2O36: Shaping the future

Role: Concept Lead, Producer, Director, Editor
Client: Emory University
Campaign: 2036 Comprehensive Campaign

Brief

Created to close out Emory University’s record-breaking 2036 campaign, this film served as the final narrative statement of a multi-year, institution-wide effort. The brief required a cinematic, future-oriented piece that could honor the scale of the campaign while remaining grounded, human, and accessible.

Constraints

• Significant budget limitations

• No external vendors or agencies

• All production, post-production, and voice over completed entirely in-house

• Tight timeline aligned to campaign close

Concept & Strategy

I developed the core concept and narrative framework, shaping a film that looked forward rather than backward. Instead of recapping achievements, the piece reframed the campaign’s impact as a foundation for what comes next, positioning Emory as an institution investing in long-term human and societal outcomes.

This approach allowed the film to function both as a capstone and as a forward-looking brand moment.

Execution

Working within available resources, I led and executed the full production lifecycle:

• Concept development and narrative structure

• Visual direction and production

• Editing and pacing

• Voice over execution using internal talent and tools

Every creative decision was made with efficiency and clarity in mind, balancing ambition with feasibility.

Outcome

• Final film used as the closing piece for a record-setting campaign

• Delivered a high-impact, cinematic result without external spend

• Demonstrated the ability to lead concept, strategy, and execution under real-world constraints

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Mr. Seek

Role: Director / Writer / Producer
Client: Independent short film

Brief

A narrative short film created, directed, and produced independently to explore human themes with cinematic clarity. Mr. Seek was selected for multiple film festivals and recognized for sound design and musical execution, demonstrating strength in narrative craft and production under real constraints.

Context & Objective

Originally conceived to compete in a creative film challenge, this project evolved into a personal narrative film that tackles themes such as mental health, connection, and human experience. It was developed with no production budget, relying on resourceful problem‑solving and in‑kind support.

This piece functions as both a standalone narrative and a proof of concept for storytelling ability, showing how strategic creative decisions can elevate independent work beyond its constraints.

Execution

• Concept & Script: Developed original narrative and screenplay.

• Production Leadership: Led end‑to‑end production without outside funding, maximizing available resources and talent.

• Collaborative Filmmaking: Worked closely with cinematography, sound, and acting talent to build a coherent, cinematic piece.

• Festival Strategy: Submitted and positioned the film for festival audiences, achieving multiple selections and award recognition.

Outcomes

• Official Selection — 2020 New York Lift‑Off Film Festival

• Best Sound & Music — 2021 WILDsound Feedback Film Festival

• Additional festival selections and nominations including Dark Story Film Festival and Detroit Filmmaker Awards.

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Pikala Binatna

Role: Director / Director of Photography / Editor
Collaborator: Actuality Media / Independent documentary
Type: Short Documentary

Brief

Pikala Binatna is a documentary that follows a group of bicycle enthusiasts in Marrakech, Morocco and the Pikala Bikes project as they work to challenge cultural stigmas around cycling and build community through movement and collaboration. The film centers on Jamal, a local bike mechanic and key member of the team, grounding the story in personal experience and collective impact.

Context & Objective

Produced on location with a student film crew through a service‑learning program, this documentary aimed to elevate the voices and experiences of changemakers confronting social norms. The mission was to create a visually engaging, emotionally resonant piece that communicates both the cultural context of Marrakech and the universal value of community‑driven innovation.

This project was crafted for festival and educational audiences, positioning the subject as both local and globally relevant.

Execution

• Concept & Direction: Developed narrative structure to balance individual stories with thematic impact.

• Cinematography: Shot on location, capturing dynamic movement and authentic interactions within the Pikala Bikes community.

• Editing: Shaped a cohesive documentary rhythm that underscores character arcs, community energy, and visual storytelling.

• Collaborative Production: Worked with an international crew in a real‑world environment, managing logistical and creative challenges on the ground.

Outcomes

This film garnered multiple official selections and accolades on the festival circuit, including:

• Official Selection — Canon Short Night Official Selection (Los Angeles)

• Official Selections — Filmed by Bike Festival, Awareness Film Festival, CinemaAmbiente

• Finalist — MY HERO International Film Festival

• Official Selection — Online Global Peace Film Festival and others

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Kinda Cool Magazine x Michael Clifford

Role: Videographer / Grip / BTS Photographer
Client: Kinda Cool Magazine
Collaborator: Michael Clifford

Brief

Visual content created in support of an editorial collaboration between Kinda Cool Magazine and musician Michael Clifford. The project required both polished footage and behind-the-scenes documentation to capture the tone, energy, and creative process of the shoot.

Context & Objective

The goal was to produce flexible visual assets that could support editorial features and digital distribution while maintaining an authentic, artist-forward feel. The work needed to balance stylized imagery with real moments from set, creating content usable across platforms.

Execution

As part of the production team, I supported the shoot across multiple roles:

• Captured key footage as videographer in alignment with the editorial direction

• Provided grip support to enable camera movement, lighting setups, and smooth on-set execution

• Shot behind-the-scenes photography to document the creative process and support promotional needs

This required adaptability and close collaboration with the creative team throughout the shoot.

Outcome

• Delivered video and BTS assets for editorial and social use

• Supported a cohesive visual narrative across multiple content types

• Contributed to a smooth, efficient production environment

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Emory University Campaign Series

The Emory Campaign Series consists of campaign highlight films created to support fundraising efforts. Each video is designed to showcase institutional impact, inspire donors, and drive engagement, using cinematic storytelling, authentic visuals, and clear messaging to make the case for giving.

