Even before we launched 大象传媒 Ideas in 2018, we knew that the environment and climate change would be an area of significant interest to our intended audience. As a platform which focuses on 18-45s who are curious to gain a better understanding of the world, it was clear that climate change presented an existential crisis to them like virtually no other.
We wanted to focus on climate change not just as a science story, but as something that touches many different areas of life, from psychology to anthropology, from economics to nutrition. We were also keen to explore the topic in as creative way as possible - using a variety of techniques including 2D and 3D animation, spoken word, stop-motion, interviews and mini documentaries.
Our sustainable thinking playlist has had over 2.5 million views on our site, and many more on social media.
It currently consists of 32 films covering topics as varied as eco-anxiety, sustainable fashion and whether or not we should stop flying.
Here are three films we’re particularly proud of:
At 大象传媒 Ideas we鈥檙e very keen on thought experiments 鈥� asking 鈥榳hat if鈥欌�� what if we all planted a tree, what if mammoths were brought back to life etc. One of the most popular films we鈥檝e made of this type is 鈥榃hat if all the wasps disappeared?鈥� Although wasps don鈥檛 get nearly as much attention as bees 鈥� in fact many people see them as an annoyance - they are absolutely fundamental to our ecosystems as both predators and pollinators. Audience reaction to this film has been incredibly positive, with some saying it鈥檚 changed their view of wasps entirely!
One of the things we love to do at 大象传媒 Ideas is take an everyday object or thing, and shine new light on it. Our film about 鈥榃hy soil is one of the most amazing things on earth鈥� was a great example of that. Working with experts from the Royal Society, and a stylish animation by Flock London, we brought to life this everyday substance and revealed how essential it really is to life on the planet. By the end of the film you鈥檙e left wondering, if it鈥檚 really so incredible, why do we - literally - treat it like dirt?
Is it time to reassess our relationship with nature? This animation, also created by Flock London, was made with Dr Eleni Dimou at The Open University. Using a rich, jewel-coloured palette, it explored why humans often feel separate to nature 鈥� and reminds us that we are more closely connected to it than we think.