Transforming Lives Through Education: Our Journey with Cristo Rey Jesuit High School in Chicago
We recently had the opportunity to work on an exciting and heartfelt project with Cristo Rey Jesuit High School in Chicago. This project allowed us to showcase the school’s unique approach to education and the incredible opportunities they provide for their students. We love working with out-of-state clients and were thrilled to travel to Chicago for this meaningful project.
Working with Cristo Rey Jesuit High School
Cristo Rey Jesuit High School approached us with a vision to create videos that would highlight the perspectives of their students and the corporate work-study program that is integral to their educational model. We spent a week at the school, immersing ourselves in their community and capturing the essence of what makes Cristo Rey special.
Strategy and Planning
Our collaboration began with an intensive pre-production process. Working closely with the marketing and communications department at Cristo Rey, we helped identify a compelling storyline and vetted possible subjects for this documentary-style project. This careful planning ensured that we captured the most impactful and authentic stories.
Filming and Production
To ensure high-quality video production, we brought all our equipment to Chicago. We used two cameras, a Sony FX3 and a Sony a7S III, along with a variety of lenses to capture different perspectives. Our lighting setup included a key light, and we used a boom mic to ensure clear audio. The combination of this equipment allowed us to produce professional and engaging videos.
The Stories We Captured
Over the course of a week, we conducted interviews with nearly 20 individuals, including students who shared their personal experiences and the positive impact of Cristo Rey on their education and future prospects. We also spoke with teachers and parents who highlighted the supportive and nurturing environment of the school. Additionally, we interviewed corporate work-study partners and supervisors who praised the students' contributions and the benefits of the program.
Two Main Videos
We produced two main videos from our time at Cristo Rey Jesuit High School. The first video focused on the students' perspectives, showcasing their journeys and the transformative power of education. The second video highlighted the corporate work-study program, featuring interviews with supervisors at the students' workplaces and illustrating the real-world experience and opportunities provided by the program.
Impact and Results
The results were incredible. Cristo Rey Jesuit High School premiered these videos during their annual fundraiser, which significantly helped them attract big donors. Additionally, the school has been using these videos as recruitment tools for both students and donors, effectively communicating the value and impact of their programs.
Our Passion for Educational Stories
Our time with Cristo Rey Jesuit High School was simply amazing. We met so many inspiring people and were deeply moved by the values the school embodies. At VGM Visual Storytelling, we are passionate about working with educational institutions and non-profits to tell their stories and highlight the incredible work they do. Projects like this one reinforce our belief in the power of education and the importance of sharing these transformative stories.
Conclusion
Working with Cristo Rey Jesuit High School in Chicago was a rewarding experience for our team. It allowed us to capture the unique aspects of their educational model and the profound impact it has on students' lives. Our collaboration with Cristo Rey demonstrates our ability to produce high-quality, impactful content that resonates with audiences and underscores our commitment to storytelling that matters.
If you’re an educational institution or non-profit looking to tell your story and showcase the impact of your work, we can help. Our team travels and works all over the USA, bringing unique and powerful stories to life through video production and strategic content creation. Contact us today to learn more about how we can collaborate to highlight the exceptional work you do in your community.
