Directed by Sam Coleman of Giant Films in Cape Town, South Africa, this 90-second drone-shot film lyrically uses collective nouns to romance the beauty of animal groups across Africa – but at the same time highlighting their vulnerability and imminent extinction.
Titled “A Guardian,” the film for U.S.. charity Over&AboveAfrica was conceived by veteran ECD Andy Fackrell, known for his body of work over the years at 180 Amsterdam, and Wieden+Kennedy in Portland, Ore. (such as director Frank Budgen’s Nike “Tag” spot). Fackrell has moved back to Amsterdam and among his output is “A Guardian” which shows how drone technology is proving to be a surprising beacon of hope in Africa’s war against animal poaching. Drone surveillance is proving to be a savior for Africa’s endangered animal groups, increasing their survival chances by up to 80%, according to a pioneering group of conservationists, entrepreneurs and researchers called Air Shepherd.
Credits
Client Over&Above Africa Creative Andrew Fackrell; Mariya Munsey, art director; Shannon Worley, producer (Nice Kitty Films). Production Giant Films, Cape Town Sam Coleman, director; Cindy Gabriel, exec producer; Devin Tosselli, DP; Boris Vossgatter, producer; Nella Coetzer, production manager; Izolina de Vasconcelos, wardrobe; Carl Nicholl, drone pilot; Wayne van Rooyen, RC plane pilot; Bobby Kamnga, production assistant; Simeon Hamman, drone camera operator. Color Grading Nic Apostoli, colorist; Charmaine Greyling, online. Editorial Rock Paper Scissors, Los Angeles Adam Pertofsky, editor; Marjorie Sacks, assistant editor. Postproduction a52 Music Licensing Wool & Tusk Aaron Mercer. Music “Under The Trees’ Voices” Ezio Bosso, Sony Music Italy.
The Ad Council, partnering with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Administration for Children and Families (ACF) and AdoptUSKids, launched a public service campaign, created pro bono by Edelman, which aims to inspire prospective parents to consider adopting a teen from foster care.
This centerpiece PSA titled “The Rewards”--directed by The Hudson Dusters (Michael Kuhn and Niles Roth) via Greenpoint Pictures--spotlights real adoptive families who have personally experienced the mutual benefits of adoption. This longer form PSA (and cutdown versions) begins with a touching display of openness and vulnerability as adoptive parents reflect on their adoption journeys and their initial questions and hesitations about adopting a teen. Then, in a deeply emotional turn, the adoptive parents witness their children recounting the profound rewards of adoption in their lives. The teens speak of the love they share with their parents and how the decision to become a family is reciprocal. The campaign directs viewers to the AdoptUSKids website to learn more about adopting a teen from foster care.
