Tell us a bit about your organization and what your specialty is in the film and video space.

Anne Arundel County Public Schools (AACPS) Communications department is dedicated to sharing authentic stories that highlight our students, staff, and community. While we are no film production company, we use video as a tool to inform the public, celebrate achievement, strengthen connections, and showcase the impact of public education.

What is your organization’s ethos and how does it set you apart from industry competitors?

Our ethos centers on building strong school–community partnerships and sharing authentic stories that highlight their impact. Open for Business sets us apart by focusing on collaboration between AACPS and local organizations, showing how these connections directly benefit students and families.

How can people join or learn more about what you do?

People can learn more about our work by visiting www.aacps.org and AACPS TV on YouTube, where we share programs like Open for Business, Teen Talk, School Sounds, and may other programs that highlight our students, staff, and community.

Tell us about your Telly Award winning piece. What’s the story behind it?

Open for Business, now entering its third season, was created to celebrate the community partners who help AACPS bring its strategic plan to life. The series highlights how local organizations strengthen schools, support families, and expand opportunities for students. The creative work of the show is a collaborative effort with Taylor Thomas, Erik Cloyd, and the entire AACPS TV team as well as the AACPS Communications Department.

What are you most proud of about this piece? What was your biggest challenge during production and how did you solve it?

We are most proud that Open for Business showcases how deeply our community partners support students and schools. The biggest challenge was definitely coordinating schedules, but we solved it through regular communication, flexibility, and careful planning.

Do you have any advice to other filmmakers based on your career or your team’s approach to work?

Working with a good team leads to success.

Can you share a behind the scenes story or fun fact about the making of your piece?

One fun part of producing Open for Business is seeing how excited our partners are to share their stories. Many say it’s their first time being on camera, which makes the experience even more special.

Tell us about the most memorable response you got from this work.

One of the most memorable responses came from a community partner who shared that being featured on Open for Business helped them connect with new schools and deepen their impact with more schools.

Complete this sentence: ‘Great video storytelling is…’

Great video storytelling is authentic, clear, and rooted in real experiences that connect with the target audience.