Collaboration with Kartemquin Films helps documentary series "Hard Earned" win journalismโs highest public service honor: The duPont Columbia Silver Baton
Since 1942, it has been the prize for the best of the best journalism in the public service. The duPont Columbia silver baton has been passed from the hands of Murrow, Cronkite, Koppel —now to Kartemquin Films.
“Hard Earned,” a six-part documentary program, produced by Kartemquin for Al Jazeera America, brings viewers inside the homes and heartaches of five American families struggling to live at or near minimum wage. Kartemquin partnered with Chicago creative studio Mode Project to enhance the story with innovative design and animation that simplified complicated concepts.
Mode 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.
“This project required a design team who could create like artists and understand like journalists.” says Kartemquin Series Producer, Maggie Bowman. Mode worked like an extension of our production team.”
“Understanding a project’s communications goal is always paramount to our way of working. It was an honor to collaborate with Kartemquin on this meaningful series, and to help visually represent the critical topic of income inequality. We congratulate Kartemquin, not just on this important award, but on its continuing mission of deepening understanding of social issues.” said Mode Project’s Colin Carter.
If Kartemquin Films is the best in documentary filmmaking today, Mode Project is an example of the brightest in visual content, design and filmic storytelling. Mode has proven its extraordinary breadth—from commercial work for fortune 500 brands to iconic visual identity creations for clients such as the 2008 and 2012 Obama presidential campaigns.
The duPont Columbia awards honor stories told in a changing media landscape. There were 14 winners presented this year on January 19th. This is Al Jazeera America’s first duPont Columbia award.
“Hard Earned” Animated Graphics System Credits
Mode Project
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
"Hard Earned" Series Credits
About Mode Project
Mode Project is a creative studio working in the realm of design, animation and live action storytelling. We create meaningful content for agencies and brands. Our specialty is problem solving and gaining a deep understanding of our clients' communications goals.
Contact:
Tracy Heropkie
Executive Producer
Mode Project
Contact Tracy via email
312-951-5424 (studio)
Art Directors Club of Europe Announces Finalists For ADCE Awards 2024
The Art Directors Club of Europe (ADCE)ย has announced theย finalistsย for theย 33rd ADCE Awards, highlighting top creative talent from 22 countries. Anย international juryย gathered in Barcelona on October 29th and 30th to evaluate the best work of this year in European design and advertising, ultimately selecting the 2024 finalists entries. Winners of the Gold Awards, along with Special Awards and the Grand Prix, will be unveiled at the ADCE Awards Gala Ceremony on November 22nd during theย ADCE Festival, while Silver, Bronze, and Shortlisted entries will be published immediately following the Gala on theย ADCE website. A total of 370 entries across 22 European countries have been selected asย finalists. Final distinctions will include Gold, Silver, and Bronze winners, as well as special recognitions like the following:
- European Starย โ honouring projects that reflect core European values such as democracy, freedom, justice, and peace.
- Genius Lociย โ celebrating work that captures the spirit of specific places within Europeโs cultural heritage.
- Green Starย โ recognizing projects that advance the circular economy, sustainability, or environmental protection.
- Equal Starย โ rewarding creativity that challenges discrimination and stereotypes,... Read More