For the first four years of De Correspondent, design studio Momkai collaborated with Jean Counet to create impactful campaign videos that helped define the platform's visual identity. This collaboration played a crucial role in establishing De Correspondent as a unique and innovative journalistic platform, free from advertisements and focused on reader-supported journalism.
Counet's cinematography brought a distinct visual language to these campaigns. His work captured the essence of De Correspondent's mission: to provide thoughtful, in-depth journalism in a calm and engaging environment. The campaign films stood out for their cinematic quality, elevating them far beyond typical promotional content.
The partnership with Momkai and Counet's contributions were instrumental in the success of De Correspondent's crowdfunding campaigns, including its groundbreaking launch in 2013. These campaigns not only secured funding but also established a strong connection with the platform's audience, emphasizing transparency and trust.
The campaigns led to the largest crowdfunding in history for journalism. The videos were viewed millions of times, contributing significantly to the platform's success. In 2018, The Correspondent's campaign raised $2.6 million from 45,888 members in over 130 countries, setting a new world record for the number of members contributing to a journalistic crowdfunding campaign.
To further empower the correspondents, Counet ultimately set up a 4K studio that allowed them to independently produce their own content. This studio setup enabled the platform to continue creating high-quality video content efficiently and cost-effectively, aligning with their mission of sustainable, reader-supported journalism.
In 2019, De Correspondent attempted an international launch with The Correspondent. However, a local producer cleverly took over the campaign from Counet, resulting in videos with a different look and feel. Unfortunately, this international launch did not achieve its intended goals, and The Correspondent eventually ceased operations.
Counet's collaboration with Momkai exemplifies how thoughtful design and compelling visuals can bring a journalistic vision to life, making complex ideas accessible while maintaining artistic integrity. His work during this period remains a testament to the power of storytelling through film in shaping a brand's identity.
Agency: Momkai
Client: De Correspondent
Creative director: Harald Dunnink
Camera: Jean Counet NSC
Montage: Rémi van der Heiden, Arne Verbrugh
Animatie: Eddy Koek
Music & Sound Design: Audentity
Kleurcorrectie: Max Vonk
Eindredactie Rob Wijnberg, Ernst-Jan Pfauth
Geluid: Charles Kersten, Menno Euwe
Productie assistent: Machteld Vinkenborg, Lisanne Simon, Paul van der Wouden
Met dank aan: Alle correspondenten, Olivia Sophie van Leeuwen, Milou Klein Lankhorst
(C) 2014 Momkai
