This is a special project for me as I have a personal connection to the client- she lives in the same town I grew up in. While I didn’t know her son personally, we lived in a small community and everyone knew the tragedy she went through after her son Harris died by accidental overdose.
After reading a New York Times article about her non-profit, the harris project, I knew we could help millions of Americans struggling with co-occurring disorders- the connection between substance use issues and mental health challenges. We only see one side of the issue often- when in reality these two are so closely tied together.
This campaign was the first to shed light on this issue, and was meticulously crafted to ensure the utmost authenticity. We interviewed many people who have lost a loved one, or know someone who has gone through, or are in active recovery to inform every detail of this. And working with Daniel Wolfe brought another level given his personal experience and film prowess. This launched on the 10-year anniversary of Harris’ death by accidental suicide, which made it that much more meaningful. Along with being named the #24 ad of the year by Ad Age, the campaign has been integrated in a national curriculum to educate teenagers about the risks, has been shown in in-patient treatment clinics, and key policy makers on both a New York and national level.
Director: Daniel Wolfe / Love Song
Editor: Fouad Gaber / Trim
Music: “Bay” composed and performed by Paul Giger, courtesy of Paul Giger and ECM Records
Adage Top 40 Ads of the Year
One Screen Film Festival
Best in Drama and Best in North America
Anthem Awards
Gold, Film, Video, and TV & Silver, Special Projects
Clios
Bronze: Film Craft, Public Service / Copywriting,
Shortlist: : Film Craft, Public Service / Direction,
Shortlist: : Film Craft, Public Service / Casting
British Arrows
Silver: Production / Director – The Frank Budgen Award
Silver: Best Editor
Andys
Gold: Non Profit / Film Craft