While we couldn’t tout success stories from RISE Up participants just yet, we could highlight the general themes of career diversity and job growth. With Justin’s sharp scripting and Jun’s montage-making art, we produced an overarching “Come Together” teaser that acknowledges career advancement sometimes needs a helping hand or a gentle nudge. The “Impact” video presents RISE Up as that helping hand — an industry banding together to help people acquire the skills needed to land jobs in retail and advance into promising careers.
RISE Up
We were excited to elevate our partnership with the National Retail Federation and NRF Foundation on their latest campaign RISE Up. We helped roll out the new credentialing program, designing a slew of videos that remind retailers that the future of retail isn’t about the “what,” it’s about the “who.”
A Thematic Pitch
In-the-Field Feel Good Stories
We produced a series of “story” videos to reiterate the feel-good message of professionals advancing because of retail’s warm embrace. Because of Home Depot’s support of its employees, Ro climbed from cashier to regional vice president. Lynn fell in love with retail at Tractor Supply, starting as part-time help and growing with the organization itself. And Adrijana learned valuable managerial skills (as well as English!) through her work as a sales associate at Macy’s. Tori, Favata and crew traveled to each of the five locations and directed walk-and-talk interviews as these personalities reminisced about their unexpected success. With the launch of RISE Up, the NRF Foundation is looking to dramatically increase stories like these.
The Nuts and Bolts
In addition to these campaign trailers, we also created an animated "About" video that details the new educational platform in… detail. Using Rob’s simple Little People character design, we walk viewers through a variety of RISE Up applications. With flexible in-classroom or online courses, participants will learn fundamental skills in sales, customer service, interviewing and so much more. The animation is not only directed at prospective students, but also the retailers, non-profits and schools that encourage others to RISE Up.
A BIG Rollout
The series of nine videos debuted at NRF’s BIG Show — the premier annual convention for retail. With the eyes of an industry watching, big brand executives announced the RISE Up program during a special panel discussion. The videos played repeatedly during the three-day event before keynote sessions and throughout the Javits Center. Attendees themselves were invited to join this movement and make retail a place for top talent and meaningful work.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
