Video Documents Sad Life of ‘Trashed’ Can

Have you ever felt that small twinge of guilt when you threw something recyclable into the trash? Perhaps there was just nowhere else to throw it, but it still doesn’t resonate positively with the “green at heart.”

What if you could follow this trashed item? Would something as non-threatening as a soda can really make an impression on you, if you saw what really happened to it?

“Poor Can” shows you just this, using simple storytelling elements and human emotions like personification, empathy and charm. Originally created as a piece for the Nicholas School of the Environment at Duke University “Livin’ Green Video Contest,” the film seeks to evoke a grassroots response from its viewers to increase sustainable living practices.

The PSA was created by Shang Gao and Sungho Yoo, with cinematography by Steve Milligan and music by Eric Holljes. Shang and Sungho are a part of Sweet and Sour Productions and do freelance advertising work. Shang is an active member of the Duke film community and also runs Duke’s student production company, Freewater Productions. Sungho “chooses to remain mysterious.”

The next time you go to trash your can, think about what could have been and what it could have become, if you’d only recycled it.

Credits:

Production Company – Sweet and Sour Productions/Freewater Productions
Art Director/Director/Editor – Shang Gao
Copywriter/Producer – Sungho Yoo
Cinematographer/Colorist – Steve Milligan
Grip – Kevin Wu
Assistant Camera – Luou Zhang
Music – Eric Holljes
Special Thanks – Sheldon Becker, Yink Teo, Scott Covert, Linda Fogleman