Dooley’s New Swag

Role: Producer/ Videographer/ Drone Operator

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Blue Tassel Campaign

Role: Producer/ Videographer/ Editor

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Thank you from Dooley & Swoop!

Role: Producer/ Cinematographer/ Editor/ Drone Operator

Emory University Documentary Series

The Emory Documentary Videos are longer-form films that tell impactful stories within the university community. Focused on faculty, students, and initiatives, these videos combine cinematic storytelling with authentic perspectives to engage audiences more deeply while supporting institutional communication goals.

Emory Medal Recipient: Dr. Carlos del Rio

Role: Producer/ Editor

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Student Flourishing

Role: Producer/ Cinematographer/ Editor

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The Vega Quartet

Role: Videographer/ Editor

2024 NFL Draft

Role: Editor
Client: Bedrock Detroit
Type: NFL Draft Recap Video for Social Platforms

Brief

Created and edited a recap video summarizing the highlights and energy of the 2024 NFL Draft for use on social channels, capturing the event’s key moments and atmosphere in a concise, engaging format.

Context & Objective

The 2024 NFL Draft was the 89th annual meeting of NFL teams to select newly eligible players — a major sports media event with record attendance and broad fan engagement. The recap video was designed to communicate the excitement, milestones, and standout moments of the draft in a format optimized for social distribution.

Execution

• Editing & Story Structure: Shaped disparate footage into a coherent narrative arc suitable for social audiences, emphasizing momentum, emotion, and key selections.

• Pacing & Rhythm: Focused on dynamic pacing to maintain attention in a short, scroll‑friendly format.

• Platform Optimization: Tailored the final cut for optimal performance on social platforms, balancing clarity, impact, and visual energy.

Outcome

• Delivered a polished recap tailored for social distribution that highlighted the spectacle of the 2024 NFL Draft.

• Translated a large, multi‑day event into a compact and engaging video that supports audience engagement and shareability.

Afronation Social Promo Campaign

Role: Editor / Designer
Client: Bedrock Detroit
Type: Afronation Promo Videos for Social Platforms

2036 Campaign Content

Platform Series - 2036: The Platform is a series, this is one example of the content

Role: Cinematographer/ Editor

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The Podium - 2036: The Podium is a series, this is one example of the content

Role: Cinematographer / Editor

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The Podium (live) - 2036: The Podium is a series, this is one example of the content

Role: Director / Camera Operator

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The Podcast - 2036: The Podcast is a series, this is one example of the content

Role: Director / Audio Engineer / Editor

Detroit’s Greatest Export: Creativity

Role: Director / Producer / Cinematographer
Client: Bedrock Detroit

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Brief

Detroit’s Greatest Export: Creativity is a short documentary‑style film series that celebrates the city of Detroit not for its industrial past but for the cultural and creative energy its people contribute to the world. Instead of focusing on decline and rebirth narratives, the film highlights Detroit’s living culture — the artistic, inventive, and human forces that continue to shape its identity.

Context & Objective

Rather than producing a traditional tourism or historical piece, this project reframes the story of Detroit through the lens of creativity as export, positioning the city’s artistic contributions as as influential as its industrial output. The films underscore how Detroit’s creative communities — in music, visual art, performance, and everyday expression — are part of what the city “sends out” into the broader cultural world. This approach adds depth and nuance to common narratives about the city, shifting focus from economic metrics to human impact.

Execution

• Concept & Direction: Developed the core idea and narrative structure centered on a redefined notion of “export.”

• Cinematography: Shot immersive visuals that reflect both everyday life and artistic expression.

• Production Leadership: Led the full creative process from concept through execution, shaping the aesthetic and thematic direction.

Outcome

The films function as both a standalone story and a proof of concept: it translates abstract ideas like creativity and cultural influence into a visual language that resonates emotionally and intellectually. These pieces can serve creative teams and brands that value storytelling deeply rooted in place and community.

Decked Out Detroit

Role: Director / Producer / Cinematographer
Client: Bedrock Detroit

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Brief

Decked Out Detroit is a series of promo-style short films designed to showcase the vibrancy, creativity, and energy of Detroit. Each short highlights local culture, style, and community expression, using cinematic visuals and dynamic pacing to engage audiences quickly.

Context & Objective

The goal of this series was to create bite-sized, visually compelling content that communicates Detroit’s creative vitality. These shorts are crafted for promotional and social distribution, emphasizing mood, rhythm, and authenticity to celebrate the city’s cultural energy.

Execution

• Concept & Direction: Developed creative framework for each short, balancing cityscapes, personal expression, and cultural storytelling.

• Cinematography & Production: Shot immersive visuals capturing style, movement, and local identity.

• Editing & Pacing: Delivered fast, engaging edits optimized for audience attention and shareability.

Outcome

• Produced a cohesive series of shorts that capture Detroit’s energy and creative culture.

• Created content that functions both as standalone promo pieces and as part of a larger cultural narrative.

Monroe Street Midway

Role: Director / Producer / Cinematographer
Client: Bedrock Detroit

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Bedrock Detroit Documentary Content

Role: Director / Producer / Cinematographer
Client: Bedrock Detroit

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Non-Commercial Projects

Baseball Never Left

Role: 1st AC / Camera Operator

Director: Noah Elliot Morrison

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