unicorn solutions
director | producer | casting
THE PROJECT
Elliott Hinkle is a nationally-recognized expert on child welfare and LGBTQIA+ policy. Elliott Hinkle is also founder of Unicorn Solutions, a consulting firm whose mission aims to improve systems that serve foster youth.
When Elliott needed a first-time branding video for their business, I was eager to get to work crafting their wide-reaching mission statement into an engaging and focused narrative. This branding video had to appropriately marry corporate messaging with an engaging first-person narrative—a challenging feat with only 60 seconds to convey your message
THE PROCESS
After thorough R&D on Elliott’s personal background and professional career, we began a talking-head interview to bring the purpose of their work to life—Who is your intended audience? How do you describe what you do? How did you get here? Why is your work impactful?
My approach to the branding video was two-fold. We started by writing a fresh script written to pair with a range of visuals, then tactfully incorporated the talking-head interview to foster authenticity. This two-pronged approach wove Elliott’s personal story through a clear explanation of the professional goals their future clients were looking to be part of.
To enhance the authenticity and impact of Elliott's video, we prioritized capturing them in action. During our initial discussions, I encouraged Elliott to review their busy schedule, pinpointing dates when they'd be active in Oregon. This ensured we captured genuine moments of Elliott conducting 1:1 training sessions or addressing audiences.
Recognizing the significance of showcasing Elliott's interactions with policymakers and business leaders, we opted against using stock footage. Employing a day-in-the-life approach further enriched Elliott's branding video, offering intimate glimpses into their routine activities alongside the more formal corporate presentations we captured later in the filming day. This juxtaposition effectively highlighted both the personal and professional dimensions of Elliott's work.
THE RESULT
An engaging day-in-the-life branding video that seamlessly blends a personal story with professional expertise.
Agency of Record: Rosenthal LLC