25 Last Steps

Key Points

• Client: Transport for Greater Manchester
• Job Title: Last Steps Campaign
• Job Type: Rapid Turnaround, Interview-Led Video
• Location: Greater Manchester
• Time Frame: Seven days from appointment to delivery
• Core Deliverables: Eight campaign videos of varying lengths, aspect ratios, and narratives

The Challenge‍

Transport for Greater Manchester approached us last minute to add a video element to their Last Steps campaign, which highlights the devastating consequences of reckless driving. At its heart was the tragic story of Marcus Simmons-Allen, an 18-year-old who lost his life after being hit by a car travelling nearly twice the speed limit.This was no ordinary production brief. We faced three critical challenges:

1. Sensitive Storytelling: How could we do justice to Marcus’ story, creating a narrative that was both respectful and impactful?
2. Creative Execution: How could we visually convey the weight of such a tragic loss across multiple formats?
3. Tight Deadlines: How could we turn around a suite of eight high-quality videos in just seven days?

This wasn’t just about delivering videos—it was about telling stories that could save lives.The PlanWhen time is short, preparation and experience make all the difference. We moved quickly but thoughtfully:

1. Rapid Action: Leveraging our trusted industry connections, we secured a professional studio within three days of being appointed—a feat that showcased our readiness to adapt under pressure.
2. Thoughtful Preparation: By diving deeply into Marcus’ story, we crafted questions that were considerate yet powerful, ensuring we could highlight the human impact while supporting Marcus' family through the process.
3. Supportive Environment: We drew on our extensive experience conducting sensitive interviews, creating a safe, compassionate space for Marcus' mother, Paula, to share her story. Our safeguarding protocols were central to ensuring she felt supported throughout.
4. Creative Direction: The visual approach was equally intentional. We used stark, minimalist lighting to create a mood that mirrored the emotional weight of the story. A poignant touch was the inclusion of Marcus’ shoes, offering a symbolic reminder of the steps he would never take again.

The Results

‍This was a project that demanded emotional resonance and flawless execution, and we delivered both:

• Compelling Content: We produced eight videos tailored to the campaign’s needs, spanning various lengths, aspect ratios, and story angles. These included shorter clips optimized for social media and longer narratives for in-depth storytelling.
• On-Time Delivery: All eight videos were edited and finalized within just two days, meeting the campaign’s tight deadline.
• Wide Reach: The campaign gained significant media attention, with coverage in outlets like Prolific North and Greater Manchester News. These videos became pivotal in amplifying the message of road safety across the region.

This wasn’t just about creating videos—it was about delivering a message that could save lives. It embodied our mission of unlocking emotion and beauty in stories, even in the most challenging circumstances. By combining expertise, empathy, and creativity, we helped Transport for Greater Manchester raise awareness and inspire drivers to think twice about their speed.

• Client Praise: Jo Taylor, Head of Brand at TfGM during the project, commented:
  "Eight Engines took the time to really understand our needs and delivered exactly what we were looking for. Their level of service is 10/10—they are meticulous, collaborative, and an absolute joy to work with."
• Positive Feedback: Following the project, Marcus’ mother, Paula, personally thanked us for creating a supportive environment where she felt safe sharing her son’s story.