LIFE OF ELLA

Short List
TitleLIFE OF ELLA
BrandSPECIAL OLYMPICS BELGIUM
Product/ServiceCHARITY
Category A03. Casting
Entrant LDV UNITED Antwerp, BELGIUM
Idea Creation LDV UNITED Antwerp, BELGIUM
Additional Company TOYOTA BELGIUM Zaventem, BELGIUM
Credits
Name Company Position
Dries De Bruyn LDV United Creative Director
Dennis Vandewalle LDV United Creative Director
Dries De Wilde LDV Copywriter
Willem De Wachter LDV United Art Director

Write a short summary of what happens in the film

The film introduces Ella, a 9-year old basketball player. She lives for the game: she eats, sleeps and dreams basketball. We see her training 24/7, her ambition is unlimited. At the end of the film, we learn why Ella is such a remarkable talent.

Cultural / Context information for the jury

Special Olympics is a global organization that strives for more inclusivity through sports. For people with an intellectual disability, practicing sports is an extremely valuable way to participate in society. Because they are still prejudiced far too often, as an athlete and a person. Special Olympics Europe is always looking for new funding to pursue this goal. The new, structural partnership with Toyota is a giant step for Special Olympics. Not just financially, but also in the recognition as an Olympic organisation.

Tell the jury about the casting process.

Casting a young talent like Alice for the role of ‘Ella’ is a challenge. Special Olympics wanted to recruit out of the pool of their own members, to make this commercial as authentic as possible. Out of dozens of talents, we picked Alice, A 14 year old Special Olympics’ athlete, because she was both athletic and able to perform during multiple shooting days. We really must mention her dedication to the project, as it would never have been possible without her perseverance and will power.