Signal Fire (2023)
Signal Fire is a 30-minute educational documentary filmed in university labs and field research sites across Canada that features stories from the scientists and community members – Indigenous and non-Indigenous - looking to ignite change and light a new path for natural resource studies in this country.
Client
University of Waterloo & Natural Resources Canada
The challenge
This project is an adaptation of a scientific paper, Towards Reconciliation: 10 Calls to Action for Natural Resources Scientists Working in Canada. The paper has proven to be very popular and has been downloaded thousands of times. The co-authors wanted to create a documentary and an associated impact campaign to reach a wider audience and inspire greater understanding, respect and reciprocity between scientists and Indigenous communities. To make the content appealing to a viewing audience, we needed to reflect the paper’s academic content in a more accessible storytelling format that would engage a variety of audiences.
DELIVERABLES
Shot in the Dark produced Signal Fire, a 30-minute educational documentary, a film trailer, three stand-alone animations, educational website and brand guide.
In addition to the film and website, Shot in the Dark was contracted to develop and execute a community engagement strategy and campaign (see below) and brand guide.
Target audience
Researchers/Academics - primarily upper year students or researchers embarking on their own research programs.
Administrators/Funders - within academia or funding agencies or foundations that fund natural resource research programs.
First Nation/Inuit/Metis Youth - high school students or young adults looking for career options.
STRATEGY & STORY
Our Shot in the Dark team worked closely with the co-authors to define the central narrative and key educational elements for the film, including:
Create awareness and understanding of the historical challenges and the spectrum of change required.
Provide a starting or entry point for academics and institutions to reflect on these topics.
Be a resource of baseline information and guidance for researchers.
With this information, our team of filmmakers and animators put together the story using interviews, animations, archival photos and images from university labs and field sites across Canada.
Animations
CLICK TO PLAY ANIMATION
Clips
CLICK TO PLAY CLIP
Website + RESOURCES
SCREENING PROMOTION + TOOLKIT
Screening Outreach & Management
Producing a premiere screening event in Whitehorse
Facilitating requests for in-person and virtual screening events for organizations across Canada
Developing content and managing the Signal Fire LinkedIn page
Creating informational email newsletters
Screening Toolkit
We created a library of branded assets to support screenings in communities, organizations, schools, conferences and film festivals.
Screening discussion guide
Customizable keynote presentation
Two-page overview “sell sheet”
Downloadable media links
Screening promotion materials
