Gilbert Family Foundation

GFF is driven by the belief that major change is possible when we work together. Inspired by founders Dan and Jennifer Gilbert, they are committed to building more opportunity for Detroiters

  • Concept Ideation
    Director Treatments
    Script writing
    Story Development + Producing
    Art Direction & Narrative Style

  • Pre Production + Tech Scouting
    Location + Talent Management
    Production + Equipment Management
    Director + DP Talent

  • Editorial
    VFX
    Sound Design
    Music Supervision
    Music Composition
    Archival Management

2025 Impact Report

When we were tasked with bringing the Gilbert Family Foundation’s 2025 Annual Report to life, the Woodward Original team knew we needed a creative concept that could match the scale of their vision. To better present this year’s milestones, we developed a unique, meticulously designed hybrid project that seamlessly blends live-action storytelling with dynamic animation.

By combining authentic, real-world footage with custom visual elements, we were able to literally visualize the foundation’s impact. The animation acts as a bridge, illustrating how the Foundation’s initiatives manifest into tangible change across Detroit. From stabilizing housing and expanding public spaces to championing arts organizations, creating economic opportunity, and accelerating a cure for neurofibromatosis.

We are incredibly proud to have developed and produced this piece to show what happens when belief meets action.

Behind-the-Scenes: Set Strike Time-Lapse

  • Director | Kilo McMillian

    Creative Director | Ariel Ellis

    Executive Creative Director | Rory Mcharg

    Executive Producers | Joseph Talbot and Nate Segall

  • Producer | Stevie Ansara

    Director of Photography | Dimitrius Ramirez

    Production Designer | Vera Washington 

  • Editor | Tayion Williams

    Post Producer | Carly Atto

    Colorist | Patrick Sexton

    Sound Design/Mix | Mike Regan

    VFX | MutinyFX

    Animation | First Fight

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The Opportunity
$500M Investment in Detroit

The Gilbert Family Foundation and Rocket Community Fund announced a 10-year, $500 million commitment to fuel economic stability and opportunity in our hometown of Detroit. The first investment in this commitment will be $15 million to create the Detroit Tax Relief Fund, a new vehicle that will eliminate the property tax debt owed by an anticipated 20,000 low-income homeowners in the city of Detroit.

NW Goldberg

NW Goldberg Cares, a dynamic nonprofit dedicated to revitalizing the NW Goldberg neighborhood in Detroit. From beautiful parks and engaging community events to vibrant public art installations, see how these initiatives are breathing new life into NW Goldberg.

Pensole Lewis College

Pensole Lewis College is Michigan's only Historically Black College and University (HBCU) and the nation's unique HBCU dedicated to design education. From state-of-the-art facilities to innovative programs, see how this partnership is empowering the next generation of designers to gain the skills and opportunities they need to succeed.

Detroit Housing Network

Working with nonprofit partners like CHN Housing Partners who help more Detroit families gain access to housing services. Through a $10 million investment, Gilbert Family Foundation helped support the Detroit Housing Network, an alliance of housing agencies that connects Detroiters to a wide variety of housing programs and services.

Motor City Contractor Fund

Developing the Motor City Contractor Fund to strengthen Detroit’s contractor ecosystem by connecting small- and mid-size contractors, which are primarily minority-owned, with access to financing, technical assistance and business support.

U-Snap-Bac

Supporting U-SNAP-BAC, a longtime neighborhood nonprofit focused on neighborhood revitalization and stable housing for Detroiters.

Renaissance of Hope

Detroiters get the critical home repairs they need through the Detroit Home Repair Fund, with outreach and support from community partners like Renaissance of Hope.

Black Tech Saturdays

Black Tech Saturdays is transforming Detroit’s tech scene by creating space, opportunity, and momentum for everyone to thrive.

Through Gilbert Family Foundation's $1.2 million investment, we're helping expand access to mentorship, training, pitch competitions, and more. Together, they’re growing Detroit’s tech ecosystem and supporting the next generation of entrepreneurial superstars.

  • Directors | Emmanuel Afolabi, Ariel Ellis, Kilo McMillian
    Executive Creative Director | Rory K. McHarg
    Executive Producers | Nate Segall, Jonathan Braue, Joseph Talbot

  • Producer | Stevie Ansara, Marissa Clement
    Director of Photography | Dimitrius Ramirez, Eugene Wilson

  • Editor | Joseph Talbot, Larissa Hanna, Tayion Williams
    Post Producer | Carly Atto
    Color | Patrick Sexton
    Sound Design | Mike Regan

Rocket Community Fund -The Resilience

The Gilbert Family Foundation and Rocket Community Fund are investing $500 million over the next ten years that will build economic opportunity in Detroit neighborhoods. We were incredibly honored to play a part in this announcement that will impact so many in the city that we love so much.

Henry Ford Health Investment

Gilbert Family Foundation has announced a nearly $375 million investment in partnership with Henry Ford Health to bring the world-renowned Shirley Ryan AbilityLab to Detroit. This investment will ensure Detroiters have access to the best rehabilitative care possible.

This historic investment will also support the creation of the Nick Gilbert Neurofibromatosis Research Institute (NGNRI), which will be a part of the new Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences research facility. NGNRI is the first brick-and-mortar research institute in the country focused on NF research and will pioneer new treatments for NF patients all over the world.

  • Director | Ariel Ellis
    Executive Producers | Jonathan Braue, Joseph Talbot

  • Producer | Anthony Bommarito
    Director of Photography | Geoff George

  • Editor | Joseph Talbot, Davis Nixon (Reprise Post)