The National Pediatric Cancer Foundation (NPCF) and Tampa Bay-based creative video agency Diamond View turn the spotlight on the youngest of pediatric cancer warriors in this heartfelt brand film “Hopes and Dreams”.
Directed by Diamond View’s Vanessa Diaz, the three-and-a-half minute public service film interviews superstars Eli (6), Ever (8) and Audrey (10)–now cancer survivors–on their difficult childhood cancer experiences and other lasting effects from harsh treatments; procedures that Dr. Trisha Larkin, who’s featured in the film, points out were tried and tested for adults, rather than the fragile bodies of infants and children.
Diaz cultivated a supportive set environment where each child could openly share their cancer stories. They delivered frank, surprisingly deep responses—like Eli, who described his brain cancer as “something you’re not supposed to have in your head” and pointed to the spot on his scalp where surgeons removed his tumor. Audrey, who was diagnosed with stage 3 liver cancer at just five months old, described the lasting effects she faces today, including GI tract issues and substantial hearing loss unfortunately caused by the chemotherapy treatment that saved her life.
“The way that a lot of the medications and therapies we’re using currently have been developed are really for adult cancers,” stated Dr. Larkin. “So we’re also constantly looking at ways to reduce the toxicities of the treatments we’re giving.” Dr. Larkin is an investigator for the Sunshine Project Consortium, which heads research for such treatments. She was treated for pediatric leukemia at age three.
CreditsClient National Pediatric Cancer Foundation Shelby Gehrdes, Anna Ranges, Dawn Zachman. Production Company Diamond View Vanessa Diaz, director; Susan Mulvey, exec producer; Victoria Pezzella, producer; Lucy DiVilio, production coordinator; Alex Segovia, DP; Sam Gutman, project manager; Kayla Gremer, editor; Alec Pieper, colorist. Audio Julie Deichman, sound mixer.
OMC, Director Andreas Nilsson Trade “Youth” For Skittles
Teaming with creative agency partner OMC, consisting of DDB Chicago and Critical Mass, Skittles rolled out a campaign to playfully spotlight what is often dubbed “Gen Z’s commitment paralysis” by asking them to commit to their love for the brand in the most extreme ways possible. Case in point is this spot titled “Youth,” directed by Andreas Nilsson of Biscuit Filmworks. The film introduces us to a grandson who willingly gives up his youth to his grandma in exchange for her delicious fruity Skittles. It’s a unique and twisted take on commitment that perfectly embodies the Skittles brand. Colin Selikow, chief creative officer, DDB Chicago, said, “We’re thrilled to create another iteration of our ‘Verb the Rainbow. Taste the Rainbow’ platform, bringing a new way to connect with Gen Z in the absurd fashion Skittles is famous for. Our latest film “Youth” brings a classic Skittles vibe to a new generation of fans, giving them the most nonsensical way to commit to the brand.” Read More