Some of the most memorable events in life begin with retail. Whether its picking out your kid’s first bicycle or shopping for the wedding bands that you’ll wear forever, retail is there, inspiring memories that last. Following the “Fabric of Your Life” mantra, Tori, Favata and Loizou first identified a long list of “retail firsts” that covered everything from apparel and toys to restaurants and groceries. Embracing an almost silent-film approach, Justin elegantly strung together these scenes without a spoken word.
Retail Makes Memories
The National Retail Federation is on a mission to spread the good word about the retail sector touching everyday lives, and we outfitted the organization with the ultimate “feel-good” commercial. Inspired by other big-hearted, big-branded commercials, we produced “Retail Makes Memories” — the flagship ad that ties the industry to life’s key milestones.
Scripting for Silence
The Warm and Fuzzies
Tori coordinated location sites with NRF — real-life backdrops that were happily provided by NRF members in full-support of this uplifting message. Following a flexible storyboard on-site, Favata and Jun directed talented non-actors. The friends and family of NRF and LAI Video added a particularly personal touch to the already intimate story, emphasized with Jun’s hands-off edit and gentle piano tune. It’s storytelling that’s authentically NRF and authentically-authentic. The video debuted at the 2016 BIG Show and has since remained the definitive industry ad for NRF.
Tori Furphy
As Vice President of Operations and Client Experience, Tori manages all aspects of LAI Video’s production and delivery. She’s led LAI Video’s project management for over a decade, building our award-winning portfolio and team into what it is today.
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.
Justin Kelly
As LAI Video’s Senior Writer and Editor, Justin moves people to action with his impeccable command of language and narrative. With a decade of experience in technical writing, editing, and project management, Justin balances detail and emotion to create award-winning videos.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Gibran Dar
When away from work, you can usually find Gibran watching and attending sporting events with friends, laughing at puns on the internet.
