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.

In an embarrassingly funny video, McMaster University students take just under four minutes to teach prospective students their main cheer, used at football games, group parties and orientation milestones.

Cheering is a long standing tradition at the University’s Welcome Week and the students seem keen that the basics are grasped. Lining volunteers up in a shopping centre and their campus, students are taught in military style how to seem enthusiastic and ‘rowdy’ in their chants.

Although the initial filming quality of the video could be better, it does improve and you are left watching a light-hearted video that was undoubtedly as fun for the students involved as it will be for prospective students to watch. However if you’re not a fan of cringe-worthy video, it’s probably not for you!

Shakespeare is known to be a famous and respected playwright worldwide, something De Montfort University’s latest video proves. Excited about taking both Shakespeare’s First Folio and a Sherlock Holmes manuscript to Japan to build on their international partnerships, the University turned to video to capture the buzz …

Far from your usual informational video, (which can all too often verge on the dreary side), De Montfort have been eager to reflect their enthusiasm through an equally passionate production. Using inspirational music, interviews with motivated staff members and professional cutting and editing, this video captures perfectly the drama of the trip; something Shakespeare himself might even approve of..

About the Author:

Stephanie Allen is one of Skeleton Productions Intern Copywriters.

Barbara Riff works at the Inpatient Oncology department at North Carolina Cancer Hospital. As part of UNC Health Care, she noticed the poor parking facilities and came up with a solution; a motorbike.

Realising that she could park a lot easier on campus with a motorbike and no longer had to worry about missing the bus, Barbara suddenly began to love her ride to work. She tells the camera that she came to love it so much that she now goes on joyrides and camping trips across the US in her spare time…but she’s careful to mention the risks.

Perhaps ‘motorbike’ isn’t the first thought that pops into your head when you think ‘nurse’, but UNC are doing their best to show you the real person behind the uniform. Combining interesting and sometimes unexpected personal tales with warnings and serious messages, UNC are careful to lighten the mood with upbeat music and professional graphics.

The idea behind these videos is a triumph not only to the Health centre but also to the nurses they represent…

About the Author:

Steph Allen is one of Skeleton Productions Intern Copywriters.

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Contact us, we’ll be happy to talk to you about any video-related queries.
Call us on 0845 003 7720
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Staying topical with the upcoming Olympics, UCLA Bruins have shown off their sporting alumni once again by interviewing Olympic Gold Medalist and Bruin Alumni, Dawn Harper.

Harper tells Bruin reporter Ralph Irvin about her triumph at the Olympic trials, as well as the ongoing support she receives as a past student of UCLA Bruins. She happily recounts her time as a student, adding that she loves being able to return repeatedly for training.

Dawn Harper is a great spokesperson for this sport-enthused university. All higher education institutes understand the importance of maintaining strong links with past alumni. But when a past student excels in their field, UCLA Bruins have shown how best to promote their success; video.

About the Author:

Stephanie Allen is one of Skeleton Production‘s Intern Copywriters.

Any Questions:

Contact us, we’ll be happy to talk to you about any video-related queries.
Call us on 0845 003 7720
Email: info@skeletonproductions.com

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!

Cambridge’s Science Festival in March attracted over 35,000 visitors, but only now has it appeared in video form. From workshops about ice-cream, zoology and extreme sports to hands on science termed ‘Crash, bang, squelch’, the festival tried to help people not only understand science, but also enjoy it.

The video features quick interviews and snapshots from people working at or visiting the festival.This is science that aims to appeal to a wide audience; it tries to be fun and quirky – something the video reflects in its upbeat music and bright colours.

Taking a step away from the usual informative science videos uploaded online, Cambridge University have done their best to engage more than the intellectually minded professors and students who usually watch their content.

With a British summer of sport constantly publicised in the press, Nottingham Trent University have seized the chance to advertise their own sporting facilities. Their latest video uses a range of video footage to showcase the diversity of sporting clubs students can join during their time at the University.

With catchy music, the video combines clever graphics and real footage to show clips of their best fitness facilities, encouraging prospective students to become a sports member.

Whilst promotional videos can sometimes be too lengthy or dull to capture attention, Nottingham Trent University have managed to avoid this by creating a portrait of their sports scene as exciting and diverse, with what seems like plenty of opportunities for new students to get involved.