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
James specializes in exploring new avenues, and who knows, together you may even end up off the map.
Sarah Wides
Sarah is as passionate about her love of television and video as she is about her love of sandwiches, which is to say – quite passionate.
Susy Shaw
Susy is a vice president of business development and also a bit of a sales ninja with experience in a variety of industries from Florida Real Estate to the On-line Advertising arena.
Jun Young Yang
Jun has been traveling everywhere (including a place called Anguilla) to document special events and create unique images for clients.
Donovan Randolph
Donovan Randolph joins LAI from Indigo Republic where a worked on a web series and a feature length film. He plans to bring his cinematic expertise and unique editing skills to Emmy-winning LAI Video team.
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
Hailing from the wild Midwest, Mike can graphic himself out of a tight spot when necessary. It’s never necessary because that’s not how life works, but still, he could probably do it.
James Loizou
Perhaps best epitomized by his signature red sneakers and tie, James Loizou thrives between the worlds of "the creative" and "the business."
