Creative Design Studio Helps Tell Complicated Story
Chicago-based Mode Project is proud to announce its recent collaboration with Kartemquin Films in the creation of an animated graphics system for a new documentary series about struggling families in the U.S.
In 6 one-hour episodes, Hard Earned explores the widening economic inequality experienced by five families juggling the rising costs of housing, education, food, medical bills and more – all while working low-wage jobs.
Their provocative stories are uniquely human, but complicated.
Kartemquin Films selected Mode Project to design a visual system and animation style for easy-to-grasp graphics that bring clarity to complex storytelling.
Mode Project worked closely with the filmmakers, distilling data into clean and effective support for the story line. The result is inspired explanatory design at its best.
“We chose to work with Mode Project because of their design and animation skills, as well as their approach to the material,” says Kartemquin Series Producer, Maggie Bowman. “This project required a team with the ability to go beyond the design and to dig into the story.”
Brooks Ruyle, Mode Project creative director says, "We’re honored to partner with an extraordinary powerhouse like Kartemquin Films. For us, it’s all about doing meaningful work. This project has the power to make an impact on society.”
Anyone who has been stirred by Obama presidential campaign videos, has loved an Oprah Winfrey image spot, or was captivated by animated Ore-Ida Tater Tots in a dramatic duel, has witnessed how Mode Project’s work excites and connects with viewers.
Hard Earned will reach 58 million American households through Al Jazeera America and makes its debut Sunday, May 3rd at 10pm ET/ 6pm PT as part of the documentary series Al Jazeera America Presents.
The Kartemquin production team is a venerable Emmy and Peabody award winning collective of documentarians, recognized for films such as Life Itself, Hoop Dreams, and The Interrupters, which have left a lasting impact on millions of viewers.
Mode Project animated graphics system credits: Tracy Heropkie: Executive Producer; Brooks Ruyle: Creative Director; Lindsay Daniels: Creative Director / Concepting; Stefan Draht: Associate Creative Director / Designer – Animator; Brett Schnacky: Art Director / Designer – Animator; Editor: Mike Greiner
About Mode Project
Mode Project’s team of creative thinkers work with agencies and brands to deliver stories in their most powerful form: through video and animation. By bringing together design and storytelling with a deep understanding of our clients’ communication goals, Mode Project is able to produce solutions that are both compelling and relevant.
Tracy Heropkie
Executive Producer
MODE PROJECT
Contact Tracy via email
312-951-5424 (studio)
2024 AICP Awards Tour Concludes with Stops in Dallas and Chicago
The 2024 AICP Awards Tour concludes with stops in Dallas and Chicago this month as it wraps up its tour of cities across the U.S. The National Tour brought presentations, panels and screenings to marketers, advertising agencies, production and post production companies. The AICP Awards will be in Dallas on Thursday, November 14th, at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, followed by the Chicago event, set for Thursday, November 21st at The Old Post Office. Tickets are available now for both events at www.aicp.com. In Dallas, the program kicks off at 6:45 pm with a happy hour, followed by the screening and panel discussion at 7:30. The evening ends with a networking reception from 8:30 to 11:30. The Perot Museum of Nature and Science is located at 2201 N. Field Street in Dallas. Appearing in Dallas will be Abe Garcia, Chief Creative Officer, Dieste; Julia Melle, Director of Brand and Content, Southwest Airlines; and Isaac Pagán Muñoz, VP, Executive Creative Director of PepsiCo Foods. The panel will review selected winners from the suite of the AICP Awards programs, offering insights into what made them rise to the top of their respective categories and share their viewpoints on key trends in the industry. The Chicago stop starts at 6:00pm with a happy hour, followed by the presentation and screening at 7:00pm. A reception caps the event, starting at 8:00pm and concluding at 11:30pm. The Old Post Office is located at 433 W Van Buren Street in Chicago. The panel there will feature 2024 AICP Awards Curators and Winners from the marketer, agency, production and post production sectors who’ll highlight this year’s winners. The conversation will include a discussion about the winning work, including insights... Read More