By launching Sound Affects, we introduced an innovative transactional model wherein the purchase of sound effects served a dual purpose – to aid and enhance creative projects with a comprehensive sound library, while also funding NGOs supporting PTSD victims.

This campaign exchange transcends traditional commerce by embedding social responsibility into each transaction, making every sound effect a currency for PTSD support. By doing so, we also created a long-lasting and sustainable donation mechanic, thereby creating a new revenue stream for NGOs in dire need of support.

ONE OF THE LOWEST POINTS IN THE HISTORY OF REFUGEE CRISES

UNHCR’s most recent study estimated that, in 2023, for the first time in recorded history, the number of people forcibly displaced was 110 million, with over 36.4 million refugees.

90% OF VICTIMS OF CONFLICT SUFFER FROM PTSD

In fact, new studies estimate that nearly 100% of children from certain conflict zones will grow up to suffer from PTSD. It is widely said that “you can take a person out of the conflict. It’s even harder to take the conflict out of a person.” For most refugees, escaping conflict is only the beginning of their problems. The scars of war and oppression continue to haunt them until the very end.

THE IMPACT OF MUNDANE SOUNDS ON PTSD

With 4 out of 5 PTSD episodes being triggered by sounds*, noises from the

simplest and most mundane, everyday items such as vacuum cleaners, and electric razors take them back to their trauma.

While for many, these sounds may evoke familiar feelings of home, comfort, and joy, for millions of victims affected by war, these everyday sounds are PTSD triggers, that take them back to traumatic moments or the past.

83% OF NGOs STRUGGLE TO SECURE CONTINUOUS FUNDING

While several NGOs provide aid, sustaining funds is a recurring challenge, making it even harder for victims to get access to help.

Sixieme Son, one of the world’s leading sound design companies aimed to use their credentials and expertise to harness the meaningful power of sounds, tackle sonic trauma, and support those affected by war.

*source: Biomed Central

Sound Affects

The world’s first sound effects library that converts royalty rights into reparation rights

To support NGOs dedicated to assisting trauma survivors, Sixieme Son used foley techniques to create a library of sound effects made from everyday items.

With an array of sounds ranging from gunshots to explosions, sirens, and helicopter whirs, the collection is ideal for frequent users of sound effects clips in entertainment, advertising, and audio-visual productions.

Behind each sound, was a real story of trauma like Ferhana’s, a refugee from Kabul, who finds that the hum of her aunt’s sewing machine triggers memories of tanks tearing through her neighborhood. By purchasing that track, buyers could directly support her and others like her.

The Sound Affects collection is available at soundafx.me, with 100% of proceeds being directed to trauma reparation, establishing a sustainable and long-lasting donation mechanic for NGOs dedicated to helping victims around the world.

THE SURPRISING TRUTH:

IF YOU CAN’T SEE IT, IT’S NOT WORTH DONATING.

Victims of conflict are left with mental, psychological, and emotional scars that very rarely trigger the same response from potential donors. And while NGOs providing aid, healthcare, food, or utilities-support are at the forefront of media coverage, victims of conflict suffering from PTSD are overlooked.

STRATEGIC BREAKTHROUGH

Millions of sound effects are downloaded from audio libraries and used every day by content creators, production houses, and the entertainment industry.

WHAT IF THIS INDUSTRY BEHAVIOUR CAN BECOME AN ENTIRELY NEW AND SUSTAINABLE DONATION MECHANIC, TO SUPPORT THOSE AFFECTED BY SOUND TRAUMAS?

STRATEGIC PROPOSITION

Turn sound triggers from a source of trauma into a source of support.

Using foley techniques, we created a library of sound effects exclusively from everyday items that mimicked PTSD triggers. Each sound reflected a real story of a traumatic experience.

Out of respect for the victims who shared their stories, every detail of each soundtrack was carefully crafted, taking into consideration their descriptions of exactly what occurred in the events they described.

And just like that, a sewing machine became a passing tank, a water stream transformed into an explosion, bubble wrap mimicked gunshots, and traumas that caused pain became a form of healing for those who suffered.

A highly targeted campaign invited media, entertainment, and production communities to our library, where they could download the sounds, with 100% of proceeds directed to NGOs supporting PTSD victims from conflict zones.

By choosing Sound Affects, buyers could not only enhance their creative projects but also contribute to the healing journeys of PTSD victims.

In just two weeks, our sound waves made ripples everywhere:

85% response rate

58 media mentions

1.5M$ earned media

78% Donation consideration