This particular project has too different incarnations, most of which will be posted soon. Originally part of the NDP’s 50th Anniversary showcase during the 2011 convention highlighting the history, achievements and leadership of all the New Democrats federal leaders from Tommy Douglas, through to Jack. This was modified for the INSPIRE awards, to highlight Jack’s activism and leadership in LGBT communities, both as a City Councillor in Toronto and as the Leader of the NDP and MP for Toronto Danforth.

One of the most amazing and difficult videos I’ve made. Consecutive governments have neglected our first nations communities and Attawapiskat became a symbol of that neglect. In the fall and winter of 2011 this community was bullied by our government after they had declared a state of emergency due to the sub-standard housing and living conditions. Nycole Turmel and Charlie Angus visited the community first hand and spoke with the leaders and surveyed the conditions people were living in.

There continues to be a positivity, leadership and hope that grows and thrives there in spite of the systemic neglect, blame and poverty that exists in Attawapiskat (and so many other communities like it throughout Canada).

2 parts animation, 1 part live action… One of the most fun projects on both the the Ontario and Federal election campaigns that I have worked have been these 2 Minute ads. The extra length affords the opportunity to make a more message focused ad that can go beyond most of the tag lines and commercial politics. In Ontario we used the time talk about voter disenfranchisement and the disconnection of the public from political discourse… Most of this because the most common dialogue these days promotes cynicism and fear, as opposed to choice and collaboration. A similar message to the Federal piece, but a different tone and treatment.

This speech from Jack was one of my favourites of his… Next to the closing leaders address from the June Vancouver Convention and the speech from Montreal in the last week of the campaign in front of 2000 plus people. This one ranks up there as one of my favourite moments in working for/with him as well.