So how do you convince a diverse group of scientists that they should attend the in-person IDWeek instead of the virtual option? Melinda and Loizou knew we had to begin by acknowledging the tremendous amount of time, blood, sweat, and tears that went into pandemic research. From there, we stressed the value of hallway meetings, chats over appetizers, and contact info exchanged after a lecture. Following a brainstorm with Sarah and Tiffany, Justin crafted a script that spoke to the highly specific audience, and Anthony utilized footage from IDWeek 2019 to build a video positioning the event as both a meaningful reunion and a turning point. The 60-second piece was also cut down into shorter versions for easier social distribution.
IDWeek Event Content
First-time LAI Video partner the Infectious Diseases Society of America came to us with a tall order: produce a wide range of content both before and at the 2022 IDWeek meeting, an 8,000+ person gathering of clinicians, students, and researchers of infectious diseases science. It’s an already-important field that has become a focus of daily national conversation since the last in-person IDWeek in 2019. Although they were still offering a virtual version of the conference, IDSA sought promotional content that would encourage potential attendees to attend the live event, reassuring them that the hosting organizations were going above and beyond in terms of COVID safety, while also re-energizing a membership that has had an eventful three years, to say the least.
Acknowledging the Moment (but Looking Forward is Cool, too)
Once we finally got everyone in a room together (masked, of course – these are infectious disease doctors), we kicked off IDWeek with a memorable video that grabbed attention and celebrated the group’s collective successes. Justin wrote another elegant script recognizing the weight of the moment. We carefully sourced the right stock visuals that looked authentic while working with our narrative before we could properly capture original content at the event itself.
Filming and Starting the New Marketing Cycle
Throughout the event, IDSA wanted to push a steady stream of videos on social. On-site our crew captured the sights, sounds (including scenes from a musical about the invention of penicillin), and dancing Presidents of IDWeek. Donovan kept the camera constantly in motion with the help of our Ronin stabilization system. Anthony and Rob shared editing duties, turning in a stunning amount of content over five days – a total of thirteen videos. Anthony cut together shorter pieces fro Twitter and Instagram that highlighted key moments from each day. Rob put together the big recap that debuted at the event’s closing plenary: a comprehensive look at the week, rounded out with “person on the street” testimonials, powerful soundbites from industry leaders, and of course – the joy of seeing a long overdue, industry-wide homecoming.
Sarah Wides
As Senior Producer & Project Manager, Sarah Wides handles some of our largest projects and oldest clients. Her attention to detail, passion for video, and thorough production experience consistently generate incredible results.
James Loizou
James Loizou leads the team at LAI Video, building the Emmy® Award-Winning agency from scratch over the last 15 years. His innate balance of creativity and methodology guides our team forever forward towards innovation.
Melinda Foscato
Melinda brings more than 15 years of broadcast, digital, and production experience to her role as VP of Business Development and Creative Strategy. She builds strong, fruitful relationships and supports clients with a passion for storytelling and media strategy.
Tiffany Lewis
As our Creative Director, team leader, and motionography expert, Tiffany embodies LAI Video’s innovative identity. Throughout her 12 years of extensive creative, strategic, and production experience, Tiffany has earned two Emmy® Awards and widespread industry recognition.
Anthony Jacoway
Anthony is LAI Video's Director of Technical Services and an integral part of our Emmy® Award-winning team. Depending where and when he is needed, you can find Anthony editing, animating, color-correcting, filming, directing, designing, or generally making our team better.
Donovan Randolph
Donovan is one of LAI Video’s multi-talented cinematographers and editors. His smooth grip and creative eye has produced feature-length action films, imaginative music videos, and award-winning shorts.
May McKernan
A deeply talented motion-graphic and visual artist, May McKernan supports LAI Video as both an animator and editor. She's been recognized by numerous publications for her work, and her dynamic style has screened at film festivals both domestically and internationally.
Rob Kramer
As our Associate Creative Director, Rob Kramer leads the animation team and directs a range of client projects. With his suite of production and design skills, he creates one-of-a-kind styles that seamlessly mesh with your narrative.