Great Guns’ Chris Neal Wins People’s Choice and Best Open Brief at ADCAN 2018

Great Guns director Chris Neal has received two top honours at ADCAN 2018, which was held in Los Angeles on October 18th. His project, ‘Posts Into Letters’, won Best Open Brief for Gun Control, as well as winning the overall People’s Choice award.

Created for non-profit organisation, Change The Ref, with creative agency, Area 23, ‘Posts Into Letters’ is an initiative that transforms social media posts into handwritten letters to petition members of Congress to introduce stricter gun control laws. The initiative was developed in reaction to the outpouring of social media posts in the wake of the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. The font was developed using the handwriting of Joaquin Oliver – one of 15 students killed during February’s mass shooting. His handwriting is donated by his parents, Manuel and Patricia Oliver, who are co-founders of non-profit organisation Change The Ref. Along with Area 23, Chris and the Great Guns team travelled to Parkland to capture the moving film, which  features Parkland students and family members of the victims, who explain the importance behind the initiative. 

 

Commenting on the win, Chris says: “Getting the opportunity to celebrate creative work rooted in purpose was amazing. I loved getting the chance to meet these powerful organizations that are having a real impact on the world. Personally, I got to meet Daniel and Jamal from March for Our Lives. It was powerful getting the opportunity to connect with them and exchange stories about their community and mission. Speaking with the ADCAN team gave me a glimpse into the heart of these organizations and the fresh talent. I left with the sense of celebration, encouragement, and the drive to continue doing purposeful work."

This year’s ADCAN briefs were focused on the theme, ‘Hope of Youth’. ADCAN is a growing international movement of filmmakers, animators, creatives and industry leaders all working together to make both the industry and world a better place. The ADCAN awards are also a celebration of individuals and organizations using creativity as a force for good.