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

While creating this piece, I was working with Gwinnett County Government, where I specialized in producing meaningful, community-centered video content. My focus was on storytelling that highlights the people and programs making a real difference in the county. I was introduced to the special needs organization Bears Make a Difference by a co-worker whose daughter, who has special needs, played on the team. This connection inspired a deeply personal and impactful project that not only told an important story but also resonated with a broad audience

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

As a local government entity, Gwinnett County Government is committed to public service, community engagement, and inclusivity. Our ethos centers around using storytelling to elevate the voices of our diverse community and highlight the programs that enrich residents’ lives. Unlike traditional media or production companies, we have the unique opportunity to collaborate directly with a wide range of non-profit and for-profit organizations that utilize our parks and public spaces. This access allows us to capture authentic, hyper-local stories that might otherwise go untold—setting us apart by placing community impact at the heart of every production.

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

Check out my blog about my win here and my website.

follow me on IF at racheldsanders

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

The Telly Award-winning piece was a heartfelt feature on Bears Make a Difference, a local special needs baseball team that plays in Gwinnett County parks. The story began when a co-worker introduced me to the organization—her daughter, who has special needs, was a player on the team. What started as a simple idea to highlight a community group turned into a deeply personal and emotional project.

Through interviews, on-the-field moments, and behind-the-scenes footage, the piece captured the joy, inclusion, and resilience of the athletes, their families, and the volunteers. It was more than just a story about baseball—it was about creating a space where everyone belongs.

This project reminded me of the power of storytelling in government media—not just to inform, but to inspire. That authenticity and emotional connection resonated strongly with viewers.

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

I’m incredibly proud of the impact and reach of this piece. So many people who support Bears Make a Difference told me that the story truly captured the heart of the organization—its joy, its purpose, and why it’s so beloved in the community. That kind of feedback meant the world to me and validated all the care we put into telling the story right.

Honestly, one of the biggest challenges we faced was lack of support from former management, who didn’t fully value the time and effort needed to finish the piece to the standard we knew it deserved. We had to advocate for ourselves and the story, pushing through resistance to make sure we could edit, revise, and finalize it with the quality it warranted. In the end, staying committed to our vision paid off—and being recognized with a Telly Award made that fight feel even more worthwhile.

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

Don’t let rejection or lack of support stop you from telling the stories that matter. Some of the most meaningful work comes from trusting your vision and pushing through—even when others don’t immediately see the value. Advocate for the time and care your project deserves. Stay passionate, stay flexible, and most importantly, stay connected to the heart of your story. Recognition is great, but the real reward is knowing your work resonated with the people who needed to see it.

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

While our standard workweek was Monday through Friday, the only time we could film the game without incurring extra costs was on a Sunday. Despite it being outside our regular schedule, we were so moved by what we witnessed that it never felt like “work.” After filming wrapped, my videographer, Alan, and I stayed for hours—long after we got the shots we needed—just to watch more of the special needs leagues play and cheer them on. It was one of those moments that reminded us why we do what we do. The energy, the joy, and the sense of community were unforgettable.

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

The most memorable response came from the co-worker who first introduced me to Bears Make a Difference. She’s the one whose daughter plays on the team, and hearing her say that I “did a great job” meant the world to me. Knowing that someone personally connected to the story felt that I honored their experience and the heart of the organization—that was incredibly meaningful. It reminded me that beyond awards or recognition, it’s the trust and appreciation from those directly impacted that matters most.

Complete this sentence: ‘Great video storytelling is…’

… a dream I’ve had since I was a little girl. It’s a powerful way to share the beauty, hope, and humanity that shape our world—one story at a time.