CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) is a nationwide organization of volunteers who represent the best interests of abused and neglected children in the courtroom. Chicago-based production studio www.modeproject.com.>Mode Project was enlisted to help tell the story, using animation and live-action, of an eight-year-old boy who had been abandoned by his parents and with the help of a CASA volunteer, adopted into a loving family. nnnnDuring concept development, www.modeproject.com.>Mode Project determined that the story should avoid expected visual themes and should focus on the enduring and unchanging presence of the CASA volunteer. “This project is a great example of what can happen when we are brought in at the early stages of creative development,” notes Kate Soczka, Mode’s producer. The resulting CG-intensive :60 PSA makes use of an imaginary world of paper cut-outs which places the boy and the volunteer firmly in the center of a whirlwind of court proceedings, lawyers and multiple foster homes. “Since the piece is from the child’s perspective, we wanted the imagery to have a hand-made feel that would help connect the viewer to the boy’s story in a way that was tangible and relatable,” says Stefan Draht, CG project lead. To give the story warmth and authenticity, www.modeproject.com.>Mode Project shot live-action footage of a boy in his bedroom making paper cut-outs. Subtle, real world details reflected in the 3D modeling make the transitions to live-action footage seamless. Folding CG paper cut-outs also mirror real-world dynamics, further blurring the lines between live-action and animation. nnwww.modeproject.com.>Mode Project was presented with this opportunity via design studio www.3st.com.>Thirst/Chicago on behalf of www.iamepic.org.>EPIC (Engaging Philanthropy Inspiring Creatives), an organization which helps top-tier creative talent join forces with nonprofit clients. "www.modeproject.com.>Mode Project totally made Kelly Butler’s script come to life in this incredible video hybrid that is obviously digital but remarkably analog in spirit. I love this Mode brand of innocence!" said Thirst’s founder and design director, Rick Valicenti.nnCreditsnnTitle CASA of Cook County: One Boy’s StorynnAgency: www.iamepic.org.>EPICnAgency Liaison: www.3st.com.>Thirst/Chicago, Rick ValicentinWriter: Kelly ButlernnProduction Company: www.modeproject.com.>Mode ProjectnCG Modeling and Animation: www.modeproject.com.>Mode ProjectnnDirector of Photography: Derick SmithnStylist: Pamela DawnnnMusic: The Mayfair WorkshopnSound Design: Vagabond AudionnAbout www.modeproject.com.>Mode Projectnwww.modeproject.com.>Mode Project is an award-winning production company which creates distinctive viewer experiences for the advertising, marketing and entertainment industries. Our filmmakers, designers, animators and editors provide concept-through-delivery for all platforms including television, film, online, mobile and events. We work on a project basis with any company, any size, seeking to adopt new ways of doing business to achieve results-driven, cost-effective solutions for the digital era. As a creative partner to the Obama for America Media Team, www.modeproject.com.>Mode Project received the Cannes Lions Titanium Grand Prix and the Integrated Grand Prix awards in 2009. www.modeproject.com.nnAbout ThirstnThirst is a firm devoted to art with function and serves a collection of clients whose refined and enlightened design sensibilities yield rewards in the experience of creation. Our passion for design and embrace of new technologies make for a dynamic union of imagery and inspiration. Thirst’s strategic and creative versatility continues to lead the discourse and pursue the elusive ideals of intelligence, fashion and real human presence within today’s world of communication. www.3st.com.nnAbout www.iamepic.org.>EPICnwww.iamepic.org.>EPIC helps creative professionals and nonprofits join forces, making a bigger impact on the world than either could alone. In regular intervals, we are pairing select teams of “creatives” from the ad/design industries with select nonprofit clients dedicated to education, children and families. During what we call a “creative rally,” each team creates plans, programs, and materials—on a pro-bono basis—that their nonprofit client needs to positively affect the lives of those they serve. www.iamepic.org.
Kate Soczka www.modeproject.com.>Mode Project Contact Kate via email P 312.951.5424
Who Needs Los Angeles? We Do.
One doesn't have to be a statistician to know that there are fewer commercials being shot in the U.S. today for the American market than ever before, and a dramatic decrease in L.A. in particular. In the last five years, as reported by FilmLA (the office tasked with issuing permits), L.A. commercial production has dipped 31 percent. But here’s the thing: This doesn’t mean that L.A. has lost its importance as the production center of the world. Production in L.A. is vital. It is the go-to. It’s where you can count on access to exemplary crews, a support infrastructure second to none, varied location and backlot options, a large population of on-screen talent and (fairly) predictable weather. The fact is, with overall decline and now the devastation of the fires, we’re on the brink of losing this mainstay resource. Without employment opportunities and now many without homes, talented and trained crew are bound to leave either the industry or the LA area for other opportunities, unless there are enough job opportunities to sustain a solid living. Now is the time when we ALL must support and bolster this community. Production is needed in L.A., now! Of course, advertising is a business, and marketers’ money should be spent as efficiently as possible, BUT we have to think beyond each production and know that if we lose the incredible resource of L.A. production as we know it, then marketers, agencies and the industry loses in the long run. Over the past several days, some agencies have issued directives to production companies that are unilaterally pushing upcoming production options out of L.A. The fact is L.A. is a large area, and many sections of the city and county are not directly impacted... Read More