The James J. Willis Craftperson of the Year award is a big deal. It's TAUC's way of saying, "This guy gets it. This guy is the best of the best." From ironwork to power lines, members from all craft disciplines are eligible for the honor. And more important than the beautifully-crafted, custom trophy is the docu-style, day-in-the-life video that each recipient receives. With a crew of one producer and two cinematographers, we remain agile enough to tackle active construction sites that aren't usually accustomed to cameras.
Craftperson of the Year
This was our fourth year partnering with The Association of Union Contractors to celebrate the icons of contracting professionals. Every year, we set out to create a new video that brings viewers closer to the honoreer and his crew, as well as deliver a moving story of excellence that resonates across all crafts of the construction industry.
Celebrating Your Industry Icon
We Have Our Own Hard Hats
LAI Video dresses to the nines with hard hats, safety vests and steel toe boots. We know the drill. As producer, Sarah works with a TAUC safety liason, attempting to prepare for us the un-preparable. "This is the kind of shoot where anything can happen. It’s also what we do best — getting the shots we need without a lot of scouting or the ability to stage anything." Donning his industrial-grade director's beret, Favata strives to raise the production bar each year, recently experimenting with time-lapse and high-speed photography.
Masters of Time
Shot on location for just over two days, "Third Generation Millwright" is our latest addition to the series and the ultimate tribute for a skilled craftperson like Kevin Knowlton. Shadowing Kevin and his crew, we embraced slow motion to really savor the daily actions and interactions of a man who's work isn't usually subjected to the spotlight. The vignette feels authentic to the man, but also embodies TAUC's pledge to represent an industry comprised of countless craft heroes. Phil's cut is a tight edit that's driven by interviews with a whole lotta heart. Watch to the end. Try not to get choked up.
James Favata
James specializes in exploring new avenues, and who knows, together you may even end up off the map.
Sarah Wides
Sarah is as passionate about her love of television and video as she is about her love of sandwiches, which is to say – quite passionate.
Jun Young Yang
Jun has been traveling everywhere (including a place called Anguilla) to document special events and create unique images for clients.
Anthony Jacoway
Under his calm exterior, Anthony is simmering with big ideas and a bottomless reserve of the latest industry trends.
Justin Kelly
Justin Kelly brings an emotional fluency to our scripts that help us continue to deliver the wow factor that our clients have come to expect. He's always simmering with big ideas and a bottomless reserve of the latest industry trends.
Tori Furphy
A mother of three and a work mother of a dozen—Tori operationalizes a perfectly rewarding client experience.
James Loizou
Perhaps best epitomized by his signature red sneakers and tie, James Loizou thrives between the worlds of "the creative" and "the business."
Susy Shaw
Susy is a vice president of business development and also a bit of a sales ninja with experience in a variety of industries from Florida Real Estate to the On-line Advertising arena.
