PALMY HAD HELPED BUILD ORPHEE. IT WAS TIME TO BUILD BACK.
With our videos collectively receiving over 40,000 views across managed Instagram, Facebook, and website pages, we managed to raise an initially unknown candidate into the limelight. Orphee claimed an absolute majority in the Palmerston North City Council election; winning against candidates with significantly more name recognition, such as William Wood (who had been campaigning with National for a year) and Andy Asquith (who was the highest-voted unsuccessful candidate in the previous election).
OUR VIDEOS ARE A PROCESS OF DISCOVERY. BUT WITH ORPHEE WE HAD THE CHANCE TO SHAPE HIM.
Central to Orphee's campaign was a balanced proposition of financial conservatism and ideological progression; wisdom with age yet excitement with youth; and a general emphasis on being well-rounded. Orphee appealed as much to older voters looking for a personable leader as younger voters looking for hope in our future.
For me, as the videographer, this campaign was about making something eye-catching and exciting. Political videos are always safe and embracing - and we had to be very careful to maintain that - but I constantly clawed for something bright and colourful. I wanted Palmerston North (admittedly, a city with not a vivid sense of self) to see itself on the big screen in cinemascope. I wanted Palmerston North to see a human story of one of its own and be able to feel a part of a lucid movement, where the things we make of ourselves aren't limited to dry corporate montages.
Orphee addressing the electorate (above); Photos from across the electorate (below).
