PROJECT Finding A Brother | CLIENT Unionville Home Society | SERVICES Creative
Unionville Home Society is a leading seniors care facility whose vision is to build a progressive community where older adults thrive, age well and live better.
Every year, the facility’s foundation holds a fundraising event in order to help fund developments and programs that make UHS a wonderful home for seniors. Each year, our task is to produce a film, presented at the event, that encourages attendees to donate by showcasing UHS and the individuals who are directly impacted by financial contributions.
Finding a Brother explores the relationship of two unsuspecting characters: a young kart-racing prodigy named Russell, and John, an older gentle soul that lives in a UHS long-term care facility. In this heartwarming short, we learn how a familial bond can organically grow from a foundation of respect, love and kindness.
The film debuted to a packed audience during the fundraiser. Providing a glimpse into this unlikely friendship encouraged donors to contribute to the worthwhile cause. Russell and his family attended the gala, a true full-circle moment for his mother Ann, who first approached her son about this unique volunteer opportunity after watching our video at the previous year’s fundraiser.
To best capture the essence of this heartwarming kinship, our team took an organic approach to this project. We operated as flies on walls, blending into the background as we observed Russell and John moving through their daily routines. Our goal was to capture candid and genuine moments between the two of them without intruding on their time together.
Accompanying the footage that we captured is a dynamic and deep sound design, thickly layered with a classical soundtrack. What transpired on film was an authentic story, depicting the honesty behind the bond that makes them family.
Documenting the special relationship between Russell and John showed the audience at the fundraising event the important role volunteers can play in the future of long-term care for older adults. The short film contributed to a successful event, helping to raise $85,000.
