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PRODUCTION COMPANY
Cook Productions
PRODUCER
WRITER
DIRECTOR
CINEMATOGRAPHER
STOP-MOTION ANIMATOR
PRODUCTION DESIGNER
EDITOR
Douglas Cook
CHARACTER DESIGN
Nick Johnson
2023 Alberta Media Production Industries Association
Rosie Awards - Best Music Video
2023 Atlantic Bridge Film Festival
Best Music Video
2023 Central Alberta Film Festival CAFF
Best Music Video
2023 Edinburgh Film Festival Awards
Best Music Video
2023 Nomination CSIF Stinger Awards
Best Music Video -
in support of The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), “Float Away” pairs moving, personal lyrics with dark, atmospheric cinematography and stopmotion animation to express the feelings of isolation and hopelessness that come with mental health issues like anxiety, depression and addiction. The song and the visuals started out as separate projects, but work together to show how even the smallest steps can start the journey out of despair and into wholeness. Ellie: “The song came to me on a very anxiety ridden night. As I started playing those opening chords, I felt so protected.”
We see a mole-like creature trapped by fear in a deep underground burrow, longing to find the strength and courage to move forward. Acceptance, mindfulness, and finding breath bring the ability to look into the darkness. To find the light in it. To let go and float away, returning rested and prepared for the inevitable. Doug: “It was cathartic for me to make this video, when I heard Ellie’s song, I knew we were telling the same story.”

