Empower

This was Spring 2020. Traditional production was off the table entirely. The creative solution was to ship equipment directly to subjects — microphones for Zoom-style interviews, full camera and lighting kits for more controlled setups — and direct everything remotely. Subjects had no production experience. The raw material would be their self-shot footage, partner-provided photography, stock b-roll, and illustrated data visuals, all woven together into a coherent branded film.

Each film was built around a partner organization and a real entrepreneur from their program. WESST in New Mexico — a Latinx acorn farm owner whose story anchored the film about expanding entrepreneurship in the Hispanic community. Business Impact NW in the Pacific Northwest — Brianna, shot both in a flower garden with her daughter and in a sit-down studio interview, representing women building financial independence through their own ventures. Urban Upbound in New York City — Carlos, whose story spoke to breaking cycles of poverty in public housing through entrepreneurship.

The films combined Zoom-style interviews with branded art cards, motion graphics, and partner-provided footage, directed and art directed remotely throughout. They were completed, delivered, and are currently used by the Empower team as a pitch tool when bringing new partners and institutional clients into the program.

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