CAFOD (the Official Catholic Aid Agency for England and Wales) have released a video showing how people can get involved with their Peace Campaign. By ‘passing it on’ CAFOD suggest that supporters everywhere can share their message of peace with people around the world.

All they ask is that you film yourself moving left to right…and then share a little written note of what peace means to you. So far, videos have appeared of people cartwheeling and leap-frogging but there are no limits; CATHOD are undoubtedly eagerly awaiting some inventive videos…

With this basic ‘how to’ video using animation with primary colours, CATHOD are unmistakably going for a fun and friendly vibe that people will want to get involved with. And judging by YouTube, so far it’s a hit…

About the Author:

Stephanie Allen is one of Skeleton Productions Intern Copywriters.

Mencap, who call themselves ‘The Voice of Learning Disability’, are running a festival called We Dance which aims to involve people with disabilities in the Cultural Olympiad. As part of this, Freefall Dance Company have released an advance showing of what viewers can expect from a series of films being shown on the BBC Big Screen throughout the sporting games this summer.

As one of the ‘Dance For Camera’ films, this video is also produced by a group of filmmakers with learning disabilities. With only the music for the dancers as sound, the video has been kept simple. The result is a production that is both stylish and modern, using only a black and white colour scheme to create a suitably arty feel.

With spirits high about the upcoming Games, this video by Mencap will not only raise awareness about their We Dance Festival but will simultaneously stir up excitement and interest about their appearance on the Big Screen…

About the Author:

Stephanie Allen is one of Skeleton Productions Intern Copywriters.

Campaign videos tend to be rather lengthy, and although they’re for a good cause they all too often lose viewers attention. But Concern Worldwide have realised that they can easily get the basics of their message across in just over a minute, leaving their viewers knowledgeable but intrigued enough to want more…

Focusing on their RAIN Project in Zambia which looks at solving the problem of stunted growth in the world’s poorest countries, the video carefully includes the crucial key points that lie behind the charity’s work whilst omitting any waffle. Various individuals are shown on screen whilst a witty voiceover briefly summarises what they could be explaining – if only the video wasn’t pushed for time.

Obviously cleverly planned, the video includes enough information to leave the viewer with an overall gist of their campaign. Yet Concern Worldwide don’t stop there. Aware that they have skimmed over certain aspects, they are careful to direct viewers to their website in the hope that they will learn more before donating to support their cause.

Fast-paced, emotive and engaging, this video is a perfect example of how a charity can showcase their work overseas whilst simultaneously intriguing viewers; leaving them wondering what those people might have said if they had the time…

It’s refreshing, and it’s for a good cause; what’s not to love?

About the Author:

Stephanie Allen is one of Skeleton Productions Intern Copywriters.

Maxim has suffered from Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia since he was two, but Make A Wish made his dream come true and took him to meet the pilots of the Blades flying team.

This video is highly emotive, made so powerful by a commentary from Maxim’s father and with clips of Maxim on his day out. Combined with an inspirational soundtrack, this video is very touching and will no doubt appeal to viewers and encourage them to donate.

Warning: Don’t watch without a tissue nearby!

Meera Syal, from “Goodness Gracious Me” and “The Kumars at No 42”, plays a key role in this take on Much Ado About Nothing, bringing publicity to the performance. Her presence and the long-established success of the RSC will increase the viewership of this video and the performance.

The video is also well filmed, helping to create a successful promotional video. Using orange lighting gels and close-up shots, this video is warm, personal and intriguing, giving the phrase “an Indian Summer” another meaning.

This emotive trailer begins with a voiceover from some of the young people with learning disabilities, explaining what activities the project allows them to do and giving their own opinions. The video continues with a commentary from both carers and the young people, making this video highly moving for viewers to watch.

Although dubbed a “trailer”, this video needed to be highly informative and interesting, as most viewers would not be invited to watch the film at the premiere. As a stand-alone video it still gives a great insight into the work of the Friday Night Project, emotionally touching viewers and highlighting the need for more centres like this across the UK.

Concern Worldwide helps to combat poverty in the poorest parts of the world and to do this they need funds. To get these vital funds, rather than the usual fundraising race, Concern Worldwide has organised a 5km zombie run.

This video uses footage from last year to create an exciting promo for this upcoming event. Mixing high quality filming with head-cam (Go Pro) shots, this video is adrenaline-fuelled and full of energy. A simple explanation of the rules from the two presenters makes this event seem even more appealing to viewers, as they are keen to get involved.

The event itself is a great idea, but combined with this exciting video, it’s bound to be a success.

Although documenting the 2012 event, by showing this conference as professional and fun, this video simultaneously promotes next year’s event. The beauty of this video lies in the fact that it’s only 5 minutes long (compared to some 30 minute conference videos on YouTube) and it only gives a taster of this year’s event, increasing intrigue and interest in next year’s conference.

This video is also professionally filmed. The purple and blue mood lighting combined with the high definition filming makes this event seem elegant and appealing to viewers.

However, the main points of the conference are still conveyed within this 5 minute video. The CEO Neil Leitch speaks about a lack of funding and how this will affect families, whilst the light-hearted poems of Peter Dixon are featured too. This video gives a broad overview of the 2012 annual conference, showing viewers the importance of the Pre-School Learning Alliance and their work.

This video paints a picture of England where you can be persecuted for having blonde hair, being bald, having blue eyes and being over 5ft 10. This clever video makes the point that you can’t help what your hair colour or height is – just like you can’t help your sexuality.

The shaky camera work in this video documents the rejection and ostracism from society that these unlucky individuals receive. Although this video is fictional, it soon becomes clear that homosexuals in some countries suffer abuse just like this, making this video shocking and powerful.

This video shows viewers what it would be like to be “illegal to be you” and emotionally moves them to support Kaleidoscope and the campaign.

This simple video has been ‘drawn’ and looks like it has been done with whiteboard markers, in a childlike style. This highlights the importance that this charity has to the youth of countries like Africa and how it can change their lives.

This video is impersonal as it does not use any case studies, however its quirky and novel style is more interesting than the stereotypical charity video and really catches viewers’ attention.

To further appeal to viewers, this video directly addresses ‘you’, showing how you can help. So get involved and unearth the truth with Tearfund.