the client

lookalike productions represents the collaborative efforts of twin sister filmmakers lisa lax and nancy stern, who honed their filmmaking talents in the television industry, where they earned a combined 16 emmy awards.

the film

narrated by oprah winfrey, the film chronicles the life of emmanuel ofosu yeboah, a young ghanaian man born with a severely deformed right leg, who today, against incalculable odds, is opening minds, hearts and doors -- and effecting social and political change throughout his country. while emmanuel's message is vital: people with disabilities are valuable contributors to any society, his method is inspirational. emmanuel begins his quest with a bicycle ride, over 600 kilometers, across ghana with one leg -- and continues to spread his vision with grit and resolve.

the question

how does a new documentary film find its audience?

the answer

get the film into festivals, create a buzz and give audiences a way to continue their relationship with the film and its subjects.

the tools

in addition to designing the film’s logo and titles, the watsons created the packaging for festival entry materials and handled all pre-distribution advertising, from posters to the film’s trailer and web site. the site provides users with a full, organic experience of both the film, and its subject’s ongoing journey. in addition to the movie trailer, film synopsis and theater schedule, it features a photo gallery, bios, press quotes and an opportunity to contribute to emmanuel’s foundation.

the sequel

not only was emmauel’s gift honored at six major film festivals, the film made its theatrical debut in chicago and new york. today, the dvd is available nationally at blockbuster and on amazon.com.
the watsons also partnered with lookalike in the production of an eight-minute feature introducing the arthur ashe courage award, which oprah winfrey presented to emmanuel and jim maclaren at the 2005 espy’s. the feature earned lookalike and the watsons an emmy nomination.