Independent London-based agency Don’t Panic, and WaterAid, the U.K.’s dedicated water charity, have launched “WaterAid Can,” a campaign that highlights the role the international non-governmental organization plays in tackling the effects of climate change.
Today, some of the world’s poorest communities are living on the frontline of climate change. Severe floods and droughts are threatening people’s access to clean water and putting lives at risk; fragile water sources are being polluted or drying up. In an ever-changing climate, among the many threats we have to be concerned about, our access to water shouldn’t be one of them. Without clean water, decent sanitation and good hygiene, overcoming poverty is just a dream, as is good health. Of the 7.9 billion people in the world, one in 10 don’t have clean water close to home. By working with communities to build sustainable water systems that can withstand these extreme conditions, WaterAid and the communities they work with are helping build resilience to an uncertain future.
This “WaterAid Can” campaign film was directed by the award-winning photographer Olivia Rose who just joined the commercialmaking roster at Stink Rising. This public service piece, produced by Stink Films, is a series of quintessentially British portraits. Each individual delivers their part of the message, contextualized by the scene around them–from a young lad on Blackpool Beach talking about rising sea levels, to a real London cabbie talking about how WaterAid “can’t turn back the clock.” The film culminates in the younger generation telling us what WaterAid CAN do.
“It’s a really clever and brave way for WaterAid to present the campaign; leading with what you can’t do should feel like a total no go, but Rick (Dodds, creative partner) at Don’t Panic captured a real joy in the script whereby WaterAid openly admits to the things they can’t change, in order to draw us in, so they can educate us on what they can,” said Rose who added, “Pithy, British, heavily photographic and with a self-deprecating element, this was a chance to do some really good, simple, authentic filmmaking; interesting composition, authentic characters and emotion built through the edit. Climate change is real and if this commercial makes more people stop, think and support WaterAid, then I’m proud!”
The film is set to a track called “N.O.M.O.N.E.Y” by Dead Clever, an up-and-coming band from Leeds. The PSA was lensed on an Alexa Mini, but the final shot was captured by Rose and DP Nathalie Pitters on their iPhone 12Pros.
CreditsClient WaterAid Agency Don’t Panic, London Joe Wade, founder; Rick Dodds, creative partner; Ellie Moore, strategy & engagement partner; George McCallum, associate creative director; Jennifer Clare Houlihan, sr. project manager & producer; Luke Freeman, designer. Production Stink Films Olivia Rose, director; Hannah Bellil, global head of Stink Rising & Music Videos; India Lee Pulbrook, producer; Oli Falcon, production manager; Steven Armstrong, location manager; Nathalie Pitters, DP; Fin Sullivan, art director. Cast Rayyah McCaul, James Tweedy, Adam Kerr, Liam Kerr, Menyee Lai, Courtney Gabbidon, Risky Roadz Roony, Mark Wadsworth, Lynn Touil, Zane Igbe, Kara Sangha, Nosa Iyamu, KJ Evans. Editorial Stitch Max Windows, editor; Kirsty Oldfield, edit producer. Color ETC Jason Wallis, colorist; Oliver Whitworth, producer. Sound 750mph Music Louis Rayworth. Track: ”N.O.M.O.N.E.Y.” by Dead Clever
Top Spot of the Week: EHRAC, Animation Studio NOMINT Depict Life “In Limbo” As Families Search For Loved Ones
This animated film titled In Limbo depicts the journey of a heroic woman protagonist representing the countless families in the North Caucasus of Eastern Europe (where Chechnya is situated) searching for their forcibly disappeared loved ones. Utilizing theatrical elements, the film highlights the unnatural disruption caused by enforced disappearances and delves into the profound trauma these families endure. It emphasizes their long battles with the domestic authorities as they seek answers. The film also underscores the vital role of community support in helping these families cope and continue their fight for answers, serving as a compelling call to action for justice and human rights.
Through intimate storytelling, In Limbo raises awareness of the ongoing uncertainty that leaves families in a perpetual state of limbo, unable to find closure.
Directed by Afterman--the animation duo consisting of Tsvetelina Zdraveva and Jerred North--and created and produced by London-based animation studio NOMINT, In Limbo was commissioned by the European Human Rights Advocacy Centre (EHRAC).
In a joint statement, Zdraveva and North shared, “Our film takes place on a theater stage, highlighting how such tragedies are far removed from ordinary life,” they continued. “The stage is circular, resembling an artificial, perpetually spinning obstacle course, with a target—the red tail lights—just within sight yet never within reach, symbolizing the family’s never-ending quest for justice.”
“We used a limited primary color palette to contrast the two worlds all families are pulled between. Minimalist compositions of starkly silhouetted characters and environments create the ominous atmosphere of a deeply painful and... Read More