In this PSA for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, we see a man’s life unfold in reverse back to a pivotal juncture when he considers suicide. Keeping his firearm under lock and key, though, gave him a moment to stop and think, averting tragedy and enabling him to move forward to the positive developments we saw him experience in a fulfilling life.
The Fackrell Brothers (twins Matthew and Nathan) directed “Pivot Point” via their production house Fackrell Brothers for agency Reingold Associates. The spot is part of a campaign crafted to help vets who are struggling with PTSD and mental health issues.
Credits
Client U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs Agency Reingold and DCG Communication Neil Bruce, creative director/copywriter. Production Company Fackrell Brothers Matthew Fackrell, Nathan Fackrell aka the Fackrell Brothers, directors; Megan Stacey, DP; Valerie Thomas, producer; Ken Averill, production designer; Oasis Nguyen, hair and makeup effects. Editorial Nomad Edit Sam Perkins, editor; Craig Windes, post supervisor. Sound Design Brian Emrich, sound designer. Audio Post Nathan Hoffman, sound mix. Music Phil Klein Color Stephen Derluguian, colorist. VFX Tarik Saran, VFX.
Stain remover Vanish presents this emotional short film--created by BETC Havas, Sao Paulo, and produced by LOBO--that explores the profound consequences of bullying and highlights the importance of open conversations between parents and children. Titled The Bully Monster, the animated film premiered at the Maquinaria Festival in Rio de Janeiro on February 15 in a special edition featuring family-focused programming.
The film’s protagonist is a boy who experiences bullying at school but keeps silent about his suffering. Isolation turns sadness into insecurity, creating invisible emotional scars that only grow in the absence of dialogue. When his mother notices stains on his uniform, these marks become the starting point for a revealing conversation. As words find space to make themselves heard, the stains begin to fade.
This initiative aligns with the Vanish Saves Your Uniform campaign, which, for the past three years during the back-to-school season, has engaged with parents by positioning the brand as a trusted partner in preserving school uniforms. This year, Vanish decided to broaden the conversation, bringing bullying into the debate as the real stain that can impact a child’s life.
The Bully Monster is being screened as preshow material in movie theaters starting February 20 and will also be available on streaming platforms and digital channels. In addition to the film, the campaign will include out-of-home activations and school initiatives through a partnership with Abrace – Preventive Programs, the founding organization of the “Bullying-Free Schools” program, which has been equipping institutions with resources to combat school violence for 12 years.
“Research indicates that stains on a uniform can... Read More
