Shields and Stripes is a veteran-owned non-profit organization that provides first-line defenders with the opportunity to heal both physical and mental
wounds. They are founded on compassion and determination to protect our military, law enforcement, and firefighters so they can fulfill the responsibilities
our society calls them to do. Shields and Stripes stand out with their approach to extending access to rehabilitation and performance methods through a
multi-disciplinary approach that goes beyond conventional programs so first-line defenders can continue to live meaningful lives in the face of trauma.
Shields and Stripes’ mission is to end the stigma around mental and physical preservation and ensure that our nation’s defenders are never left behind.
The
challenge
Shields and Stripes approached us to produce videos demonstrating the treatments and programs they provide for first-line defenders. It was crucial to show
how they stand apart from other options with limited availability or just fall short. Their goal was to connect with potential participants and donors on an
emotional level through a series of videos for their website and social media platforms to build awareness and educate. To help break through the stigma
associated with mental and physical health treatments, it was essential for these videos to feature real-life participants and Shields and Stripes team
members sharing their journeys and the positive influence their program has provided.
Our
Solutions
MEETING
THEM
WHERE
THEY
ARE
When we started working with Shields and Stripes, they were a newer non-profit organization that needed to build awareness about their program and
attract potential donors to help them grow. We knew that the best way to connect with their target audience was through video content that would create an
emotional connection with potential first-line defenders needing mental and physical treatments. Since a great deal of stigma is associated with treatment, it
was crucial to incorporate real-life testimonials to showcase relatable, emotional stories that break through established perceptions and build trust with
first-line defenders in need of treatment.
FINDING
COMMON
GROUND
In order to create a safe interview environment for the video production, our team knew it was essential to conduct pre-inteviews with the selected
treatment participants at the beginning of their program with Shields and Stripes through Zoom and phone calls. These calls allowed us to learn more about
the first-line defenders' backstories, their initial impressions of the program and understand any potential emotional triggers to avoid during the on-camera
interviews. These calls contributed to stronger interview questions and allowed us to start building trust with the program participants.
SHINING
LIGHT
IN
DARKNESS
From the first conversation, it was clear how much pride each participant took in their service as a first-line responder. It was a calling, a duty, an identity. To
honor their memories, we used physical photos to explore each participant's past. When they could no longer fulfill their responsibilities, many descended
into darkness and felt lost. To illustrate this sensation, our team used the visual of moving from darkness into light to represent the hope Shields and Stripes
provides through their programs. We saw this firsthand just from the night and day difference in how the participants were able to talk about their stories at
the end of the program compared to the start.
Full Project Recap
Exceeding Expectations
Services
Provided
Color Grading
Creative Strategy
Field Production
Motion Design
Post-Production
Production Design
Sound Mixing
Video Editing
Overview
Strategic development and narrative storytelling of interview-based videos to powerfully illustrate the passion and services the non-profit organization Shields