Work

ACLU: Rights Camera Action

Bringing civil rights to the big screen.

A black and white image shows a hillside with large, white letters spelling "ACLU," reminiscent of the iconic Hollywood sign. The hillside is covered in shrubs and vegetation, with several telecommunications towers visible on the right.

Background

Hollywood films reach a broader audience than any other form of media in history. The most successful often revolve around aliens, car chases and fast sex, but they also have the potential to engage the entire world in meaningful dialogue on important social issues. In an age of warrantless surveillance, mass incarceration and endless war, movies as diverse as Taxi to the Dark Side and Harold and Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay have addressed issues of civil rights on the silver screen.

The challenge

The American Civil Liberties Union, a legal nonprofit at the vanguard of constitutional rights for over 90 years, wanted to leverage the enormous influence of Hollywood to advance discourse on law and freedom. The ACLU’s Rights/Camera/Action program encourages entertainers and celebrities to participate in vital debates on civil rights in their work. The program sponsors discussion forums and study groups to promote and understand the role of mass media in effecting social change.

A black square booklet is pictured with the text "Rights Camera Action" and "An ACLU Production" in white letters on the cover. The booklet is placed on a white surface.

The opportunity

Hyperakt resolved the program’s branding by referencing the iconic image of the “action” clapboard. This immediately communicates the ACLU’s connection to the film and entertainment industry. A stark black and white color palette was established to respect the seriousness of the content. Strong diagonal graphic elements referencing the logo are present throughout the promotional brochure, website and posters created for the program.

A close-up of a page with various blue and white sections containing text. The headings include "Host a House Party," "Volunteer," "Add the ACLU to Your Email," "Go Public," and "Write." Each section provides brief instructions or suggestions below the headings.
An open book displaying a section titled "Rights." The left page describes the ACLU's role in protecting civil liberties, while the right page shows a grid of twelve film posters related to social justice and human rights themes.
An open book titled "RIGHTS / CAMERA / ACTION" features a page with text about partnering with artists, comedians, and influencers for discussions on civil liberties and rights. The opposite page shows several black-and-white photos of individuals in various settings.

Project Credits

Project Team
Collaborators
Ready to unlock the potential of your nonprofit's brand?
Reach Out