SITUATION

Having done strictly documentary work, the client wanted to branch into narrative storytelling to increase reach with their production company partner. The production company needed to source a director with the proper experience and skills to accomplish this.

BRIEF

The production company approached the directors directly to create a short film highlighting the world of child sex trafficking. The directors were tasked with extensive research into the world of sexual exploitation and abuse. They were then tasked with writing an emotionally compelling short script that accurately portrayed and reflected this world.

OBJECTIVES

Create an accurate depiction of the cycle of child sexual exploitation and abuse in Latin America while simultaneously building empathy with the characters and a strong emotional connection with the viewers. Establish how grooming, exploitation, and abuse function in a web of poverty and trauma, fueled by capitalism.

The original script the directors received was 15 pages, covered various locations, and was about the journey of one girl being sexually abused and exploited. They rewrote the script, abandoning the story of one girl, and created a more emotional story between two sisters. They then condensed everything to one location in order to logistically pull off filming.

In order to really feel the immediacy of the issue, they wanted to put the audience in the shoes of the perpetrator, so they made the camera the observer throughout the story. Psychologically, they wanted to convey the emotional trauma through strictly visual imagery. They combined traditional narrative storytelling with abstract imagery and sounds in order to force the audience to piece together the story themselves. They spent considerable time shaping the performances and blocking in order to achieve the most organic performances possible.

IMPACT

Upon its release, The Rabbit Hole raised slightly over $500,000 for the rescue and rehabilitation of trafficking victims.

REACH

Shared with over 1,299,105 individuals, predominately in North and South America.

ENGAGEMENT

Won Vimeo Staff Pick, 1.4, One Screen and One Show, Anthem Award, Director’s Notes Premiere.

CHANGE IN BEHAVIOR

Created a platform to discuss child trafficking and the grooming of minors, as well as the subculture of sex tourism and how it fuels underage trafficking. Challenges biases and perceptions around trafficking, age of consent, sex tourism, and the grooming of children.

BRAND PERCEPTION

As measured through informal surveys and one-on-one input, we are seeing the Rabbit Hole successfully challenge perspectives around child trafficking separating truth from myth.

ACHIEVEMENT AGAINST OBJECTIVES

Opened a Latin American Rescue Home out of film proceeds.

Realized increase of 645% greater reach than 2022's campaign.