Filming a fundraiser video with tight resources is a rewarding challenge, particularly when the goal is to support a noble cause. Our task, to convey a strong message from the perspective of a child’s talent for a nonprofit organisation. The big idea? Aim for a standard akin to UNICEF. It seemed impossible, but with our dedicated team, we transformed this challenge into a miraculous success story.
Note: Some content in this article are enhanced or paraphrased by using AI writer software.
Table of Contents
The Vivid Media Team
Our team consists of media professional with expertise in video production from pre to post. Consisting of videographers, video editors, director, project coordinators and graphic designer. Our portfolio is focused on corporate clients. And our works ranges from internal communication videos, brand story videos, virtual & hybrid events and corporate photography.
The Brief
NeuGen is a nonprofit organisation supporting families and children of incarcerated individuals. These families often face significant hardships, including the loss of a breadwinner, the absence of a parental figure, strained relationships, and social stigma. Our mission is to craft a compelling message for NeuGen’s fundraiser event happening in a month.
The Challenge
Making decisive creative decisions is crucial for a successful fundraiser video. We set aside our fears and focused on our purpose. With a vision to create something emotionally powerful, we knew we had to think outside the box and make every decision count.
Key Talent
Finding the right child talent was essential. We reached out to a friend at a talent agency, explained our situation, and emphasised the importance of this video. Thankfully, they understood and prioritised helping us find the right talent, offering significant compromises for collaboration.
Time & Location
Time and location presented significant challenges. Without access to a prison in Singapore and no suitable location to rent or build a prison cell, we had to get creative. Furthermore, we strived to shoot everything within a day, which required meticulous planning and efficient execution.
Creative Resolution for the Fundraiser Video
We scouted NeuGen’s office, exploring every possible area to minimise location changes. The kind staff at NeuGen offered their homes, helping us save on logistics and time. Our director, Roy reworked the storyboard and script to fit these locations.
Creating a Prison Scene for Fundraiser Video
Our biggest challenge was creating a prison scene. Two nights before the shoot, our Director of Photography (DOP) Melvin and director brainstormed. Inspired by a reference video, they found a staircase in the building that could mimic a prison with controlled lighting. To complete the illusion, we needed a prison cell door. The director proposed using a styrofoam board with textured wallpaper and a cut-out square. The producer, Ledon executed this idea with the remaining budget. We filmed a prison cell scene at a staircase, utilizing a homemade styrofoam board for the set.
Director’s Perspective
Vision and Approach for the Fundraiser Video
From a director’s perspective, this project was a testament to the power of creativity and collaboration. The constraints we faced forced us to innovate in ways we hadn’t anticipated. Our vision was clear: to create a message that resonated deeply with the audience, highlighting the struggles and resilience of families affected by incarceration.
Casting and Character Development
Casting the right child was pivotal. We needed someone who could convey innocence, hope, and strength—all essential to the narrative. Working closely with the talent agency, we found a young actor who not only met these criteria but also brought a unique authenticity to the role. This authenticity was crucial in making the story believable and impactful.
Storyboarding and Script Adaptation
With the locations decided, I had to adapt the storyboard and script to fit the new settings. This process involved a lot of creative thinking and flexibility. Each scene had to be reimagined to suit the available spaces without losing the emotional core of the story. This was a challenging but ultimately rewarding task, as it allowed us to refine our narrative and focus on the most impactful elements.
Overcoming Production Challenges
The production phase was intense. We had one day to shoot everything, which meant meticulous planning and coordination. Every team member had to be on the same page, and there was no room for error. The dedication and professionalism of the crew were instrumental in ensuring that we stayed on schedule and captured all the necessary footage.
Creating the prison scene was a particular highlight. The ingenuity required to transform a simple staircase into a convincing prison set was incredible. Using a styrofoam board for the cell door might seem like a minor detail, but it was these small, thoughtful touches that made the scene work. It was a great example of how limited resources can drive creative solutions.
Post-Production and Final Touches
Post-production was another critical phase. Editing the footage to create a cohesive and compelling narrative was a delicate process. We focused on maintaining a consistent tone and pacing through colour grading to ensure that the emotional impact was maximised. Sound design and music also played crucial roles in enhancing the overall atmosphere and driving the message home.
Reflection and Impact
Looking back, this project was more than just a technical challenge. It was an opportunity to use our skills and creativity to support a cause we believe in. The positive feedback from NeuGen and the emotional responses from viewers were incredibly gratifying. It reaffirmed our belief in the power of storytelling and the importance of using our talents to make a difference.
Ultimately, creating a powerful message on a tight budget is never easy, but it is always worth it. The constraints forced us to push the boundaries of our creativity and collaboration, resulting in a project that we are all immensely proud of. This experience will serve as a reminder of what can be achieved when passion, purpose, and perseverance come together.
Lessons Learned
This project taught us several valuable lessons. First, the importance of flexibility and adaptability in the face of constraints. Second, the power of collaboration and the incredible things that can be achieved when everyone works together towards a common goal. Finally, it reinforced the belief that powerful storytelling doesn’t necessarily require a big budget—just a big heart and a lot of creativity.
Looking Forward
As we look forward to future projects, we carry with us the lessons learned and the inspiration gained from this experience. We remain committed to telling important stories, supporting meaningful causes, and continuing to innovate, no matter the budget or resources. With each project, we strive to make a positive impact and leave a lasting impression on our audience.
Fundraiser Video – Final Product
Director: Roy Paulinus Tan | Producer: Ledon Lim | Director of Photography: Melvin Mak | Gaffer: Benjamin Low | Grip: Alden Tng | Sound: Eugene Ng | Editor & Animator: Gwendolyn Koh Production Assistant: Koh Qin Xi
Here is our end product. Let us know if we did justice with the limited resources we had to bring this story to life.
Vivid Media Video Production Team
We hope this article has provided quick insights in media production. Our team is ready to work with you. Leverage on our combined expertise for your media production. Our core expertise are in the following fields:
- Corporate video production
- Live streaming for virtual & hybrid events
- Corporate photography
- Event photography & videography
For a profile of our team, visit About us to learn more.
Get a Price Quotation for your Fundraiser Video
Some projects are straight-forward while others can be complex, drop us a message with your project requirements. Our project coordinator will get in touch with you to provide a price quotation.
