The client’s communication objectives

Make a short video to commemorate the anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall.

The main challenges

• Find a concept to link events over 20 years.
• Develop a video which can be understood by citizens of every EU Member State.
• Each country had to approve the archival clips representing their process of democratic change.

ESN’s proposed solution

• Use the concept of the birth of a child and his growth over 20 years to link the archival and original clips and create continuity. The concept captured the emotion of a turning point in the lives of millions of Europeans.
• Use only text (no voice-over), allowing the video to be translated within the budget.
• Due to the lengthy approval process, ESN decided to keep the sections of archive footage within specified time frames so these could be changed without affecting the rest of the video.

The process

ESN worked with the client from concept to development of the final film. Archive footage had to be approved by each Member State involved.

Technical aspects

The video used a mix of archival clips approved by the Member States and original film shot under ESN’s direction. The production team included a journalist and an art director from the advertising sector. Four days of shooting were required with professional actors. Original music was used.

Key features of deliverables

The video was shown in cinemas across Europe, national TV stations in Europe, Commission websites and EUTube.

Client/audience satisfaction indicators

Client continues to work with ESN. The widespread distribution is a sign of the video’s success.

Link to the video