CASE STUDY

The Economist in moving image

The Economist is one of the most recognisable and trusted brands in the world, but in 2015 they had a problem.

The average age of subscribers was (let's just say) concerningly old. But how could they introduce a younger, global audience to their journalism?

Deliverables

SECTOR

700+ videos

Media

Location

DELIVERY

Client

2015 - 2021

Global

THE SOLUTION

Between 2015 and 2021 Hugo Ward was pivotal in launching and growing Economist Films.

As the film unit's Executive Producer he oversaw the creation of over 1,000 films, sponsored-content partnerships with the likes of Santander, EY and Blancpain, and invented new data-led formats spanning finance, health, sustainability, energy, climate change among many other topics.

Hydrogen: Fuel of the Future?

Why is chicken so cheap?

Exploring & protecting the Antarctic

How can banks be used to stop human trafficking?

See what three degrees of global warming looks like

What will people wear in the future?

THE RESULTS

The Economist witnessed extraordinary YouTube growth (from zero to well over 3m subscribers). The film team won 10 industry awards, including a BAFTA, and The Economist Group achieved a monumental leap in brand awareness. 

  • 10 industry awards

  • 3m+ subscribers

  • 700+ videos

  • 3rd highest view-generating publisher on YouTube

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

“Hugo Ward is a genius”

“The language of modern ideas is expressed in video, and Hugo is the most imaginative, astute and careful master of the format.

His ability to shape a message into its crystalline form made The Economist Films excel. From script to image to tone, he's simply the best.”

Kenneth Cukier
Best-selling Author & Journalist