Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust – ‘Gift a Day’
Fundraising Campaign for Blists Hill Victorian Town
1. Project Overview:
The Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust (IGMT) aimed to raise funds for Blists Hill, their open-air Victorian Town museum in Shropshire. The museum offers an immersive experience of Victorian life and holds a special place in the hearts of the local community, many of whom have fond memories of visiting as children and later with their own families.
To support the museum’s operational costs, IGMT launched the ‘Gift a Day’ campaign, inviting local businesses to cover a day’s running expenses, approximately £15,000. The challenge was to create a video that not only highlighted the significance of Blists Hill but also emotionally resonated with the community and potential donors.
2. Objectives:
Encourage local businesses to participate in the ‘Gift a Day’ initiative.
Capture the nostalgic and cultural importance of Blists Hill to the Shropshire community.
Work within a limited budget while producing compelling, high-quality content.
3. Our Approach:
After presenting IGMT with three creative concepts tailored to different budget ranges, the team opted for a cost-effective yet impactful approach. We planned a one-day shoot to document the behind-the-scenes operations of Blists Hill, showcasing the dedication and effort required to bring the Victorian experience to life each day.
The video captured:
The meticulous preparation before the museum opened its doors.
The lively atmosphere during visitor hours, featuring families enjoying the exhibits.
The wrap-up process at the end of the day, illustrating the full cycle of work that keeps the museum running.
To ensure authentic, unrestricted footage, several families were invited to attend, giving us the freedom to film real interactions without permission constraints. The fast-paced nature of the day and the expansive museum grounds presented logistical challenges, but we successfully navigated these to produce dynamic, engaging content.
4. The Video:
The final video is a heartfelt tribute to Blists Hill, blending nostalgic imagery with behind-the-scenes insights. It showcases not just the exhibits but the people, staff, volunteers, and visitors, who bring the museum to life. The result is a compelling call to action for local businesses to invest in preserving this cherished local treasure.
5. Results & Impact:
While fundraising figures are still in progress, the video has already made a significant impact within the community and IGMT. The client shared glowing feedback:
"The video has gone down a storm – such amazing and wonderful comments from everyone! Thank you so much for all your help. I’m so happy with it."
For further information about our video production services please feel free to get in touch with us