Octo launched oLabs with the vision of creating the premier destination for government tech innovation. Equipped with state-of-the-art technologies, the facility offers a unique environment where federal partners can work side-by-side with subject matter experts to conceive, model, and evaluate new approaches for solving complex challenges. With the facility itself still under development, Octo saw an opportunity to ramp up excitement among partners. Susy, Favata, Sarah, and Loizou, pitched an extensive filming schedule that would allow our team to capture some of the spaces’ most striking visuals throughout construction.
Unveiling oLabs
We partnered with Octo Consulting Group on a series of videos promoting the launch of oLabs, the company’s cutting-edge R&D facility. Blending gorgeous cinematography with polished interviews, the series teases an extraordinary transformation that epitomizes oLabs’ ethos of pushing boundaries in the pursuit of innovation.
Capturing Time and Space
Teasing a state-of-the-art facility with some of the coolest tech in town demanded the use of our own equally specialized tools. Jun and Donovan used a probe lens to magnify unplugged wires and server racks into an almost alien wonderland. Camera sliders followed seemingly endless corridors of piping and debris and GoPro cameras captured Breaking Bad-inspired POV shots to give significance to the smallest of details of the build out. And time-lapsed footage of the surrounding landscape hints at the drastic transformation occurring int the seemingly modest Virginia suburb. The shots fueled three teaser videos set to Inception-style “bwong,” which also included soundbites from yet-to-be-seen featurette.
Not Your Grandfather’s Government Contractor
As the A.I. facility neared completion, it became important to anchor the marketing of oLabs with a more thoughtful, human message. On a final day of filming, we sat down with key figures behind oLabs, who candidly described the need to build this unique environment and the value it offers federal partners. Our team directed a final sequence with Octo leadership, engineers, and clients walking through and interacting with the nearly-finished interiors. This balance of form and function – of place and people – emphasized oLabs ethos that innovation will only truly be achieved with collaboration and constant experimentation (and a little bit of fun, too).
Come In and Play
The final featurette dropped at the grand opening ceremony with special remarks from Senator Mark Warner. The video currently anchors oLabs new website, which highlights the shop’s unique approach to “playtime.” The video, which has been recognized for best video design, anchors oLab’s new website and highlighting the shop’s unique approach to “playtime.”
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.
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.
Susy Shaw
Susy is a Senior Vice President of Sales and Business Development for LAI Video, leading our efforts to find new and empowering relationships with clients. With over 15 years of marketing, events, and multimedia sales experience in the DC area, Susy follows one definition of success: to be seen as an extension of her clients’ organization.
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.
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.
Victoria Gambriel
Victoria is an Associate Producer + Project Manager at LAI Video, helping her clients to identify, conceptualize, and execute fresh and compelling stories.
Mike Clinger
Mike is LAI Video's Motion Graphics Designer and an integral part of all animation and design projects. His knack for style and storyboards helps our clients visualize their project and build successful brands.
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.
