Erie Neighborhood House
PRODUCER | JAMES GUSTIN + MELISSA FOX | WRITER + DIRECTOR + CINEMATOGRAPHER + EDITOR| MELISSA FOX| Assistant Camera| Meghan Welham + Codi Palm
Overview
Erie House was looking for a filmmaking team to inspire their audience at the upcoming Future of Promise Gala. In previous years they had produced a video about an area of the community that the organization serves. While they were happy with the quality of the videos, they were looking to take a more heartfelt approach. We were excited to partner with their community to talk about the impact of access to early childhood education in low income communities.
“The video is profound and moving. Absolutely perfect. There won’t be a dry eye in the house. Thanks so much!!”
— Kirstin Chernawsky, MPS |Senior Director of Development & Communications
Process
Our team spent many hours interviewing the participants in the film. Searching for the best avenue to tell the story. We wanted a way to access the heart space of our potential donors and volunteers. So we decided that the story needed be told from the perspective of a child. Sarah Rios and her beautiful girls were the perfect fit. Our director, Melissa Fox, guided the family to tell their story through thoughtful questioning. We laughed, we cried, we played dress up and fell in love with this family.
Results
Sarah Rios served as the keynote speaker at our 2015 Future of Promise (Futuro de Promesa) annual dinner. After a tearful screening of the film to a captive audience, Sarah and her family received a standing ovation and the gala exceeded their fundraising goals. The event raised over $430,000.00 and the amount raised on the night of the event was higher than any previous year. After the event, the comments started pouring in with support for Erie, Sarah Rios and how moving our little film is. The film was put online and shared across multiple platforms. Later that year the Illinois budgets announced broad cuts across many social platforms. Erie House was contacted by advocated for permission to use this film to help lobby on behalf of funding for childcare services in Illinois. What started as a gala film project became a staple for advocates to lobby for change. Proof that telling engaging and important stories can make a difference. We are currently working on our next project with Erie and can not wait to share it!