This year we were approached by the Florey Institute to create a fundraising video.
The goal was to educate viewers about the work the Florey does, highlight the importance of their research, and use storytelling to encourage donations.
Client Background
The Florey Institute is the largest brain research centre in the Southern Hemisphere. Their work spans diseases such as stroke, epilepsy, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Although they receive some government funding, a significant portion of their research depends on philanthropic donations. This video was developed to inspire those donations by showcasing the impact of their work.
Creative Approach
We began by reviewing examples of videos that communicated complex information in an engaging, human way. This helped develop a creative direction we could present to the Florey team. One reference that stood out was the Qantas air safety video — not because of its subject matter, but because of the use of multiple locations to create visual variety.
For the Florey video, we planned to show scientists and key supporters in meaningful locations that reflected their personal connection to the organisation: a library, corporate offices, areas inside the Florey building, and other spaces that added character and context.
The video featured both researchers and prominent supporters. The scientists provided insight into current research, while the high-profile figures spoke about the broader importance of the Florey’s work and why donations matter. Their involvement added credibility and helped the message reach an audience connected to Melbourne’s business community.
We also interviewed a young woman who had undergone life-changing brain surgery. Her story brought emotional depth to the film and helped viewers connect personally with the importance of neurological research.
Filming & Structure
We filmed across multiple locations around Melbourne and inside the Florey building. Each environment helped reinforce the message: scientific expertise, community support, personal impact and the cultural significance of the organisation.
The structure of the video took viewers on a guided journey. Moving from personal stories, to scientific insight, to a broader call for support. Shooting at high resolution allowed us to capture detail inside the labs, research facilities and surrounding environments.
The Outcome
The final fundraising video increased engagement and helped the Florey communicate the urgency and impact of its research to potential donors.
The completed video brings together expert voices, emotional storytelling and meaningful locations to show the scale and importance of the Florey’s work. It remains one of our most memorable and rewarding projects.
Ryan Spanger is the founder and managing director of Dream Engine, a Melbourne-based video production company established in 2002. With more than two decades of experience, Ryan has helped leading Australian businesses, government departments, and non-profits communicate their message with clarity and impact through video. He’s known for his strategic approach, reliable process, and commitment to producing videos that deliver measurable results.
