Low Impact Fishers of Europe introduction video case study

Client: Low Impact Fishers of Europe (LIFE)

Focus: Fair fisheries, healthy seas, and vibrant coastal communities

Client Challenge

Low Impact Fishers of Europe (LIFE) approached our explainer video agency with a challenging brief: create an engaging animation that would effectively communicate their mission supporting small-scale European fishers against industrial fishing operations. They needed a powerful storytelling approach that would resonate with potential supporters while clearly explaining complex policy work and tangible achievements.

Our Inspiration:

After diving deeper into the problem, we realized that a regular explainer video production wouldn’t be enough. LIFE’s mission called for an emotional story. While exploring their past work, we came across a documentary featuring a Spanish fisher and a young woman. Each morning, before sunrise, they ventured to sea, and his words resonated deeply:

‍

‍

This moment became the heart of our story. We chose them as the central heroes, traveling across countries and representing the collective impact LIFE has on fishers, seas, and communities.

‍

Our Nonprofit Video Production Approach

We developed a narrative-driven explainer using 2D animation that follows Antoni and his daughter Maria, symbolic representatives of Europe's 60,000 small-scale fishers. This storytelling approach in our nonprofit video allowed us to personalize the challenges faced by fishing communities while illustrating LIFE's broader impact.

‍

Key production decisions included:

• Creating visually distinct "frames" that transition seamlessly between personal stories and organizational achievements
• Developing a consistent visual language with marine-inspired color palettes
• Incorporating symbolic elements (like the wind representing LIFE's support)
• Using dynamic camera movements to maintain viewer engagement

Storytelling Elements in the Nonprofit Video

Our storytelling strategy balanced emotional connection with factual information:

1. Opening with personal perspective: The animation begins with a fisherman's quote, establishing authenticity and emotional connection.
2. Visual metaphors: We depicted industrial fleets literally surrounding small boats, and used wind motifs to represent LIFE's protective influence.
3. Data visualization: We transformed statistical information (33 organizations, 15 EU states) into visually engaging map elements.
4. Achievement highlights: Key victories like the electric pulse trawling ban and legal precedents were dramatized through visual storytelling rather than dry statistics.
5. Connected journey: The animation follows products from sea to dinner table, completing the narrative circle and emphasizing the impact on communities.

Results and Impact

The completed explainer video succeeded in:

• Clearly communicating LIFE's complex mission and achievements in under 2 minutes
• Providing LIFE with a versatile asset for social media, website, conferences, and fundraising initiatives
• Creating an emotional connection to small-scale fishers' challenges
• Driving increased engagement with LIFE's advocacy work

This project exemplifies our studio's commitment to effective nonprofit video production through storytelling techniques that transform complex information into compelling narratives. By balancing emotional resonance with clear communication of achievements, we created a video asset that continues to advance LIFE's mission of supporting sustainable fishing communities across Europe.

‍

‍