Stories that Open Eyes, Move Hearts and Empower Minds
Each of the clips below develops a theme, character or event that advances the central story and communication goal of the project from which it is selected. (Click on an image to view a clip.)
Quichua Mashis, At Home through Music (8 min.)
Writer, Editor
Talk about work-life balance! The members of this Latin American band split their time between their homes and families in Ecuador, and Seattle, WA, where they play for an appreciative public.
This musical profile is part of the "Música del Pueblo" Smithsonian Virtual Exhibition.
Client: Smithsonian Institution, Center for Folklife and Cultural Studies
Epic History of the Royal Family of Saudi Arabia (3 hrs)
Editor
Generations of the Saud family fought military and political battles to fulfill their dream of a peaceful, settled and united Arabian Peninsula, free of foreign occupiers.
The challenge with documentaries of events that predate film or even photography, is how to visually tell the story. This is compounded here, by a cultural edict against figurative images, especially faces.
Original footage, re-enactments, and archival film were all combined with the creative use of visual and sound effects to create a vivid interpretation of this centuries-long story.
Client: King Abdulaziz History Center
Face Behind the File: Japanese American Veterans (30 min.)
Co-producer, Writer, Editor
Despite severe discrimination following the events of Pearl Harbour, Japanese Americans set out on a long and dangerous road to prove their loyalty to their country.
This program honors veterans of Japanese descent whose struggles and sacrifices deserve our respect.
"Superbly done, congratulations. It conveys a powerful message and puts the Japanese American issue in the proper perspective. (...) At several points the combination of the scenes and remarks caused me to develop goose bumps. Many thanks."
Terry T. Shima, Executive Director
The Japanese American Veterans Association
Client: Department of Veterans Affairs
"Cultural Butterfly" PSA (30 sec.)
Producer, Co-animator, Editor
Animated dry pastel drawings make it possible, to "visit" nine popular cultural events and landmarks in 30 seconds, without feeling rushed. The friendly style of the drawings also serves to appeal to families with children who are the main users of these amenities.
This PSA appears both on television and on a Jumbotron in Pittsburgh's downtown cultural district.
Client: Allegheny Regional Assets District
A Century of Heroes (14 min.)
Editor
What would we do? There are those people in our midst who, without a moment's hesitation, would risk their own lives to save that of a stranger.
This documentary commemorates a century of perilous rescues, supreme gifts and ultimate prices.
Client: Carnegie Hero Fund Commission
"Come Join Us!" (3 min.)
Co-producer, Writer, Editor
Student-shot video is mixed-in with classroom clips and student comments to give this recruitment video a scrapbook feel that emphasizes the girls' point of view.
This video was a hit with the middle and senior highschool applicants it sought to attract.
Client: Ellis School for Girls
"I Called Them" PSA (30 sec.)
Producer, Director, Writer, Editor
Help for home buyers and renters who are discriminated against had long been available, but many people didn't know it. This Public Service Announcement was part of a campaign to let people know who to call for help.
"I am so thrilled with the PSA - I have been playing it over and over for anyone who will watch - and everyone has been impressed. You did a wonderful job. We love this video!"
Mary Vodde-Hamilton, Program Manager
Fair Housing Partnership of Greater Pittsburgh
Client: Fair Housing Partnership of Greater Pittsburgh
At Woodlands Camp, Fun for All (5 min.)
Producer, Interviewer, Writer, Editor
This fundraising piece reconnects viewers to the joys of summer camp. Everyone deserves to splash, and play with friends and eat s'mores. Share the joy!
"We have had several opportunities to show the video at different venues and the comments are always very positive and supportive. We certainly met and exceeded our objectives."
Peter W. Clakeley, President and Executive Director
The Wooldlands Foundation
Client: Woodlands Foundation
A Church, 150 Years in the Making
(25 min.)
Producer, Writer, Researcher, Editor
This project had two communication goals:
- the church needed to introduce new members to its 150-year history;
- as a historic landmark, it also wanted to document and share its architecture with a wider population.
The solution was to interpret the congregation's evolving character through the maturing physical expression of its buildings.
"Congratulations on a beautiful result to all your hard work! It was delightful to see the DVD on Sunday."
Ann Camp, Director of Christian Education
Shadyside Presbyterian Church
Client: Shadyside Presbyterian Church
Children's Educational Dramas (5 min.)
Producer, Editor
Play excerpts offer teachers and school officials a glimpse of what's in store before selecting and scheduling a play.
These clips are taken from two different plays - one for young kids and the other for teens. They are part of a DVD Sampler package distributed to schools in six states.
Client: Saltworks Theatre Company
Creating "Indigo in Motion" (15 min.)
Writer, Editor
Live, jazz music presents ballet dancers and choreographers with unique challenges.
This documentary sparked discussion among middle-school kids and prepared them ahead of attending a performance.
Client: Pittsburgh Ballet Theater
Everyone's a Character! (4 min.)
Producer, Interviewer, Writer, Editor
With all the competition for extra-curricular activities, knowing a little more can only make the decision easier...
This short piece was presented to kids and their parents, who were looking for a fun and enriching opportunity.
Client: Saltworks Theatre Company's Young Actors Studio
Reaching Kids about Tough Issues
(5 min.)
Producer, Interviewer, Writer, Editor
Being a kid is tough these days, so it helps to see real-life solutions in action right in front of you.
Teachers and school officials, as well as funders, are sold on the value of these educational dramas.
"...The video footage is awesome, the interviews are great and you've done a wonderful job at pulling it all together. Thank-you!"
Norma Alrutz, Executive Director
Saltworks Theatre Company
Client: Saltworks Theatre Company
Investing in our Future (5 min.)
Editor
This video album commemorates a full academic year at a privately funded inner-city school.
Projected at the annual year-end gala, it brings together graduates, parents and funders to celebrate triumph over steep odds.
Client: The Neighborhood Academy
Film and Video Production