Drawing upon our experience with Manchester Pride, we prepared for the unique challenges of this year's brief. Showcasing upsetting moment and discussing subjects of a highly sensitive nature, whilst also ensuring the final video had an overall positive feeling and sense of pride and joy, was a delicate balancing act.

For the interviews, we collaborated closely with Manchester Pride. We reached out to individuals who were open to sharing their stories of resilience against hate crimes. Thoughtful preparation included discussions with potential interviewees and question drafting to ensure a comfortable and respectful process, given the subject's sensitive nature.

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We obtained a schedule from the event organisers in advance, so that we could allocate enough time at each location throughout the city to capture all the desired footage.

The Festival

Our departure from the usual daily highlight clips led us to create mobile-first, vertical video content in a user-generated style. This content was shared in real-time, and these engaging social clips catered to platforms such as Instagram Reels and Tik Tok. This real-time interaction strengthened the bond between Manchester Pride and its online community.

Throughout the festival, we conducted Vox Pop interviews on Manchester's streets, infusing authenticity into our content. Our in-house photographer documented the myriad activities, from the Alan Turing Stage to Youth Pride and the parade, employing anamorphic lenses for a cinematic touch.

The Studio Interviews

On September 5th, we filmed studio interviews at The Photocove, prioritizing the comfort of interviewees and the authenticity of their narratives. A minimalist setup with a three-point lighting arrangement and plain backdrop allowed the stories to shine, unencumbered by distractions. Thoughtful scheduling provided privacy and space for each interviewee to share their experiences openly.

Guided by a well-defined storyline crafted during pre-production, our post-production phase adhered to 'The Challenge' narrative framework. Breaking our video into three compelling acts, the journey began with 'The Struggle,' where we painted a vivid picture of the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community, both historically and in the present day. It was essential to highlight the hurdles while honoring the community's strength and resilience.

In 'The Solution,' we showcased the pivotal role of Manchester Pride in addressing these challenges head-on. We celebrated the organisation's tireless efforts to support the LGBTQ+ community and raise awareness about the issues that matter most. This segment served as a powerful testament to the positive impact of collective action and determination.

The crescendo of our narrative journey, 'The Success,' unfolded as we captured the spirit of the parade and the unbridled joy of festival goers. This final act symbolised the culmination of years of hard work, underscoring the progress and hope for a brighter, more inclusive future.

With our chosen tracks for this project being decided in pre-production, we thoughtfully merged two songs to follow the journey of the narrative. The resulting video was delivered in widescreen, formatted for a cinematic premiere.

Our journey with Manchester Pride in 2023 was more than just documenting a festival; it was a tribute to resilience, a testament to hope, and a call for change. Through the power of storytelling, we amplified the voices that deserve to be heard, inspiring progress and unity within the LGBTQ+ community and beyond.

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The social-first content we crafted for this project amassed a total reach of 181,354 views and garnered 6,701 likes. Furthermore, our Manchester Pride contact was interviewed by BBC Radio Manchester, discussing the campaign's impact and the overwhelmingly positive feedback it received.