This poignant animated short, Scarlett, is for Scarlett Contra El Cancer, a Miami-based foundation seeking to increase awareness of cancer affecting children throughout the U.S. and Latin America. Produced by NY-based the STUDIO, the film introduces us to a despondent little girl, Scarlett, searching for a way to belong and feel like she did before the amputation of a leg. She finds that way through dance.
This message is in line with Scarlett Contra El Cancer’s belief in the power of entertainment media to empower children through storytelling and role models. Media visibility can offer these children hope and a sense of belonging at a critical time when they feel isolated by their medical condition.
Alison Abitbol of the STUDIO directed this animation short which is complemented by a cinematic score and vocals–from bicoastal music house Hook+Line–that drive the inspirational narrative.
“The challenge for us was striking the right tone, both lyrically and musically. The song couldn’t be too sunny or anthemic; it needed to feel raw and real, and draw people into Scarlett’s journey and determination to ‘keep on going,’” said Hook+Line partner/songwriter Abby Diamond.
The original song was co-written and produced by Diamond, who brought in collaborator Kyle Patrick, as a co-writer and producer. Patrick mixed the song and Diamond recorded the vocals, which she noted are performed in “almost a whisper.” Hook+Line owner and creative director Bryan Senti lent his talents on violin.
CreditsProduction the STUDIO, New York Alison Abitbol, director, art direction, narrative, matte paintings, character development; Mary Nittolo, exec producer/creative director; Jenna Gabriel, producer; John Holmes, art direction/early concept development/character development; Juan Mont, art direction, modeling, character development; Mike Ocasio, early concept development, character development; Adrian Mateescu, character development; Paolo Cogliati, narrative; Juan Mont, Adam Rozanski, Victor DeRespinis, animation Red and Blue world; Juan Mont, Hee Jin Kim, Mike Sime, Ozan Basaldi, Jackie Garbuio, Eric Kilanski, Adam Rozanski, Victor DiRespinis, character animation and compositing; Malcolm Carrott, rigging; Mirelle Underwood, lighting; Jackie Garbuio, Malcolm Carrott, Adam Rozanski, editing. Music Hook+Line Abby Diamond, songwriter/vocalist/producer; Kyle Patrick, co-writer/producer/mix engineer; Bryan Senti, violin; Yoed Nir, cello; Joe LaPorta, mastering engineer.
NHS England, M&C Saatchi UK, Director Tom Tagholm Team On PSA Highlighting The Overlooked Signs Of A Stroke
National Health Service (NHS) England has unveiled a multichannel campaign, “Act FAST,” to raise awareness of the individual signs of a stroke and get people to call 999 as soon as they suspect they may be experiencing any one symptom. The push, which is part of the ongoing “Help Us, Help You” campaign, was developed in partnership with M&C Saatchi UK.
The campaign depicts everyday situations where everything might seem relatively normal, but where there’s the sign of someone experiencing a stroke.
A key component of the campaign is this :30--directed by Tom Tagholm of Various Films--which sets up the idea that initially, a stroke might not seem like much, highlighting key symptoms: from struggling to use a paint roller, to not being able to smile when watching TV, to slurring your speech when reading a story to your grandchild. The PSA emphasizes that time is critical, ending with the line: “Face or arm or speech, at the first sign, it’s time to call 999.”
Jo Bacon, Group CEO, M&C Saatchi UK, said, “We want to ensure people take action on the first symptom, rather than waiting for more conclusive signs. To help them understand that even when everything seems normal, something serious might be happening.”
Matt Lee, executive creative director, M&C Saatchi UK, commented: “This is important work. We wanted to explore that precise moment when your world shifts, quietly yet powerfully, off its axis during a stroke. We highlight how a tiny external moment can actually be seismic—an extraordinary gear change, framed in a really ordinary way.”
Director Tagholm shared, “My Dad suffered a stroke a few years ago and was saved from the worst by acting quickly, and by the work of the NHS. So there’s... Read More