Move Over DiCaprio: Volvo CE Wins Cannes Film Festival Award in Corporate Films

Oct. 26, 2011
It may not have been directed by Martin Scorcese or starring Leonardo DiCaprio, but Volvo Construction Equipment’s new history film, “The Master Builder”, impressed judges at the Cannes Corporate Media and TV Awards. The film won a silver dolphin in the Corporate Film category at Cannes. Volvo was competing against 410 entries from 27 countries.

It may not have been directed by Martin Scorcese or starring Leonardo DiCaprio, but Volvo Construction Equipment’s new history film, “The Master Builder”, impressed judges at the Cannes Corporate Media and TV Awards. The film won a silver dolphin in the Corporate Film category at Cannes. Volvo was competing against 410 entries from 27 countries.

“The Master Builder” tells the story of 179 years of construction innovation, told in a fun and dynamic way by actor Philip Barantini and he tells the company history from 1832 to the present and beyond. The video was produced with the help of creative agency Poetry in Motion and freelance director Timo Pincket.

“We are extremely proud to win this highly respected award,” said Bill Law, vice president of corporate communications for Volvo CE North America, who coordinated production of the film. “This award symbolizes the creativity and innovative spirit we have at Volvo Construction Equipment. We gathered information from current and retired employees, used existing Volvo facilities and original props from the company museum. It was a real team effort.”

The Cannes Corporate Media & TV Awards is an international festival which honors outstanding corporate film and television documentaries.

“Together we came up with a fresh way of communicating the company’s extensive history,” said Hans Buyse, producer at Poetry in Motion. “It was great to work with the team at Volvo Construction Equipment. They aren’t afraid to think outside the box and are open to new ideas. Their spirit led to the creation of an award-winning, fast-paced and high-energy film. It’s certainly not the usual corporate history film.”

“The Master Builder” has attracted 18,000 views on the company’s global YouTube site as well as numerous hits on other websites and Volvo’s social media channels. A DVD in 18 languages will be released before the end of the year. The film can be seen on Volvo CE’s YouTube site at the following link: http://youtube.com/watch?v=8eidcQ1BPEA.