The Project
This three-part video series profiles innovators running brick & mortar operations in New York City - Tula House Plant & Design, Devoción Coffee and The Factory NYC Experiential Art Fabrication.
OBJECTIVE
Comcast Business commissioned this series profiling NYC entrepreneurs who rely on web security and high speed internet to run their brick & mortar businesses.
PUTTING THE PUZZLE TOGETHER
Our production team leveraged local expertise to identify compelling business owners with gorgeous shop locations to feature in the video series.
With less than three weeks from greenlight to principal photography, we cast actors, hired crew, arranged gear & vehicle rental, conducted location scouts and pre-interviews with the business owners, drafted shot lists, and composed a meticulously detailed shoot schedule. Production was three days, with a rain date set aside for contingency, which thankfully was not needed.
+ How was AI used on this production?
Large language AI models were used to facilitate pre-production components, such as the organization of pre-interview content into narrative structure & ideating question topics for on-camera interviews.
Generative AI was used to enhance the resolution of archival photography, expand the aspect ratio of these photos and generate composite imagery to alter the appearance of individuals pictured in the archival imagery for whom we did not have explicit image rights clearance.
+ How did the client benefit from our use of AI?
AI tools enabled us to operate with greater efficiency. We saved on costs, translating into more value invested on-screen. Our artificial intelligence implementation enhanced the overall quality of the final videos.
FINISHED PRODUCT
Episode 1 - Tula House Plant & Design
The best part of this job is championing artists & innovators in the videos we make. Episode one highlights the most beautiful plant shop in New York City - Tula House. It was an honor to film in a lovely space with these brilliant creatives.
The series garnered 3 million views across all channels. The project was completed before deadline, on budget and at a level of quality that exceeded client expectations.
Episode 2 - Devoción Coffee
Devoción does coffee different - it's the freshest roast in town. But how do they get the beans from Colombia to your cup so fast?
In addition to satisfied clients, the profiled businesses are enjoying the benefits of wide-reaching exposure.
Episode 3 - The Factory NYC Experiential Art Fabrication
Louie Hinnen & Paul Outlaw took a leap of faith. They started off as sculptors designing fashion photography sets before starting their own experiential fabrication business The Factory NYC, which employs & empowers a bunch of artists to do what they love. It was an inspiration getting to know these guys and a joy to tell their story.
TRIVIA
New York City is a city of small businesses. Of the approximately 220,000 businesses located in the City, 98 percent are small (fewer than 100 employees) and 89 percent are very small (fewer than 20 employees). These businesses already employ nearly half of the City's workforce and they are growing. (source: NYC.gov Small Business First Report)