This year, Arts + Labor was commissioned to create the introduction videos for the annual Distinguished Alumni Awards put on by the Texas Exes, the University of Texas' alumni association. These awards are given to members of the Texas Exes who have made an impact on the world and on the University. When they are inducted, they receive a burnt orange jacket. Gotta say, they look pretty snazzy.
I was hired to edit the videos. Arts + Labor interviewed colleagues, friends and family members of each recipient. We then weaved together 3-4 minute videos that highlight some of their greatest achievements and philanthropic endeavors (not like there was pressure to sum up somebody's life work in such a short amount of time). Once I we had shaped each person's narrative with some photo cutaways, the talented graphics team at Arts + Labor did their thing to the photos and titles. I think these turned out really strong.
You can view all the intro videos here as well as each recipient's speech here.
It was fun getting to know some of these public figures better. Growing up, my parents told me stories about seeing Earl Campbell live on the football field. Watching Matthew McConaughey get better and better on screen over the past twenty years, it was cool to hear more about the j.k. livin' foundation. And while I already knew Jody Conradt is a badass, I didn't fully realize how badass she is until I worked on her video.
Those are just a few examples. Each of the recipients - some whose work has been in the public eye, some whose been behind the scenes, and in one case, one whose work has been in outer space - was very deserving and have great stories to tell. (One more to name check: Dealey Herndon has leaft a lasting mark on Texas history for the last thirty some odd years. Her work is remarkable.)
You don't always get to view short pieces like these with an audience, but I was able to attend the awards ceremony last month with the team from Arts + Labor. We were so pleased with the reactions. I think Earl Campbell's video especially hit the right note with the audience:
