The EVCOM Clarion Awards, which celebrate creativity and excellence with a cause-driven focus, are currently open for entry. So we decided to speak to previous winner Pete Stevenson (The Edge Picture Company) about why they’ve entered the EVCOM Clarion Awards before, what they’ve got out of it and why this scheme is important to them.
Why do you choose to produce this kind (purpose driven) of work?
At The Edge we make it our mission to deliver films that address the need for a fundamental shift within workplaces globally. Whether that’s improving inclusion and diversity – helping companies build workforces that reflect all of society or encouraging better conversations around vital issues such as mental health. We believe film can help drive positive change in a way that many alternatives can’t. It provides the opportunity to present authentic, compelling stories to an audience in unforgettable ways.
Why do you specifically enter the Clarion Awards?
Since the very first Clarions in 2004 we’ve been enthusiastic supporters of the Awards and have always entered work into this highly competitive space. When one of our films – which is designed to help Organisations become better versions of themselves – is recognised by The Clarions, it gives the entire team a lift and can often lead to future projects.
What work has had the biggest impact on you/the cause/the client?
There have been so many. Most recently, a film for a client around challenging racial and social injustice in the workplace had a genuinely humbling response from the client. They reported back that meaningful conversations on difficult subjects have flowered all around the world off the back of the film. The end-result is a film that brings vital issues into focus in a way that encourages the audience to listen, acknowledge responsibility and take affirmative action towards building trust and confidence. One of their leaders said “we have to get comfortable with being uncomfortable” – and we’re truly proud to have contributed to this most important process.
Do you have a view on the future of purpose driven work?
Films that connect with the purpose of an organisation and do so in surprising, memorable ways are a great way to have lasting impact. We ask ourselves how can we take the words themselves and bring them to life to be credible and really resonate with the viewer? So at The Edge we see a very bright future for purpose driven work. Our clients see the value of this investment and our people feel in producing films in this space they can make a real difference.
Find out more and enter here.