Home » Powerful Campaign Launched For Missing Persons Advocacy Network Via WhiteGREY Melbourne

11 November, 2019

Powerful Campaign Launched For Missing Persons Advocacy Network Via WhiteGREY Melbourne

The Missing Persons Advocacy Network (MPAN) has launched a new campaign specifically addressing ‘ambiguous loss’.

The campaign, created by whiteGREY in collaboration with production company Finch, is entitled ‘Missed Birthdays’.

Comprising two short films, it features the families and friends of two long-term missing individuals – Sydney man Paul Rushworth and Hobart-based, Naz Samson Woldemicheal – as they send Paul and Naz birthday messages, on the day of their birthday.

Directed by Kyra Bartley, the films have been released online, supported by social and 30 second TVCs.

Created in partnership with Finch, Bang Bang, Atticus and Level Two Music, they aim to remind the community that the search for missing people is ongoing, while at the same time provide an insight into the emotional toll of living with ambiguous loss.

WhiteGREY Melbourne joint ECD’s, Joe Hill and Garret Fitzgerald said: “Through Missed Birthdays, we hope people will better understand what it’s like for the loved ones of a missing person and be moved to help MPAN provide the specialised support they need.

“We can’t thank our production partners enough for donating their time and talents to make Missed Birthdays possible.”

The first Missed Birthdays film launched on November 4 and features Peter Harris, the partner of Paul Rushworth, who went missing over six years ago.

The second, launching today (Nov 11), features the family and friends of Naz Samson Woldemicheal who was last seen in Hobart over three years ago. Naz turns 23 today.

MPAN CEO and founder, Loren O’Keeffe said: “There are thousands of Australians experiencing what Paul and Naz’s families and friends are going through, yet not enough professionals trained to provide the right support.

“The purpose of Missed Birthdays is to educate the public on the fact that while we do as much as we can for the missing loved one, we also need to remember the families and friends are also in great need of support.

“Unlike traditional bereavement, where the loss is clear, ambiguous loss does not get easier over time.

“It gets harder.

O’Keeffe added: “Families don’t get the rituals and customs associated with standard grief such as a funeral, burial or a grave to visit.

“It’s a continual loss, so it requires ongoing support”.

Through a call for donations, MPAN is hoping to train a new generation of ambiguous loss specialists to provide this support.

For more information or to make a donation, visit: missedbirthdays.com.au

Campaign Credits:

Agency: whiteGREY

National Managing Director: Katie Firth

Executive Creative Directors: Joe Hill and Garret Fitzgerald

Creatives: Ben Mann and Nic Molyneux

Head of Strategy: Nathan Rogers

Designer: Gemma Lodi

Senior Account Director: Amy Ross

TV Producer: Tuesday Picken

Digital Producer: Mylene Czorny

Production Company: FINCH

Executive Producer / Managing Director: Corey Esse

Producer: AnnaTara Clark-Sneddon

Director: Kyra Bartley

Director of Photography: Katie Milwright

1st AC: Grant Wilson

2nd AC: Orla Hughes

Sound Recordist: Steve Foy

Sound Recordist: James Heartly

Runner: Maddie Wilko

Camera Equipment: Panavision Australia

Post Production: ATTICUS

Executive Producer: Amelia Bromley

Offline Editor: Delaney Murphy

Colourist: Alina Bermingham

Online Artist: Alina Bermingham

Sound Production: Bang Bang Studios

Sound Designer – Sam Hopgood

Sound Producer – Holli Dee & Polly McGregor

MUSIC Supervision: Level Two Music

Music Supervision: Level Two Music

Music (Paul Rushworth): Strata by Moby courtesy of mobygratis.com

Music (Naz Woldemicheal): Music by Electric Dreams

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