This is a good example of how to make a successful educational video. The video below has been seen in most countries on earth and is understood by most people regardless of their language or educational level.
Orignally released on January 20, 2010, in less than one one month it had been seen in over 129 countries (there are about 193 countries in the world) and is the #8 “top rated” video on Youtube. The original Youtube post this video has more than 14 million views and there are several other posting of it on Youtube and other sites.
The video’s producer was Sarah Alexander and here is her approach (from Wikipedia):
“I wanted to create a visual metaphor addressing how a single decision in a person’s day can greatly influence both their own and their loved ones’ lives. Choosing to film the story inside the family living room represents the feelings many people equate with their own car, in that it represents a level of safety and protection from the ‘outer’ world. So to create the emotion of this dramatic moment, I wanted to tell the story using slow motion to allow the audience the time to be drawn into the film’s world and to let them connect with and project their own feelings onto the scenario playing out before them. I wanted to give the audience the time to breathe, to absorb our message and using slow motion was the right technique to allow this to happen.”
“It was central to the development of the project that we root the concept of wearing a seat belt firmly in the family domain, and create the advert so that it could be viewed by anyone of any age. Children are so important as opinion formers within their family that we felt it imperative to have a child take a pivotal role in relaying our message. One key aspect to the storytelling is that we developed Embrace Life to be non-language specific, so that the message wouldn’t become lost when viewed by visitors to, or residents of, the UK where English might not be their first language.”
“The inspiration for Embrace Life came from wanting to offer a positive message towards road safety really. A lot of the campaigns focus on the more graphic and horrific outcomes of accidents, whereas I really wanted to bring people into the conversation. The house represents a safety area, an area where you’re normally surrounded by your loved ones, and the car can be an extension of that, but it’s not only yourself that’s impacted if something unfortunately goes wrong, but also family and friends too.”
We can all learn something from this. Minimally, we should be using our seatbelts. But for those of us who want to tell stories and convey messages, this is a perfect model.
Muse Tubes 