We have seen first-hand how well film can deliver lasting impact to facilitate change. As a non-profit, impact campaigns are consistent with our vision to use film as a tool for public benefit. Video Project is uniquely positioned to work with filmmakers to develop and implement impact campaigns that maximize funding resources and deliver targeted viewership. Our campaigns are designed to move audiences to action by engaging them with critical issues in compelling ways.
Video Project is committed to providing campaign services and resources for the schools and communities who need it most. Every year we engage with a few high quality films that we think are a strong fit for impact work. Our work is informed by the content of the film, interests of the filmmaker, needs of stakeholders, and partnership potential. Please review our work samples for more information.
Impact Work Examples (chronological order)
Starting at Zero: Reimagining Education in America
Starting at Zero explores the power of investing in high-quality early childhood education so that all children and families have the opportunity to attain the American Dream. The film brings together the voices of policymakers, educators, academics business leaders, pediatricians, and children.
Starting at Zero explores the power of investing in high-quality early childhood education so that all children and families have the opportunity to attain the American Dream. The film brings together the voices of policymakers, educators, academics business leaders, pediatricians, and children.
The campaign goal was to engage early education stakeholders in K-12 Departments of Education in the United States. Video Project created the strategy and partnered on the implementation.
With key partnerships with the departments of education in two states and non-profit support, the campaign featured free film screenings and free film licenses and resources for hundreds of stakeholders in support of, and advocacy for, equity in early childhood education.
12th Hour
Emmy-nominated actor David Morse narrates the brutally honest 12th Hour, with insight from noted evolutionary biologists, climate scientists, cognitive researchers and psychologists. Our brains evolved to solve short-terms challenges for our survival. Climate change is a long-term challenge to our survival. Can we bridge the gap between these modes of thinking?
Emmy-nominated actor David Morse narrates the brutally honest 12th Hour, with insight from noted evolutionary biologists, climate scientists, cognitive researchers and psychologists. Our brains evolved to solve short-terms challenges for our survival. Climate change is a long-term challenge to our survival. Can we bridge the gap between these modes of thinking?
The campaign goal was to guide and encourage open dialogue about climate change in high schools, by offering 500 K-12 public schools with free DVDs, digital links, discussion guides, and limited speaking and facilitator engagements. Video Project created the strategy and implemented the campaign.
Once You Know
Once You Know takes viewers on an intimate trek across the abyss of a world at the edge of catastrophe, into the intersection of climate science and civil disobedience. It offers a unique perspective, both personal and universal, that re-contextualizes the climate problem as not something approaching, but something already here, and charts out how we can best live in this new paradigm while attempting to mitigate its worst effects.
Once You Know takes viewers on an intimate trek across the abyss of a world at the edge of catastrophe, into the intersection of climate science and civil disobedience. It offers a unique perspective, both personal and universal, that re-contextualizes the climate problem as not something approaching, but something already here, and charts out how we can best live in this new paradigm while attempting to mitigate its worst effects.
Video Project participated in this campaign by working with the filmmakers and Work That Reconnects to provide strategy consultation and implementation support.
This successful 2021 campaign was built on the multi-award winning French climate change documentary Once You Know. We partnered with the filmmakers at Pulp Films, impact producers Terractiva, and the nonprofit Joanna Macy's "Work That Reconnects" on a donation based program, which featured virtual film screenings followed by a 90 minute workshop.
Event Highlights: 23 events, 19, countries, 1,051 participants
Survey Results:
Survey Results:
- 92% were moved by this film and would recommend it to others
- 83% are now feeling more committed to taking care of the Earth
STRAWS
Sparked by research that plastic straws are now among the top-ten beach litter items collected globally, STRAWS has been lauded as one of "the 5 documentaries to make you rethink single-use plastic." Sequences narrated by Tim Robbins chart the history of straws from gold in Mesopotamia to our current disposable convenience consumption of billions of non-recyclable plastic straws every day and provide alternate, sustainable solutions.
Sparked by research that plastic straws are now among the top-ten beach litter items collected globally, STRAWS has been lauded as one of "the 5 documentaries to make you rethink single-use plastic." Sequences narrated by Tim Robbins chart the history of straws from gold in Mesopotamia to our current disposable convenience consumption of billions of non-recyclable plastic straws every day and provide alternate, sustainable solutions.
Video Project spearheaded a campaign in Los Angeles and supported another in Dallas. In LA, we created the strategy, fundraised, and produced the entire campaign, working closely with the filmmaker and See Change Institute.
In 2018/2019, the STRAWS film Free Screenings in Schools impact campaign provided free screening events, in-person speakers, and Next Generation Science Standard / STEM / STEAM lesson plans for K-12 schools in Los Angeles and Dallas. Partners included EarthXFilms, Plastic Pollution Coalition, and See Change Institute. Here is the link to the 18-page cast study, authorized by See Change Institute.
Event Highlights: 11,000 students reached in 240 classrooms in over 50 schools, including 50 screenings with in-person speakers, including filmmaker Linda Booker, retired LAUSD teacher John Zalvaney, and Plastic Pollution Coalition representatives Dianna Cohen, Jackie Nuñez and Andrea Arria-Devoe.
Survey Results:
- 91% of students have a better understanding of the problem of plastic pollution
- 89% of students are more aware of how their actions affect the natural environment
- Nearly 80% of the students committed to using alternatives to plastic whenever possible
- 84% of students are more concerned about the impact of plastic pollution on marine life as a result of seeing STRAWS
- Teacher Testimonial on STRAWS film impact:
- "The film really engaged my students in the civic action of changing their fellow students and teachers minds about single use plastics. Especially straws. They took it into their own hands to order metal straws for their entire 8th grade class. Many bought reusable straws themselves and encouraged teachers who brought drinks with straws to rethink their habits. It was fabulous to see!"
- "Evidence was clearly and fairly presented, and spoke for itself... Many [students] went home and told their parents and siblings to stop using plastic disposable straws immediately!"
— Hillary Kasbarian, Ursuline Academy of Dallas
Living In The Future's Past
In this beautifully photographed tour de force of original thinking, Academy Award winner, Jeff Bridges shares the screen with scientists, profound thinkers and a dazzling array of Earth's living creatures to reveal eye-opening concepts about ourselves and our past, providing fresh insights into our subconscious motivations and their unintended consequences.
In this beautifully photographed tour de force of original thinking, Academy Award winner, Jeff Bridges shares the screen with scientists, profound thinkers and a dazzling array of Earth's living creatures to reveal eye-opening concepts about ourselves and our past, providing fresh insights into our subconscious motivations and their unintended consequences.
This 2019 campaign featured 25 free perpetual film licenses including DVD's and Digital Site Licenses for colleges and universities.
Working with the funder and the filmmaker, Video Project created the strategy and implemented the campaign.