On Monday, the company that was GotVMail launched a pretty bold campaign to re-brand themselves as Grasshopper. Change isn't always easy, but when there's a great idea behind it, it's a lot easier to galvanize support. That's the case with Grasshopper. While the company has always been a champion of entrepreneurs, the re-branding is all about inspiring entrepreneurs to change the world, and taking innovation to a whole new level. And we could all use some inspiration right now.
I was fortunate to be involved in several aspects of the re-branding but I'm really proud of one piece of work in particular: the company's inspirational video, "A Single Brilliant Idea." Producing and writing the video was amazing because I got to work with two incredibly talented individuals during production, one being Carly Comando, who created the original score. Carly is best known for writing the score for the Noah Kalina "Everyday" viral video and for music she's provided for the NBA's "Where Amazing Happens" campaign. Ben White was the motion designer on the project. I feel so grateful to have found Ben, because he understood what I was going for with the video, and he brought a lot of passion to the project. I feel fortunate to have collaborated with these two creative people.
UPDATE: Many people have been asking for the name of the track Carly created for the Grasshopper video. It's called "Chain Reaction" and it will be available for purchase on iTunes at the end of June or early July.
Without further ado, I'd like to share the video with you:
Great video! You're right the score is amazing. And I love the way it speaks to really big, lofty ideas, yet feels very personal, like you are speaking just to me. You got the voice just right for a company that inspires greatness.
Kudos, and thank you for sharing!
Lisa
Thank you so much for your kind words, Lisa. Carly Comando is a brilliant musician--the music is from her soul, but she's also able to connect with others during the creative process. She has an incredible ear for music as well as a keen understanding of what people are trying to convey through a song.
You're right about the duality of the piece. I wanted the video to inspire big ideas, but also speak to people on an individual level. I'm pleased that comes across so clearly.
Thanks for taking the time to comment!
Sonja
Sonja, great piece. It was sent to me by a favorite client who is working to build social business in India, serving poor women and girls. Your work and collaboration with the music and design is terrific. I did a blog post on it today, and linked back to you (just wanted you to know). We're all in this together.
My best,
Kim
Kim, thank you for your support. I'm really excited that the video got your attention, but most importantly, conveyed the right message. Coming from someone with as much background in design and strategy as you have, your compliments really mean a lot.
The funny thing about the video is that it speaks to so many different people, whether they consider themselves entrepreneurs or not. At the most basic level, it's about re-capturing that feeling of invincibility and hope, and using it to make change in the world. There will always be cynics, but if you don't start somewhere, social change can be overwhelming. The next era of entrepreneurship will be defined by how much it serves the greater good, and I think we're all trying to find powerful ways to give dimension to this "new day," if you will.
Again, thanks for reaching out and for posting about the video on your blog, http://redesignblog.wordpress.com.
All the best,
Sonja
I am really just one person..a startup, small, almost voice-less, virtually budget-less, person. But after watching and rewatching and rewatching this video, I become an empowered, redirected, energized entrepreneur. I gain my breath and courage to tuck my head down and swim confidently against the tide.
I have written your words in a journal for when I am away from my computer, but need a little lift. I appreciate your work and hope to have something as creative created for me, for my small biz that will speak for me as eloquently as you did for this client.
Michelle,
Thank you so much for reaching out and leaving a comment. I am honored that the video has inspired you in this way. It's the most meaningful feedback I could possibly receive.
The message in the video applies to all start-ups, all of the one-person companies and small businesses trying to grow and flourish. I relate to the message myself as an entrepreneur and as just "one person" trying to grow my business. Sometimes it's hard. Sometimes people are skeptical of your pursuits. But then there are those moments of deep gratification when you understand why you started doing what you love in the first place. Regardless of what others think or what obstacles you may encounter, you really have to stay focused and be persistent.
Thanks again for commenting, Michelle.
Sonja
I luv it and it is great to put a face to one of the creative minds for this video. You should never feel you can't share your work!
One thing I do wish was different (that may dilute what you all are trying to do) is if Grasshopper had used the word "leader". I believe all people can be doers and innovators be being leaders in whatever they are doing. It will take all kinds to change the world...employees and business owners.
Anyway, congrats for creating a winning and inspiring work of art! You did it!
sheila b
Sheila,
Thanks so much for your support! The Grasshopper project was a special one, and I had a great time writing and producing a video designed to inspire all kinds of entrepreneurship.
I understand what you mean about the word "leader," and I appreciate your feedback. However, I intentionally avoided the word because I wanted to use language that was more action-oriented and a bit more colloquial. My intention was to "speak" to the audience on a more personal level. I hope that all people--entrepreneurs or not--feel inspired by the video!
Thanks for checking out my blog!
Best,
Sonja
"Recapturing that invincibility and hope" is exactly what this does. What you've created is among the most valuable tools/resources I look to as I conduct my work, Sonja. I'm a 20 year old college student. A few months ago I recognized the desperate need for a unifying force in my community (which is currently separated by geographic, cultural, racial, economic, social and educational prejudices). To address the divisive energy and spark a dialogue with the hopes of beginning a change, I've created a project which involves the people of the town in making a film about themselves, asking everyone we encounter "What would people not know just by looking at you?". I've conducted a little under 200 interviews and now have a trailer (I've never edited anything before but, again inspired by your video, produced a trailer that I believe radiates our message in a way you, Sonja, would appreciate, due to your own accomplishment and bar-setting). I will be renting a large outdoor space downtown where the video will premier for one night in September. Organizations and businesses representing the different areas of the community will be present.
I have $1200 to raise.
I cannot tell you how invaluable your video is to me and my endeavor. It put wheels on my idea the day I had it and has continued to give me hope, inspiration and and a spirit of invincibility. Thank you for the spirit you put into this and for giving people the world over a place to look to to remind them of their own abilities to change that which needs to be touched.
Britton,
Thank you for your amazing comment. It's deeply gratifying to hear that the video I helped to create inspired you in this way. It's precisely the feeling I'd hoped to evoke when I was producing the piece.
Many of us have the feeling as children that anything is possible. It's one of the wonderful things that connects us as human beings. I think the longer we cherish that feeling, the longer our dreams can survive, and maybe even become reality. But it's hard to hold onto that feeling of invincibility. People will tell you that you can't do what it is you want to do because they have lost their grasp on that feeling themselves. Don't listen to them. Foster relationships with those who don't try to discourage you. If you can somehow hold onto that child-like feeling, or resurrect it later on, I think you can achieve whatever your heart desires.
Sometimes when you talk about this sort of thing, you run the risk of sounding unrealistic or dreamy. Big deal! Your story is proof that inspiration can produce tangible movements which ultimately help your local community and the world at large. If we have even the slightest chance of producing change by dreaming in this way, then it's worth it.
I congratulate you, Britton, for keeping the hope alive despite adversity, and I'm so pleased that my video played a role in doing so.
When you're done with your project, please send it to me. I'd love to check it out.
One of my favorite bits of wisdom:
"Nothing could be worse than the fear that one has given up too soon, and left one unexpended effort which might have saved the world." - Jane Addams
Sincerely,
Sonja
Sonja,
Thank you so much for your response. I'll take that child-like feeling and quote with me and thread it through my work. Thank you for your interest in my work. The end product will be over an hour long so while I'll still let you know when it's finished, in the meantime I'd be honored if you would take a look at the trailer. I continually turn back to your video for inspiration and any thought you may have on the trailer I would love to hear.
http://vimeo.com/6070044
Many thanks,
Britton
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