Our film centered around a series of faceless figures – called “Somebodies” – with headlines that struck deep. We placed them around the city of Cleveland and surrounding suburbs. In subway stations, parks, malls and street corners.

Proof of their authenticity was found in the reactions we received from passersby on the street; the figures were lifelike and the emotions were raw.

Each figure was accompanied by a sticker with supporting facts about youth homelessness, and information on how to learn more, share the campaign, or save a child in need.

Critical to the film was using casts of actual teens. Their poses needed to be uniquely “teen” – but in order to create a realistic build and pose of a child, we couldn’t use the typical mall mannequin. So, we cast our own from actual teens – sitting, slouching, or cross-legged.

These Somebodies wore brightly colored hoodies and silkscreen messaging, using the visual vernacular of teen-wear. Replete with donated jeans, sneakers, even underwear.

Only after taking “a closer look” did people realize that the Somebodies weren’t actual people.