First Day Message - Emory’s New President
Role: Concept Lead, Producer, Director, Videographer, Editor
Client: Emory University
Campaign: Office of the President
Brief
Created to mark the new president’s first day as President of Emory University, this short-form leadership film introduces the Emory community to its new president at the start of his tenure. The piece was designed as a warm, personal introduction, using his first-day message to establish a sense of connection, optimism, and shared purpose across the university community.
Constraints
Tight production timeline centered around the president’s first day
Limited filming window around a high-profile leadership transition
Need to balance an institutional message with an approachable, personal tone
Small production team and streamlined production workflow
Concept & Strategy
I developed the visual approach to make President Augostini’s first-day message feel personal and grounded in place. Rather than relying solely on a traditional sit-down address, the film uses movement through Emory’s campus to connect his message with the people and spaces that define the university.
The visual storytelling was designed to introduce Augostini not only as Emory’s new president, but as someone stepping into a living community with a shared history and future. Campus details, environmental footage, and a conversational delivery help create a sense of warmth and forward momentum.
Execution
I directed, shot, and edited the film, overseeing the creative execution from production through final delivery.
Key responsibilities included:
Developing the visual concept and storytelling approach
Directing and filming President Augostini’s first-day message
Capturing and sourcing campus B-roll and environmental visuals
Shaping the edit, pacing, and visual narrative
Collaborating with Emory stakeholders to align the final piece with institutional messaging
The edit was intentionally kept polished but approachable, allowing the president’s message to remain the focal point while using campus imagery to establish a strong sense of place and community.
Outcome
Released as part of President Augostini’s first-day communications at Emory
Introduced the new president to the Emory community through a personal, visually driven message
Created a timely piece of institutional storytelling around a significant leadership transition
Demonstrated the ability to translate executive messaging into an engaging, human-centered visual story
Delivered a polished leadership film under a compressed production timeline