At Nelnet Business Services (NBS), I led the creative direction on several photo and video shoots. I worked with an internal videographer, a photographer, designers and editors to plan for and capture the footage we would need to bring the concepts to life. My responsibilities focused on creative strategy, leadership and direction, and storytelling, while making sure that what we captured was on brand and ready for post production.
Below is a description of some of my contributions to the shoots, as well as details about three projects.
Preproduction:
Collaborated with designer to create shot list and visual references
Partnered with writers and designers to create the storyboards
Worked with the full team to make sure we are aligned on goal and vision
Worked with PMs to get stakeholder approvals for direction and production plans
Partnered with writers and designers to create the storyboards
Worked with the full team to make sure we are aligned on goal and vision
Worked with PMs to get stakeholder approvals for direction and production plans
On the day:
Oversaw lighting, shot composition and more
Provided feedback on takes, and direction on speed, tone, and energy
Identified good backgrounds and lighting for unscheduled shots
Made real-time creative decisions like changes to lighting, framing, and alternate takes
Provided feedback on takes, and direction on speed, tone, and energy
Identified good backgrounds and lighting for unscheduled shots
Made real-time creative decisions like changes to lighting, framing, and alternate takes
Postproduction:
Reviewed raw footage and select best takes/stills
Partnered with designer, editor, and motion designer to make sure color, sound, music and motion graphics are on brand, on message, and the best they could be
Oversaw final QC for release
Partnered with designer, editor, and motion designer to make sure color, sound, music and motion graphics are on brand, on message, and the best they could be
Oversaw final QC for release
Project: Doane College Shoot - the "Connection" Series
Client: Nelnet Campus Commerce
Shoot Type: Testimonial Videos, Lifestyle Photos and Videos
Location: Doane College, multiple locations
Goal: Capture content for ongoing "Connections" series and create image library
Key Contributions:
• Collaborated with designer to create shot list and visual references
• Directed on-set production and provided creative guidance
• Coordinated documentation while supporting drone footage capture
• Selected video clips with timecode and shaped story with editor
Outcome:
* Testimonial and brand clips used in email campaign and social posts
* Final "Connection" video completed and published
* Curated over100 stills for the image library
Link: https://vimeo.com/1003692877/ee6dad27d0
Client: Nelnet Campus Commerce
Shoot Type: Testimonial Videos, Lifestyle Photos and Videos
Location: Doane College, multiple locations
Goal: Capture content for ongoing "Connections" series and create image library
Key Contributions:
• Collaborated with designer to create shot list and visual references
• Directed on-set production and provided creative guidance
• Coordinated documentation while supporting drone footage capture
• Selected video clips with timecode and shaped story with editor
Outcome:
* Testimonial and brand clips used in email campaign and social posts
* Final "Connection" video completed and published
* Curated over100 stills for the image library
Link: https://vimeo.com/1003692877/ee6dad27d0
Project: Holiday Cookbook Video
Client: Nelnet Campus Commerce
Shoot Type: Faux Infomercial Video
Location: Private Residence
Goal: Awareness of annual client appreciation cookbook through humorous content
Key Contributions:
• Created the core concept, sample script, and storyboards
• Developed final direction with creative team
• Directed talent and crew to capture required shots and alternate takes
• Worked with team to set up, shoot, and tear down within 4 hour window
• Partnered with editor/motion designer on completion including sound design and final touches
Outcome: ~1 minute humorous video used in email campaign, social posts, and website landing page
Link: https://vimeo.com/889160220/eefd08657e
Client: Nelnet Campus Commerce
Shoot Type: Faux Infomercial Video
Location: Private Residence
Goal: Awareness of annual client appreciation cookbook through humorous content
Key Contributions:
• Created the core concept, sample script, and storyboards
• Developed final direction with creative team
• Directed talent and crew to capture required shots and alternate takes
• Worked with team to set up, shoot, and tear down within 4 hour window
• Partnered with editor/motion designer on completion including sound design and final touches
Outcome: ~1 minute humorous video used in email campaign, social posts, and website landing page
Link: https://vimeo.com/889160220/eefd08657e
Project: Internal Associate Campaign
Client: Nelnet Business Services
Shoot Type: Studio Photography
Location: Impromptu Studio
Goal: Capture associate images to use for internal campaign
Key Contributions:
• Worked with designers to create concept for campaign
• Approved wardrobe selections for talent
• Provided on-set creative direction, intern mentorship, and problem-solving
• Selected top images for editing
Outcome:
* Over 50 curated photos for use in internal campaign
* Assets published across internal videos, email communications, and SharePoint pages
Client: Nelnet Business Services
Shoot Type: Studio Photography
Location: Impromptu Studio
Goal: Capture associate images to use for internal campaign
Key Contributions:
• Worked with designers to create concept for campaign
• Approved wardrobe selections for talent
• Provided on-set creative direction, intern mentorship, and problem-solving
• Selected top images for editing
Outcome:
* Over 50 curated photos for use in internal campaign
* Assets published across internal videos, email communications, and SharePoint pages