My Story
Collaborating with Metropolitan Public Strategies, EpandMedia created “My Story” a :30 second television ad that features Quirtina Crittenden, who started the #AirbnbWhileBlack movement, speaking about her experiences with discrimination using the home-sharing platform Airbnb. Throughout 2016 the company faced criticism for the ease with which its hosts can reject potential renters based on race, age, gender or other factors. “My Story” managed to shine a light on the discriminatory practices of Airbnb and proved central in compelling the company to make real changes in their policies.
Communications Workers of America
With New York City area Communications Workers of America (CWA) members under attack by Cablevision — the company controlled by owner James Dolan (also owner of Madison Square Garden, and the Knicks and the Rangers teams) — CWA developed a campaign with NY ad agency BerlinRosen, who in turn commissioned EpandMedia and director Len Epand to create the :30 second TV ad, “Worker.”
“Worker” helps the union fight back by pointing out the unfair practices of this important employer. Berlin Rosen’s Alex Navarro-McKay and Bridget Cusick oversaw the production.
Flower Girl
Working with Jennifer Cunningham, Managing Director of KnickerbockerSKD, EpandMedia produced, and Len Epand directed, TV ads in support of legalizing gay marriage in New York State. The ads, commissioned by the Empire State Pride Agenda, helped increase awareness of the basic fairness and value of recognizing same sex marriages, and were credited with changing attitudes and paving the way for change. A year later Governor Cuomo got behind Marriage Equality, and it became law in New York State.
Moral Test
EpandMedia produced and Len Epand creative-directed “Moral Test,” a TV ad funded by the SEIU-Healthcare Illinois and Indiana and advocating the continued state support of Illinois’ home healthcare system. The ad begins with a quote by Vice President Hubert Humphrey: “The moral test of a government is how it treats…” that connects with contemporary people – a child, a senior and a disabled person – completing the sentence: “…those in the dawn of life, those in the twilight of life, and those with disabilities.” It then asks if Illinois is passing or failing that test, threatening budget cuts that would cut funding that is vital to the young, old and disabled.
BerlinRosen Public Relations’ Alex Navarro-McKay and Valerie Berlin served as lead consultants and creatives on the project.
Bulletin Board
EpandMedia produced and Len Epand creative-directed two television ads — “Bulletin Board” and “Imagine” — advocating the New York State legislature approve the sale of wine in grocery stores, with licensing fees helping fund education and healthcare in the state.
Commissioned by New Yorkers for Economic Growth and Open Markets, “Bulletin Board” aired on TV and the internet, telling its story with a humorous edge to demonstrate that the larger interests of almost every citizen and public group in the state stood against a tiny but powerful minority of one special interest group.
BerlinRosen Public Relations’ Blake Zeff served as lead consultant/creative.