About this project: "A fund raising exhibition/auction to support the National Trust Totoro Forest Foundation established by Oscar winning film maker Hayao Miyazaki, featuring original art created by internationally acclaimed artists in the fields of animation, comic books, and illustration."
Fantastic project by designer/art director James West, with all the money raised from the book going to UNICEF. So far he has made £6000 (€7538 / USD11841) for cyclone victims of Myanmar (Burma). You can donate directly, if you wish, here. Unfortunately the book is now sold out, but you never know, maybe some more will be produced? I would buy one.
The i'm Initiative is a Microsoft program that gives part of the advertising revenue to a social cause every time you use Windows Live Messenger or Windows Live Hotmail. Unfortunately the only ones who can participate on this initiative, are the users from the U.S. Nevertheless, it's worth checking out, and who knows, maybe they'll make it available for the rest of us soon.
I scooped this great project from glossy, apparently it's not new, however I've never heard of it before. This jacket celebrates the 15th year of Taxi.
This is what Taxi say about the project: In 2007, TAXI celebrated 15 years of success. To mark the occasion, they wanted a big idea, one that would give back to the community. The brief was sent out, and executive creative director, Steve Mykolyn, came back with The 15 Below Project. Its first initiative – a jacket for the homeless.
I sure this jacket will get some big prizes this year, if not, there's always the good karma gained by all those involved :)
This is a website that helps you understand the impact and importance that micro-credit has for people in Africa. Behind the program is famous Senegalese singer Youssou N'Dour.
In the words of Staci Smith who kindly sent me this project: "Late in 2007, Benetton began documenting the progress of the loan recipients through the images of photographer James Mollison. Mollison’s photos spotlight a diverse group of entrepreneurs including a fisherman, a decorator, a musician, a farmer, and a boxer. In keeping with Benetton’s commitment to social advocacy, the images are featured on billboards and print ads in the company’s new “Africa Works” global communications campaign. Benetton’s hope is that these everyday people will become tangible symbols of an Africa that uses the dignity of work to fight poverty and take back responsibility for creating its own future"
Nice ad for a worthy cause, another good animation from the guys at W+K London, it's very simple but in my opinion works very well getting the message across effectively. Good choice on the voice over, actor Thomas Turgoose.
This is a project as cool as it is important. WWF and Poke London want us to join forces with them to save the World. Basically we have to sign the online petition for the Climate Change bill, and our names will be featured on the giant paper plane or boat that will be taken through London to Parliament Square. Participate, it's for two very good causes, firstly and most important of course, you're helping save the planet. Secondly, it's a very cool project.
About: Green Thing is a new community (32 days old today) that makes it easy and enjoyable to be a bit greener. Every month you’ll get a different Green Thing to do. All you have to do is do it.
Here's a big idea: Pangea Day plans to use the power of film to bring the world a little closer together. We're divided by borders, race, religion, conflict... but most of all by misunderstanding and mistrust. Pangea Day seeks to overcome that -- to help people see themselves in others -- through the power of film.
On May 10, 2008 -- Pangea Day -- sites in Cairo, Dharamsala, Jerusalem, Kigali, London, New York City, Ramallah and Rio de Janeiro will be linked to produce a 4-hour program of powerful films, visionary speakers, and uplifting music. The program will be broadcast live to the world through the Internet, television, digital cinemas, and mobile phones.
Your film could be part of it. The online video revolution has helped spawn a new generation of grass-roots film-makers worldwide. Much of the output, of course, is mediocre. But hidden in there are amazing talents capable of using film to astonishing effect... and capable of telling stories that can create powerful bonds between us.
So ask yourself this. If you had the entire world's attention for just a few minutes, what story would you tell? Perhaps you think the world looks at you, your country and your culture... and just doesn't understand. Then do something about it. Make a film and upload it here http://www.youtube.com/group/pangeaday. You never know. It could end up bringing millions of people that bit closer together.
Pangea is the name of the original super-continent which contained all the world's land mass before the continents started splitting apart 250 million years ago. We're launching Pangea Day with the vision that the people of the world can begin to overcome their divisions, and that the power of film can help make it possible.
Movies can't change the world. But the people who watch them can.
To register as a film-maker, to get more ideas about film submissions, or to host a screening or learn how you can get involved, please visit our website at http://www.pangeaday.org.
"Gary Walker and Huw Williams, senior directors at AMV BBDO, said: Unlike Hollywood films, bullets don't leave perfectly clean symmetrical holes, they leave big gaping wounds in kids faces, bodies, arms and legs. If this little film makes just one kid think twice about picking up a gun, then it's a start." Credits: Agency: AMV BBDO, London (UK)