Habitat for Humanity on CNN

A wealth of talent contributed to the new Public Service Ad for Habitat for Humanity, airing on CNN International now.

The 30-second spot features pro bono work from an Emmy Award-winning cinematographer, a Royal Shakespeare Co./Steven Spielberg actress, and a Gospel Music Award-winning musician. Original music also was composed for the video – pro bono as well.

“With this video we aim to raise awareness about poverty housing – and our mission to provide simple, decent homes together with families in need,” said Don Haszczyn, Vice President, Habitat for Humanity Europe & Central Asia. “We’re very grateful for the wonderful contributions from those who donated their talents to the cause.”

From photographing everyone from Boris Yeltsin to Johnny Depp, Ronald Regan to Sean Connery, cinematographer J.R. Hall is a veteran shooter who has earned the prestigious Emmy Award among others. Hall has worked on more than 50 Hollywood films shooting “behind the scenes”, and has covered world events for CNN and CBS news including the fall of the Berlin Wall; the White House coup in Russia; plus numerous tours of Iraq and Afghanistan as a combat photographer.

“I have always been a big fan of Jimmy Carter and Habitat for Humanity, so I was happy to lend a hand,” Hall said. Hall’s presence became quickly known in the Romanian town during his Habitat shoot – and local journalists sought him out for interviews. Immediately following the shoot in Romania, CBS “60 Minutes” program dispatched Hall to Baghdad.

Actress Caroline Goodall provides the narration for the video. Her distinct voice and acting prowess have led to her being cast in films directed by Steven Spielberg and Ridley Scott, alongside such actors as Ben Kingsley and Liam Neeson. Goodall also performed with the esteemed Royal Shakespeare Company.

Musician Mat Kearney and his company, Aware Music, donated use of his music for the cause. Kearney’s uplifting “Undeniable” features as the finale in the video. Kearney won a Gospel Music Award, has toured with Sheryl Crow, and is currently performing across the U.S. with Grammy Award winner John Mayer.

Musician Frank Griffith, Jr. composed and performs the original and haunting piano piece “Blue Rain” opening the 30-second spot. Griffith, a Vietnam veteran, is currently collaborating with a Grammy Award winning musician on a new album.

“I know what it’s like to be homeless. The cause of Habitat for Humanity is close to my heart,” said Griffith.

Also working pro bono was Lawrence Garrison, who served as executive producer, commissioning and coordinating the music and camerawork. Garrison is a movie publicist and Director of Prague Publicity Group, which handles major film projects in both Europe and the US.

Ten and 3-minute versions of the video also were created to be used for promotional purposes, to be broadcast on various outlets across the Europe/Central Asia region.

VIDEO
New Public Service Ad from Habitat for Humanity’s Europe & Central Asia office.
(Windows Media Player)