• by Steve McClellan  @mp_mcclellan, April 22, 2016

To coincide with today’s Olympic torch lighting in Olympia, Greece, the International Olympic Committee released a public service announcement showcasing the Olympic Games as a force of good that aims to build a better world through sport.  The PSA, meant to inspire, evoke emotion, and engage people around the world, is a lead-up to the Olympic Games Rio 2016 that kick off August 5, in Rio de Janeiro. 

Created by WPP’s VML, the PSA introduces the theme, “Together We Can Change the World.” Timo Lumme, Managing Director, IOC Television and Marketing Services, said: “In sharing this message with the world, the IOC aims to demonstrate that the Olympic values are here to light a torch for all of us. The Olympic Movement is here to break down walls and build bridges; and through this emotive campaign we hope audiences will be inspired to learn more and see that together we can change the world.”  

VML enlisted Questlove as executive producer to create the soundtrack for the PSA by re-recording the song, “The Fire,” originally by Questlove and The Roots, by top recording artists from across the five continents, including:  Yuna, Asia; Lenny Kravitz, Americas; NNeka, Africa; Corinne Bailey Rae, Europe, and Diogo Nogueiro, Brazil. 

The voiceover for the PSA, recorded in English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese, features celebrities Uma Thurman, Juliette Binoche,  Paz Vega and  Tais Araujo. 

Commenting on the work, VML CEO Jon Cook stated that the Olympic movement “places sport at the service of humankind – as a lesson in respect, in honoring one another, in striving for excellence and in celebrating friendship that brings humanity together.” 

The PSA consists of four films: “Together,” “Breath,” “Respect” and “Counting Stars.” Each tell the story of core Olympic values and their role in uniting the world through sport. The films were shot in 90-second, 30-second, and 15-second formats, and are made available to all Olympic broadcasters across the world for television, digital and social distribution. Each film has marked locations for localization with regional Olympic athletes as well as guidance for recording a local voiceover to maximize local market impact. The films will also be featured on all Olympic social media accounts, reaching more than 50 million fans globally as well as on the campaign hub at Olympic.org/peace. 

Award-winning cinematographer Max Malkin, of Prettybird, shot the film with VML.  Malkin has served as director of photography on videos for artists including Eminem, The Dead Weather, Beck, Green Day, Red Hot Chili Peppers, REM and The Beastie Boys. 

As part of the PSA programme, on Olympic Day, June 23, the IOC will launch a global social movement to support Olympic peace.