Client: Evergreen Action
Creative Strategy
Oftentimes, short employee stories and program films can feel like a series of sound bites and bullet points, making it harder for audiences to stay engaged or connect with the message. The approach here was to move beyond that by centering the story around genuine passion, drive, and personality, creating a more human and emotionally engaging narrative.
Music was used strategically to emphasize key ideas, shape distinct story chapters, and build momentum, while pacing was carefully crafted to keep the narrative moving and allow important moments to land. The result is a cohesive and engaging story that helps audiences connect more deeply with both the people and the broader impact behind the work.
Narrative Program
The films follow two individuals at the center of a changing energy economy. In Detroit, Alijah Thomas, a home energy assessor, is making a meaningful difference in his community, earning the highest income of his career while helping neighbors lower energy costs and breathe healthier air.
In Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Akinlana, known as AK, has built a career across multiple trades, from deep tunnel mining to carpentry. Today, he works as a wind turbine repair specialist at Ingeteam, Inc., where he helps train the next generation of union workers entering the clean energy workforce.
Together, their stories reflect a broader shift. Featuring Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II and local business leaders, the films highlight efforts to reverse historic disinvestment in cities like Detroit and Milwaukee by building a clean energy economy that creates good-paying jobs and invests directly in local communities.
Overview:
Project Stills
Detroit, Michigan
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Social Media
Additional social media content that captured the tone of the story and helped spread the word online before Alijah’s story was released.
Overview:
Social Media
Logo Animation
Commercials
Additional commercial content repurposing footage from Alijah’s narrative film shoot.
Overview:
Results
The film program garnered over 575,000 views, was shared by Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm, Senator Tammy Baldwin, Governor Tony Evers and “received high praise from U.S. Department of Energy staff, who called it exactly the kind of storytelling that we need everywhere.”
—Evergreen Action
“The film was a boon to our organization.”
— Senior Digital Director, Evergreen Action
“Incredibly powerful video on the clean energy transition taking place right here in Wisconsin.”
—State Rep. Greta Neubauer