KLEENEX

FILMED ON: Sony FX6 and FX3 with Sony G-Master II Lenses

Branded Documentary

Kleenex had a great premise: find a teacher who actually makes a difference and give them the recognition they deserve. By hosting an awards giveaway they received countless submissions, once the winner was announced at Lincoln High in Portland, the clock was running. We had a tiny window to prep, but we weren't interested in just "capturing the moment" we wanted to tell a story.

Usually a quick pre-production timeline leads to a "point-and-shoot" mentality, but we pushed for more. We wanted to give the winner, Melanie, a cinematic treatment that felt as significant as her impact on the community. 

Instead of a standard award recap, we focused on the quiet things; the genuine, unscripted moments between Melanie and her students. We captured the ripple effect of her work in a way that felt authentic because it was authentic. We didn't just film a ceremony; we authored a portrait of a person who actually moves the needle.

The result was a film that did more than just check a box for a campaign. It gave Kleenex a narrative people actually sat through and remembered. By focusing on the human being instead of the logo, we helped build a level of brand trust that you just can't buy with a traditional ad.