VIDEO PRODUCTION FOR THE ARMED FORCES FOUNDATION GALA

For 4 years now, I have been fortunate enough to take part in the production of videos for the Armed Forces Foundation’s annual gala. The Armed Forces Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to “serving those who serve” (their motto) by providing financial and other types of assistance to service members and their families. Their annual fund raising gala in Washington, DC is one of the organization’s largest and most important events of the year. Donations made at the gala allow the AFF to continue to provide for those who serve our country, year after year.

Without continuing financial contributions, the Armed Forces Foundation would be unable to provide this valuable support. So, since 2006, the AFF has been coming to 522 Productions to ensure that their story, and the depth and importance of their need, is communicated clearly and powerfully to the world. Each year, our videos tell another side of the AFF story:

• In 2009, a focus on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) shed light on the needs of service members living with it.
• In 2010, interviews with a military spouse and her young children gave audiences a glimpse of what families suffer through during multiple deployments.
• This year at the 2011 gala, through a behind-the-scenes documentary approach, audiences came to understand the magnitude of time, effort, and resources that go into AFF events and programs, and the importance of said events and programs.

The Armed Forces Foundation videos are some of the most gratifying projects that I have had the opportunity to work on. I have been fortunate enough to have my role in these projects expanded from production assistant in 2008 to something of a project lead in 2011, with a hand in all stages of the production, from concept development to directing, shooting, and editing. This is obviously thrilling on personal and professional levels, but most important is what it allows me to do for the AFF, and in turn, men and women in uniform.

This level of creative control, gained through years of a trusted relationship with the AFF, is invaluable. Each year we are dedicated to telling the absolute best, most effective story for the Armed Forces Foundation, and each year we are able to provide them with a promotional tool that has real-life results, helping to bring in significant financial support, 94% of which goes directly to military members and their families.

While all of our projects and clients are important, the Armed Forces Foundation gala videos are special to me for the opportunity they provide to give something back to those who have given so much for us.

Information on supporting the Armed Forces Foundation can be found at www.armedforcesfoundation.com, and this year’s gala video can be viewed below: