This isn't just an enormous gathering. The 35,000+ attendees, 500+ exhibitors and thousands+ retailers travel from around the world to make this non-stop three-day spectacle. With no shortage of people and events to point our lenses at, Retail's Big Show demands a thoughtful approach for our crew of video ninjas. Focusing on the industry's current issues, NRF's major announcements and new show features, Tori finds fresh angles (and faces) to tell the show's story through an attendee's perspective.
Retail's Big Show
We partnered with the National Retail Federation on NRF 2023 Retail's Big Show -- the trade association's signature convention and EXPO event. Some of our best client partnerships are defined by growth, and it has been a pleasure to grow with NRF's appetite for quality videos, perhaps best exemplified by the evolution of their "recap" video. This year was our eleventh labor of love.
How BIG are we Talking?
Artful Run and Gun
Every year, Favata, Jun and Donovan approach the show as a challenge to raise the bar for live event cinematography. From sliders and jibs to time-lapse photography, the crew introduced carts and hover boards in 2017 to reflect retail's rapid speeds. In 2018, we slowed things down using high-speed photography to dwell on the big and little moments -- to emphasize an industry on the brink of major change. Gliding through the full Feature Stage, the bustling EXPO floor and the brand new Innovation Lab, the team collected light-filled b-roll that added a sense of wonder and swagger to the formidable event. Throughout the conference, footage was shipped back to command central (aka: a hotel somewhere in Times Square) for immediate editing.
The Overnight Edit
Producing marketing videos over the last ten years, we've earned the trust of the world's largest retail trade association. We savor and safeguard the retail brand, allowing us to make split-second creative decisions during overnight production. This year, we sifted through hours of general session keynote captures, dozens of testimonies from Sarah and Victoria's person-on-the-street interviews and multiple cards of footage to produce the prized BIG Show recap. Embracing an energy drink-rich diet and nocturnal schedule, Rob returned for his tenth edit, creating an ending grand-finale video that speaks to the scope and magic of an event that parallels an industry with a robust and limitless future.
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.
James Favata
As the Vice President of Creative at LAI Video, James offers his docu-style and motion graphics expertise to transform brands and campaigns. He’s won numerous accolades, including two Emmy® Awards as a Director, for his incredible storytelling and vision.
Jun Young Yang
Jun is the Director of Photography for LAI Video. His sharp eye and even sharper focus have earned him a reputation as an industry-leading cinematographer. He started his career freelancing before becoming a staple on the LAI Video team.
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.
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.
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.
Helena Lehman
Helena is Leading Authorities’ Senior Vice President of Client Services, responsible for growing business among its clientele of national associations and corporations. During her 25 year tenure with LAI, she’s built relationships across diverse industry groups and identified common needs in content strategy and communications.
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.
