Roles
Producer
Director
Video Editor
Motion Graphics Designer
Videographer
Audio Editor
Tools
Adobe Premiere Pro
Adobe After Effects
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Audition
Canon 5D Mark III
Overview
This interactive video project was created to help teachers use the complex story of the establishment of Shenandoah National Park to teach important concepts to students. It uses interviews, archival footage, and immersive media to develop and deepen their understanding and appreciation for this sensitive topic.
Creating The Spirit of the Mountain was one of the most creatively challenging and rewarding projects I’ve worked on. Our goal was to tell the story of Shenandoah National Park’s early history and the communities once rooted in the Blue Ridge Mountains—a story both rich and complex. I took great care to portray it accurately and with sensitivity to the families whose homes and communities were displaced to create the park. I produced, directed, and edited a series of five short videos—totaling about 30 minutes—that formed part of a larger interactive feature. Working closely with teachers who wrote the scripts, we also ensured each video aligned with Virginia’s Standards of Learning.
Because so little archival footage or photography exists from that time period, I conducted extensive research to locate usable visuals, audio, and film materials from a variety of sources. To bring the historic imagery to life and engage younger audiences, I used parallax animation techniques to add depth and motion to still photos. I also recruited and directed the voice talent and handled all audio and video editing.
The finished project received enthusiastic feedback from educators across the region. Many now use the videos and interactive features in their classrooms, and our team led multiple teacher workshops demonstrating how to integrate these digital resources into lesson plans.