“Redesign” Short Films

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LAI Video partnered with DCPS to produce two short films following students at Anacostia and Ballou High Schools, both part of the district’s new redesign program.

Filmed throughout the 2020-2021 school year, we captured an honest look at the toll the pandemic took on the schools’ ambitious plans. We also highlighted how the redesign ethos inspired teachers and staff to connect with students in profound ways.

In 2022, the short film on Anacostia earned a National Capital Emmy award for Best Long-form Content in the Education category.

Tags: Social Media | People | Documentary-Style | Education

Challenge

Showing Impact

During a time of rapid change, DC Public Schools needed to show how they were keeping families, students, and educators connected and moving forward. It was essential to highlight how their human-centered strategies were driving real progress together.

Solution

Documentation Over Time

LAI Video produced two docu-style microfilms featuring voices from Anacostia and Ballou High Schools. With candid interviews and dynamic b-roll, the films made human-centered design feel real and offered valuable insights for educators and leaders.

In the age of AI-generated content, documentary-style ads can be the best way to create trust with your audience. This content is 40 times more likely to be shared on social media.

ROI

Community Awareness

The DCPS Redesign films made a strong impact, helping school communities, leaders, and potential funders understand and support the work. By showing real successes and challenges, the films positioned DCPS as a leader in human-centered school transformation.