DC Education Fund wanted to include the whole DCPS community in this year’s Standing Ovation. Their goal required a product that could be shown twice: once on a live stream during school hours, and once at an in-person event later in the evening. Alexandria and Favata worked stylized segments that could be cut or adjusted for the different viewing formats, while also ensuring all essential marketing content could be easily distributed apart from the events.
Standing Ovation Awards
LAI Video recently completed our fifth collaboration with DC Education Fund to celebrate the accomplishments of DCPS educators. After the success of 2021’s fully virtual show, DCEF decided to maintain the virtual format — less for safety precautions and more for accessibility. Melinda, Alexandria, and Favata pitched a complete show experience that would allow awardees to celebrate with their school communities and allow DCPS to unveil some of its most exciting new initiatives. Featured interviews were full of emotion; short documentaries redefined the school system’s mission; and special host Kal Penn brought it all together in one outstanding 45-minute show.
So Good, They Showed it Twice
Dual-purpose Documentaries
Standing Ovation 2022 marked the beginning of a new school year, and a new era, for DCPS, as they launched “DCPS Becoming” program. Presented as one of two special presentations within the Standing Ovation, our short documentary allowed leadership and educators to explain the intentions behind the ambitious whole-child and anti-racist approach to education. This featurette, along with a second short doc on DCPS’s ongoing Redesign work, debuted within Standing Ovation and continue to play to specific audiences across the District.
The Honor At Hand
While the focus of Standing Ovation was much broader this year, the program still honors extraordinary achievements in education. This year, 23 DCPS teachers, principals, and staff were given “of the year” status for their contributions to their schools. Over a two-day filming session, Alexandria, Megan, and Henry filmed all honorees in our studio, giving them a chance to humbly speak on the responsibilities of the job. Throughout the final program, these five compilations offered words of wisdom and inspiration to viewers, while also giving each awardee their much-earned standing ovation.
A Finish to Remember
To close the program, we pitched a “big finish” ending that embodied the energy of a pep rally. Alexandria, Favata, Donovan, and Jun joined Eastern High School’s esteemed Blue and White Marching Machine on their daily practice route through the community, capturing the booming roll calls and brass. The band wrote a tune just for the performance, and our team took to the streets to highlight the talented band and dance team. The closing fanfare became a defining moment on-screen and in-person, giving DCPS some serious reasons to cheer.
Alexandria Kelly
Coming to us from Hollywood, Alexandria brings a jet set, never-quit work ethic.
James Favata
James specializes in exploring new avenues, and who knows, together you may even end up off the map.
Melinda Foscato
Melinda is the VP of Creative Strategy who is passionate about storytelling and connecting the dots. She's also BFFs with Rachael Ray. Jealous?
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.
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.
Mike Clinger
Hailing from the wild Midwest, Mike can graphic himself out of a tight spot when necessary. It’s never necessary because that’s not how life works, but still, he could probably do it.
Megan Grantier
With a degree in Journalism and Film, she has a critical eye for great video (Which is why she came to work for LAI Video, obviously.)
Henry Smith
Henry emerged out of the untamed wilderness of the freelance video world to make a home for himself as one of LAI’s Associate Producer + Project Managers.
Chelsie Pennello
A recent graduate of Syracuse University’s film program and track and field team, Chelsie brought her love for video production and everybody’s least favorite physical activity to the LAI Video team.
Brittany Conley
Brittany’s previous career experience has allowed her to develop the skillsets needed to ensure workflow is streamlined and efficient at every step of the video production process.
James Loizou
Perhaps best epitomized by his signature red sneakers and tie, James Loizou thrives between the worlds of "the creative" and "the business."