GALA VIDEOS
The Queens Public Library, one of three public library systems serving New York City, is dedicated to its mission of transforming lives by building strong communities and cultivating personal and intellectual growth. In 2022, they entrusted us to produce five short films about the Library’s impact, to be woven throughout their gala program, which was so successful they returned to us for another suite of videos for the 2023 event.
For their 2023 gala, they aimed to create one video to kick off the evening and three additional videos celebrating select branches, each highlighting one of their priority programs, including Teen Centers, environmental sustainability, and cultural initiatives.
UNCOVERING VOICES OF IMPACT
To meet QPL’s storytelling goals, we refined their narrative strategy by shifting focus from connecting gala honorees to library branches, to telling stories of impact. In pre-production, we identified voices of customers who could best speak to how they have benefited from the Library’s programs, as well as staff who are essential in delivering these valuable services. This approach allowed us to capture how each program enriches lives and strengthens the community.
Over four production days, we filmed 19 interviews and extensive B-roll footage at four library branches, focusing on creating a cohesive visual narrative. To enhance the storytelling, we adopted the 7 train as a visual motif, guiding viewers through Queens. This visual theme was integral in unifying all four videos, and helped demonstrate the Library’s extensive reach across the borough.
DESIGNING A VISUAL JOURNEY
ADAPTIVE SOLUTIONS IN ACTION
On the night of the gala, our team exemplified our core value of finding solutions, not problems. Recognizing that live event production can be unpredictable, when one honoree unexpectedly could not attend in person, we were able to quickly adapt to implement our hybrid production solution, allowing them to join the event via Zoom. We also edited a 45-minute version of the evening's celebrations to share with the broader QPL community.
“The videos are compelling on their own, and when combined with the comprehensive gala video, they really tell the story of Queens Public Library and its impact in the community. The Really Useful Media team was highly professional, created excellent work, and they were a real pleasure to work with!”
– Susan Latham, Executive Director, Queens Public Library Foundation
MORE FROM THIS PROJECT
CREW CREDITS
Producer & Story Editor: Emily Kornblut
Director of Photography: Dan Winckler
Sound and Second Camera Operator: Lourdes Kalusha-Aguirre and Khalid Straker
Editor: Lourdes Kalusha-Aguirre
Post-Production Audio: Chris Burke
Event Production Team: Dan Winckler and Lourdes Kalusha-Aguirre
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