Our primary objectives were to produce compelling, authentic, cinematic content that resulted in a fresh appreciation for TWI as a leading force in wetlands restoration, increased volunteer engagement, and sustained donor support; second, to help audiences connect to restoration efforts at both a global and local level; third, to celebrate the achievements of TWI while kicking off the next 25 years, showcasing the challenges and opportunities for project growth in the bi-state and Chicago region.

A tight creative development and film production timeline was just one of several challenges, with talent scattered across the Midwest and rural Greece.  Our goal with filming was to ensure the delivery of both pieces met the additional elements of the overarching brand campaign, with print media, e-blasts, and social media materials scheduled for release in early October. 

The largest challenge involved collaborating with and remotely directing the keynote speaker, who was to be the guest at the in-person benefit, as he filmed himself and his environment in Greece for use in the editing room back in Chicago. Our second film involved on-site interviews of TWI leadership and b-roll of three project areas.  Keeping our crew small and nimble, we ensured the safety of everyone involved through social distancing and PPE, while creating a comfortable, relaxed environment and conversational tone with talent not highly experienced at being in front of the camera.  A third film was originally proposed as a tribute to late TWI co-founder Al Pyott, and while this was cut out of the final scope due to budget and time constraints, a tribute message was incorporated into the anniversary film.

We adopted a highly researched and collaborative approach to creative development for both pieces.  Early calls with Julian Hoffman gave us a grasp of his surroundings and existing resources (lighting, recording equipment).  We worked with Julian to refine the script copy and develop a shot list that relayed his expertise and experience living in the wetlands northern Greece.  Once an ample library was established, we began the edit, incorporating footage from shoot days in the Midwest.

At the same time, we used the recently completed strategic plan to get a sense of the accomplishments, impact, and future goals of the organization. When tackling the anniversary film, we worked with TWI staff on the copywriting of interview talking points, knowing that these conversations would serve as the building blocks to the film.  With talking points, scripts, mood boards, and production books complete, it became clear that both films would be longer than anticipated.  After some discussion with TWI staff, we agreed that the slightly longer length was acceptable; prioritizing the brand story while maintaining a cohesive, engaging, narrative arc – without overloading viewers.  

Film production made use of high-end cinematic equipment and professional editing, with ground-based filming at the Sue and Wes Dixon Waterfowl Refuge, Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, and Calumet Region in Northwest Indiana shot on Canon Cinema. This nimble system rendered beautiful, cinematic results and offered strong performance in natural light. We augmented footage with wide landscape shots, aerials, stills, and b-roll.  Using a high-end drone, we captured incredibly detailed and vast footage of TWI program areas on shoot days from sunrise to sunset.