Fair Streaming Royalty Rates Explainer Video
Client
National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA)
The Challenge
When the National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA) came to us, time was the enemy.
They needed an animated explainer video to mobilize songwriters — urging them to call their congressional representatives in support of fair streaming royalty rates. The deadline was immovable.
The stakes? If the video wasn’t produced and released quickly, the opportunity to influence policy in real time would be lost. Complicating matters, their previous vendor had missed deadlines, leaving them scrambling for a partner they could trust to deliver under pressure.
Our Approach
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We knew that if we wanted to succeed, we had to move fast without cutting corners. That’s when we turned to one of our favorite creative approaches: collage-style animation. Handcrafted animation styles tend to stand out on social media platforms as well!
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By editing found images we could slash design time and NMPA’s brand palettes of bright blues and purples created something bold and contemporary. To keep the piece from feeling flat or rushed, we layered in grain and texture and animated it in the style of cut paper animation.
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Collaboration was key. NMPA gave us their trust, offering quick, decisive feedback that kept the process moving. Instead of being bogged down in endless revisions, we flowed smoothly from concept to completion. To make sure the animation didn’t lose any richness in the rush, we brought in a trusted freelancer, adding another pair of skilled hands to the mix.
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The Outcome
Designed to stop songwriters mid-scroll and inspire them to act, the final video was short, striking, and modern. NMPA’s reaction was immediate. They loved the explainer and quickly expressed interest in working with us again on future projects. Even the bold collage style, which can sometimes feel like a risk, was embraced wholeheartedly. That trust made the design process seamless from beginning to end.
Why it Worked
The success of the project came down to a blend of speed, trust, and resourcefulness. Collage animation gave us the flexibility to work quickly without losing impact. The trust NMPA placed in our team meant feedback was sharp and efficient.
For us, this project proved that even under the most pressing deadlines, creative storytelling can stay sharp, stylish, and effective.
Sometimes when we pitch a certain look, I can never guess if a client would go for it — but NMPA trusted my vision, and it made the process smooth from start to finish.”
What's Next
👉 Want to see how Early Light Media can help your brand turn complex challenges into human-centered stories? Let’s talk.
