia Oller, brand copywriter. Creative & Production Studio Even/Odd Amar Chebib, director & editor; Art Camp, animation; Malcolm Pullinger, Omid Fatemi, Rachel Serada Barth, producers; Ben Nabors, line producer; Valentina Clerici, production manager; Mohammad Gorjestani, Taylor Feltner, Cayce Cole, Ashley Rodholm, exec producers. Sound Design & Mix Oscar Vargas Color Sean Wells
After losing part of his right leg due to cancer, Terry Fox campaigned to raise national awareness and funding for cancer research by running his Marathon of Hope, a cross-Canada 42-km daily run, on his prosthetic leg. Fox, who died in 1981, is a national hero. His image will be on Canada’s new $5 bill.
In this two-minute video titled “Finish It,” the Marathon of Hope is recreated. It’s all done in one take, and it features an actor/marathon runner who uses a prosthesis on the same leg as Fox. CGI was deployed to make him look more like Fox. To further ensure the actor represented Fox accurately, not only did the actor and team watch and study many videos of Terry, but Terry’s brothers, Fred and Darrel, coached the actor on Terry’s running style and mannerisms. They also created a copy of Terry’s prosthesis for the actor to use for the shoot.
The message is clear. As the Marathon of Hope now marks its 45th anniversary, we now have the opportunity to “Finish It” for Fox, raising money and awareness to get a cure for cancer over the finish line, completing the work that Fox started. The public service film starts with Fox on the marathon run, eventually joined by a crowd of other dedicated runners from all walks of life who take over the race.
Mark Zibert directed via production company Scouts Honour for Toronto agency Diamond. The video features a never-before-heard version of the song “Courage” from Canadian band The Tragically Hip.
“We wanted to create a campaign that captures the magnitude of Terry Fox’s legacy while driving meaningful action,” said Peter Ignazi, chief creative officer at Diamond. “By revisiting the Marathon of Hope with such care and reverence, we aimed to reignite Terry’s mission and... Read More
