Coldplay’s haunting classic ‘The Scientist’ is performed by country music legend Willie Nelson for the soundtrack of the short film entitled, “Back to the Start.” The film, by film-maker Johnny Kelly, depicts the life of a farmer as he slowly turns his family farm into an industrial animal factory before seeing the errors of his ways and opting for a more sustainable future. Both the film and the soundtrack were commissioned by Chipotle to emphasize the importance of developing a sustainable food system.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMfSGt6rHos

Narrated by Academy Award-winner Jeremy Irons, this “mockumentary” video, hammers home the stark reality of California’s plastic bag pollution situation.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLgh9h2ePYw

www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGn9p8p_oek

“The Zimbabwean newspaper, has been driven into exile for reporting on how the Mugabe regime has rigged elections, crushed the opposition, caused poverty, disease and the total collapse of the economy. And now, having been exiled, the regime has slapped a 55% luxury import duty on the paper (as if freedom of speech is a luxury) that makes it unaffordable for the average Zimbabwean. To get the paper into Zimbabwean hands, it needs to be subsidised, and our client can only do that by raising awareness, acquiring new customers and driving sales outside Zimbabwe.” -- KirstenEDDY

*Thanks to Karen King for sending this to me.

As a marketer, my greatest challenge is getting people to willingly participate with a brands message and have fun with it. I’ve never been a fan of marketing tactics that spoon feed mass audiences, rather, focusing on creating unique experiences that inspire individuals to realize the benefits within their own lives. I understand the pros of traditional shotgun advertising. It’s effective, that is, if you’re a corporation offering a core public service. For me, it’s more personal than that. We need to connect with people, with specific niche audiences. It’s increasingly much more effective to make a personal connection with a few, then trying to convince the many. Those few, with social marketing on the rise, are really connected! Create the brand champions, and the word will find it’s way to those most interested.

Here are some unique marketing ideas I’ve found over the past week for a variety of industries that have gotten people talking, and, most importantly to those in the charitable sector, are also beautifully simple.

[Direct Daily]

Human Rights, something that affects us all, if often misunderstood. To us fortunate to live in developed countries, it is generally considered a concept that doesn’t really apply to us. Moreover, why, if there is a universal Human Rights, are there worldwide abuses still occurring today?

United for Human Rights has created this excellent 10 minute video on the history, impact and importance the Declaration of Human Rights plays in our daily lives. Watch it below.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ot8YGiRtB7U