While working at Go West Creative, I was in charge of writing/producing many pieces of media for the annual Sonic National Convention. Some of the content was designed to be informative, some entertaining, but all pieces had to keep the 5,000 attendees engaged for the three day event. It was tradition that on the last day, the restaurant’s management team would reveal the location of the following year’s convention. Armed with the knowledge that San Diego was selected to host 2020 convention, I felt that an Anchorman inspired news alert would be ideal. After writing the script, we prepared for a green screen shoot with some nostalgic graphic design and perfect casting.
I had the tremendous honor of working with MSC Industrial Supply while at Industrial Studios. When we started the collaboration, I believe their YouTube channel had just under 3,000 subscribers. Within two and a half years, they surpassed 48,000 subscribers. I think those numbers reflect the storytelling emphasis we put into everything we produced. We focused on telling sponsored stories of the people and their passion within manufacturing, and the solutions they brought to the industry, we had fun, showcasing the joy that can come from doing what you love. “How To” was a series that I took great pride in. I enjoyed conducting pre-interviews with the sponsors and then writing a script that captured both the company’s goals, products, and personalities. Here is one of my favorite episodes…
The Industrial Studios team was asked to produce five branded videos to help differentiate IronCAD and its offerings from the competition. Because they already had many technical/explainer videos in their archives, the decision was made to feature key team members sharing important brand messaging and highlights of software capabilities. After collaborating on the script writing, I had the pleasure in directing a great crew over two shoot days.
MSC Industrial Supply approached Industrial Studios to develop a Youtube series that can help the labor gap shortage in manufacturing. “Help Wanted” was designed to put a spotlight on various roles that need to be filled across the United States, by featuring individuals who currently have those jobs, and what they love about their work. A series ‘pitch deck’ was created, a graphics package was designed, a diverse set of candidates and companies were pre-interviewed, and a script outline was written. Eventually, 4 pilot episodes were produced.
Humana was a huge opportunity for Snapshot Interactive, and so when the leadership team asked/demanded that the concepts that the team and I present “wow the client”, the creative pressure was on, and I loved it. We offered up three ideas, and they chose the concept brought forward by our Sr. Art Director Brit Jareld. Once a direction was chosen, we moved on to casting (SAG/AFTRA), selecting a production partner/director, writing the scripts, storyboarding out the journey of our hero, and prepping for a week of shooting in a Chicago stage.
Caris Life Science asked me to produce a tour of their Phoenix, AZ facility. The goal of the video was to make sense of a highly technical process and showcase lab equipment that is worth millions. I storyboarded a dynamic concept built around engaging interviews with dramatic b-roll footage, all tied together with 2D (blueprint type) animation of the facility.
Cedar Capital brought me on board with a three month mission to launch two new web sites, produce over 20 pieces of content, and build a programming slate for their new video hub. I started by creating brand strategy and writing a corporate narrative. This video “We Are Cedar” now serves as the both the main branding piece of content, and a foundation for tone and narrative that future videos will build on.
Sometimes, the best way to tell a story is through 2D animation. While I was the VP/Video – Creative & Production at Snapshot Interactive, the fine folks at Evidence Care asked that I write several pieces of video content for them to explain their software and the impact they are making in the health care industry. After writing the script and providing some storyboard frames to get the creative direction approved, I contracted an After Effects artist to help take the videos to another level. Some music and sound effects were added to the VO artist that was cast, and the job was complete.
Nielsen was looking to take all the consumer information they’ve collected and turn that data into short pieces of video content for a social media strategy. We were to produce a total of 20 videos over the course of the year, 4 X African-American History Month, 4 X LGBT History Month, 4 X Women’s History Month, 4 X Hispanic Heritage Month, 4 X Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month. We decided to take important stats, and interview consumers who represent that statistic but can also empower others with a wonderful story. The only scripted part of each video was at the end when the interview subject read my tagline “I am me, and I matter.” Subjects were to be interviewed in black and white, with b-roll in color. The campaign was a huge success.
Davis Vision is a strong example of a B2C piece of content that needs to be visually engaging as well as deliver important messaging, the combination of a well-written script, along with stock footage and unique motion graphics, brought this video to life.
My friends at Andre Walker Hair were looking to produce a very unique piece of content that could be used across several platforms. Working with Dianne Hudson (former Executive Producer of the Oprah Winfrey Show), I developed storyboards, designed the set, cast the models, directed the shoot, hired the crew, and even picked up the 350lb mirror myself in a rented UHaul van. It was a long but very fun shoot day.
Writing and producing event media has always been a joy for me because it creates an even greater creative challenge (especially when it relates to virtual events) to keep the audience engaged. While working at Go West Creative, I was tasked to write two opening videos for Buffalo Wild Wings. The videos would introduce each day’s speakers, and prime the audience for an energy-filled day of brand messaging. After storyboarding and getting approval on the direction, our team captured the footage I needed, and then I sourced some stock video, music, and sound effects, and edited together this piece.
CREATIVE ARTS CONSULTING 