About a month ago Frank Blossom, a Advertising professor at GV, was contacted by Ford Center for Emerging Enterprises with an pilot opportunity for college students to work with Ford company in designing a video series for the 'Go Further' campaign. A little hesitant with the Fall semester right around the corner Frank knew students would be busy with school, work, clubs, activities, etc. so finding time to produce a video campaign would be difficult. Although Frank had faith he could create a group of students who would be willing to put in the time and go above and beyond to make it happen and that's what we intend on doing.
What does the Ford campaign project entail?
The entire project is a competition for the three colleges to develop and produce online digital/video media of inspirational stories about people and/or organizations that are 'Going Further'. The student members of the project are required to research, investigate and discover inspiring stories that will resonate with the public and ultimately increase the brand participation of potential new buyers. When an inspirational story is discovered the team develops a series of questions, inspiring moments of success or failure to be a focal point for the video. Once we discovered a great story we produce a short two minute documentary and launch the videos through a social media marketing campaign.
What does the Ford campaign project entail?
The entire project is a competition for the three colleges to develop and produce online digital/video media of inspirational stories about people and/or organizations that are 'Going Further'. The student members of the project are required to research, investigate and discover inspiring stories that will resonate with the public and ultimately increase the brand participation of potential new buyers. When an inspirational story is discovered the team develops a series of questions, inspiring moments of success or failure to be a focal point for the video. Once we discovered a great story we produce a short two minute documentary and launch the videos through a social media marketing campaign.
Early Saturday November 8th at 7:00AM the cars were packed up with video, camera, recording, and light equipment the GV Ford Team headed up to Copemish and Traverse City for a weekend of interviews, shooting, and engaging with a few inspiring individuals who continue to 'go further.' Thanks to Borgman Ford for providing the team with Ford vehicles to use on our road trip. Our first stop was in Copemish at the Archangel Ancient Tree Archive where we met with David Milarch, a man who discovered how to clone the ancient giants (trees over thousands of years old) to reforest and restore the natural filter systems of our water and air to fight global warming caused climate change, and protect our freshwater ecosystem to restore the health of our planet. Over the past 20 years David has cloned and planted over 100,000 trees and continues to advocate and share his passion with the world.
David was a great candidate for this project, his passion and drive showed true throughout the entire video shoot and we hope it'll motivate people to find their passion and go further just like he did. He came from a rough past and went through things most people don't get involved with but once hitting rock bottom he persevered and proved himself worthy of making a difference. After meeting with David I plan to share his mission and continue to grow this beautiful organization. His trees have been nursed and shipped to Oregon, California, Michigan, and UK to name a few. But this is just the beginning.
David was a great candidate for this project, his passion and drive showed true throughout the entire video shoot and we hope it'll motivate people to find their passion and go further just like he did. He came from a rough past and went through things most people don't get involved with but once hitting rock bottom he persevered and proved himself worthy of making a difference. After meeting with David I plan to share his mission and continue to grow this beautiful organization. His trees have been nursed and shipped to Oregon, California, Michigan, and UK to name a few. But this is just the beginning.
On Sunday morning the team set out to Grant Forrester's home in Traverse City, a 24 year-old quadriplegic who was in a car accident at a 15-months ago. During the car accident he was thrown from the car, his skull was fractured and he suffered from serve brain damage. The doctors told parents to pull the plug because he won't be able to walk or barely function the rest of his life. This is a story of a boy who didn't believe what the doctors told him and made the impossible possible. In summer of 2011, he set a goal of completing a 5K race at the National Cherry Festival in Traverse City. Grant began training by walking short distances in the mall and each time he started going further and further. The day of the race there were over 2,000 people that crossed the finish line, and in 3 hours and 57 minutes Grant was one of them. The sound of hundreds of people cheering and clapping Grant on; is what led him to completing the impossible and finishing the race.
Meeting with Grant was an emotional and inspirational ride in itself. His mother, father and girlfriend were able to meet with us, as well as his dog and shared the inspiration that Grant has shed on their lives. Each year he continues to set higher goals for himself of walking over 125 miles a year and cutting off a half hour on his 5K time. Every challenge that is presented to Grant turns into an opportunity to better himself. His positive attitude and sense of humor is amazing from someone who spends most of his life sitting in a wheelchair. But when he walked for us in the Grand Traverse mall, his speed and strength behind each step actually left most of the GV students in the dust. People walking by in the mall knew his name and didn't hesitate to stop and encourage him farther. The community is all apart of Team Grant and gather each year to cheer him on. His story reminds us that no matter what others tell you don't let anyone stop you from doing anything you set your heart and mind too. Grant has always said “Don’t use the words 'I can’t' or 'I can', just say, 'I will.' The stories of people like Grant Forrester who remind me I need to say “I will.”
Needless to say this past weekend was a whirlwind of inspirational people finding their passion and overcoming any obstacle that comes their way. When experts told David cloning was impossible he knew he could prove them wrong and when doctors told Grant he would never walk, his heart told him that he could. These individuals are extraordinary examples of 'going further' and letting nothing get in their way.
The interviewing and video shooting process was a building experience in itself. I have learned so much in the past weekend that I can utilize in further work and project situations. I couldn't thank Frank Blossom and the rest of the GV Ford Team for this amazing opportunity. Over this coming week, we will be working hard at editing and bringing the video clips to life. Stay tuned for the video launch in the next few weeks, you won't want to miss these stories. #GVFordTeam
Meeting with Grant was an emotional and inspirational ride in itself. His mother, father and girlfriend were able to meet with us, as well as his dog and shared the inspiration that Grant has shed on their lives. Each year he continues to set higher goals for himself of walking over 125 miles a year and cutting off a half hour on his 5K time. Every challenge that is presented to Grant turns into an opportunity to better himself. His positive attitude and sense of humor is amazing from someone who spends most of his life sitting in a wheelchair. But when he walked for us in the Grand Traverse mall, his speed and strength behind each step actually left most of the GV students in the dust. People walking by in the mall knew his name and didn't hesitate to stop and encourage him farther. The community is all apart of Team Grant and gather each year to cheer him on. His story reminds us that no matter what others tell you don't let anyone stop you from doing anything you set your heart and mind too. Grant has always said “Don’t use the words 'I can’t' or 'I can', just say, 'I will.' The stories of people like Grant Forrester who remind me I need to say “I will.”
Needless to say this past weekend was a whirlwind of inspirational people finding their passion and overcoming any obstacle that comes their way. When experts told David cloning was impossible he knew he could prove them wrong and when doctors told Grant he would never walk, his heart told him that he could. These individuals are extraordinary examples of 'going further' and letting nothing get in their way.
The interviewing and video shooting process was a building experience in itself. I have learned so much in the past weekend that I can utilize in further work and project situations. I couldn't thank Frank Blossom and the rest of the GV Ford Team for this amazing opportunity. Over this coming week, we will be working hard at editing and bringing the video clips to life. Stay tuned for the video launch in the next few weeks, you won't want to miss these stories. #GVFordTeam