[Conventional] Video
My work in “conventional” filmmaking started with an effort to explain North Cambridge Family Opera (NCFO), a remarkable organization and multi-generational phenomenon, to potential funders and participants. (I have a substantial portfolio of stage photography from the company, too.)
The range of my work expanded dramatically as a result of the 2020 election. I produced a series of videos for Together for 2020, a project that recruited over 10,000 volunteers for progressive organizations, the first two below in partnership with Diane Sherlock. The others represent solo efforts, the last of which was for the 2021 relaunch of another political organization, Crimson Goes Blue.
North Cambridge Family Opera
The Story
This 12-minute video conveys a remarkable phenomenon, a family opera company. It gives the viewer a sense of its many dimensions, its impact, and how participation feels. I let the camera roll in rehearsals, did a few informal interviews with participants, and then let the content immerse viewers in a very special community.
The Short Version
12 minutes is too long for most viewers, so here’s a shorter version intended for funders who perhaps have heard about North Cambridge Family Opera for the first time and potential participants who want to learn just a bit more. It’s moderate in length yet captures the essence of the organization as presented in the longer video.
Cause/Political
Many of these videos were produced during, and thus shaped by, the time of COVID. Without the ability to film in person, I relied on footage from Zoom or people’s own phones. You’ll observe the limitations in the raw material and yet, I hope, find the end-products compelling.
Leadership
Leadership makes a difference, but how can you capture its power in under a minute? This video was inspired by Michael Ansara’s words from a Zoom call where he was just a tiny talking head. How best to share the power of his words (and on short notice)?
Celebration
On January 20, 2021, the night of the inauguration, Together for 2020 threw a party. This video was created to say thank you to our volunteers by telling our shared story and making us feel just how much we had done and contributed. It was a moment to to soak up, a time to feel proud.
Zeitgeist
This video for social media represented a shift the group’s emphasis — from the factual (reasons why electing Democrats were important) to the emotional (Together for 2020 as an antidote to the way people were feeling). The challenge creating a short video in both English and Spanish (below), and to do so in just a few days.
Experience
What’s it like to participate? This video captured the experience of participating one of Together’s most successful events. The challenge was conveying the spirit and excitement of a 300+ person, 3-DJ textathon using only a Zoom recording, and then to create an effective to one-minute version.
Story
In the spring of 2021, the leadership of an active but informal Harvard alum group initially focused on the 2020 election decided it was time to formally launch an organization. I created this video for their launch event to help convey what makes the group so special to newcomers.
Transformation
It wasn’t clear that Together for 2020 would continue after the 2020 election. But the need was clear, and so it was reborn with a new name and logo. Introducing the new identity to, and gaining support from, a committed (and opinionated) group of insiders was sure to be a challenge.
Clarity
Together for 2020 needed a presentation to help explain what it was all about. The messaging was complex, ranging from emotional to intricate facts. After crafting the slides, we created this video to serve as a standalone when needed, and to help convey key messages to people who would need to present the slides themselves.