Gallipoli Veterans work with veterans from all conflicts, supporting them through research and rehabilitation pathways that change lives. When they approached us to help raise awareness about the Go Beyond program, we knew this was a project we had to be a part of. The Go Beyond program aids military veterans in their transition to civilian life, helping them navigate the challenges that come with this shift. Our goal was to craft a compelling video that would highlight the program’s significance and its impact on veterans and their families.
Transitioning from military to civilian life is a monumental change, both physically and mentally. So, we needed to ensure our video clearly communicated the struggles veterans face while also positioning Go Beyond as a crucial support system. Our approach was to tell a relatable, personal story that would resonate with both veterans and the wider public. By focusing on a single veteran’s journey, we could make the challenges and solutions feel real, rather than abstract statistics on a page.
To best illustrate this transition, we centred the video around a match cut technique. The story begins with a soldier on deployment. As he walks forward, a seamless cut transforms him into civilian life, now walking down a bustling city street. This visual metaphor highlighted how, despite outward appearances, veterans carry their military experiences with them into civilian life.
To address the mental health challenges many transitioning veterans face, we combined voiceover narration with visual storytelling. As the narration relayed statistics on the prevalence of mental health conditions, civilians on the screen slowly faded to black, symbolising those impacted by these struggles. This striking visual reinforced the reality that these challenges could affect anyone, making the need for support even more evident.
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To ensure the video was both engaging and informative, we balanced realism with stylised animation. The match cut transition was designed to feel smooth and natural, creating an instant emotional connection with the audience. Meanwhile, the use of fading figures and dynamic text overlays provided a strong visual representation of the statistics and key messages without overwhelming the viewer.
We also designed scenes that demonstrated how the Go Beyond program works. A veteran fills out a quick questionnaire and is then guided through support pathways. This sequence was crucial in demystifying the process, showing that help is accessible and effective. Finally, we depicted the veteran reconnecting with friends and family, reinforcing the program’s ultimate goal: restoring connections and improving lives.
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Throughout the process, we worked closely with the Gallipoli Medical Research Foundation to ensure accuracy and emotional resonance. Early iterations of the video were reviewed and adjusted based on feedback, ensuring that we struck the right balance between emotional impact and informative clarity. We refined animations, pacing, and transitions to make sure the final product effectively communicated the program’s importance.
The Go Beyond team loved the final video, and it has since been used to raise awareness and encourage veterans to seek support. By clearly demonstrating the challenges of transition and the help available, the video plays a key role in reaching veterans who might otherwise struggle in silence.
We’re proud to have played a small part in supporting the veterans who have given so much for Australia. Helping to promote a program that does so much for them was an honour, and we hope this video continues to make a difference for years to come.
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