CHICAGO – Inspired by personal experiences of family and friends battling cancer, Daily Planet executive producer Scott Marvel recently collaborated with director/editor Michael Gabriele to create How Do You Find An Angel?, a dramatic film for one-on-one cancer support network Imerman Angels. The two-minute production is designed to serve as a social media tool to help team members running in the 2016 Bank of America Chicago Marathon on October 9th raise money and awareness of the non-profit’s mission. Imerman Angels connect cancer fighters, survivors, and caregivers with a “Mentor Angel” so no one has to face cancer alone.
“This was a technically complex shoot with a lot of details, but there’s a deep, emotional component that was complex and nuanced, too,” says Marvel. “There was a lot on Michael’s plate and he pulled it off, making sure every note is true.”
Shot on location in Chicago’s Caldwell Woods by Gabriele, who is also participating in the Marathon with Team Imerman, the live action combines with special effects to weave a compelling narrative that’s open to personal interpretation. A woman is seen running alone in a forest when visions appear. In one, she is a hospital patient walking with an IV in her arm. In another she has lost her hair and is lying in bed. Then she stops, possibly overwhelmed by her thoughts, and doubles over. When she straightens up, her expression has changed, her inner resolve strengthened, and she resumes her run. A team of Imerman Angels appear running behind her. She realizes she is not alone.
“This film encompasses what every runner on the team is running for,” says Team Imerman manager, Dave Louthan. “Everyone knows someone who’s had cancer; it’s out there and can touch anyone. That actor in the film is every woman. We’re here to let people know they can get the help they need at the time they need it most. That’s what we give, that’s all we give—and hope. We complement what other cancer support organizations do.”
In addition to Daily Planet’s contributions, How Do You Find An Angel? features original music by Sonixphere. The track emphasizes the arc of the runner’s emotions.
“This is something we really felt good about working on,” says Sonixphere CEO and creative director, Greg Allan. “It needed to be an emotional piece and to be scored to the key moments on film. We chose to use minimal instrumentation to match her feeling of isolation.”
Nick Bozzone of Stir Post Audio handled the mix. Color correction was performed by Jeff Altman of Filmworkers Club.