16 June 2020

In this episode we talk to Simon Burton, founder and CEO of the Charity Film Awards, about how charities can use film to portray and amplify their work. Including:

  • What is the aim of the Charity Film Awards and how did it come about?
  • In what interesting ways have charity entrants to the competition been using video?
  • Why is storytelling important for charities?
  • Positive vs negative representations of charities and the people they serve: do upbeat messages work? Or are tragic images still the norm?
  • Is it possible for organisations with limited resources to use video effectively as a tool?
  • Will we see more charities engaging with video as a result of the enforced digital transformation brought about by Covid-19?
  • Have any charities used short-form video and platforms like TikTok effectively?
  • Are any charities using virtual and augmented reality or 360 video?
  • How did the CFA turn itself into a virtual event in such a short space of time?
  • Will we see virtual events becoming more the norm after the coronavirus situation is over?
  • Are charities well-represented in mainstream screen media?
  • Are there any good TV programmes, films about charities or philanthropy? If not, why not?



Simon Burton

Simon Burton

Co-Founder and CEO Iconify, Founder FIlm Charity Awards, Chair Street Soccer International

Twitter @SimonBurton

Related links:

The Charity Film Awards website including links to this year’s winners and winners from previous years.

Out previous CAF Giving Thought podcast on Philanthropy at the Movies

Rhod’s Giving Thought blog Lights, Camera, Altruism: Philanthropy in movies

Rhod’s Third Sector article Are Marvel's Avengers just modern-day philanthropists?

Rhodri Davies

Rhodri Davies

Head of Policy

Rhodri leads Giving Thought, our in-house think tank focusing on current and future issues affecting philanthropy and civil society. Rhodri has spent nearly a decade specialising in public policy around philanthropy and the work of charities, and has researched, written and presented on a wide range of topics. He has a first-class degree in Mathematics and Philosophy from the University of Oxford.   Read more about Rhodri

E: givingthought@cafonline.org

TwitterLogo-150px-x-150px@Rhodri_H_Davies

About the Giving Thought podcast

The Giving Thought podcast is an exploration of trends in global philanthropy and civil society. Launched in 2017 it is recognised as an insightful and influential source of philanthropic debate.  Rhodri Davies director of our Giving Thought Think Tank hosts the podcast, discussing contemporary issues and interviewing sector experts. Episodes are also available free on iTunes and Libsyn.

Visit the Giving Thought podcast library