Case Study
African American Heritage Stories
Amplifying Black Voices
As part of Explore Charleston’s Explore Black Charleston initiative, we crafted a seven-film series that amplifies powerful African American heritage stories across the Lowcountry. From the hauntingly beautiful grounds of McLeod Plantation and Boone Hall to the groundbreaking exhibits at the International African American Museum. To keep the interviews intimate and authentic, we opted for audio-only recordings - removing the barriers of cameras and lights so that our storytellers could speak freely, without distraction. This approach allowed for deeply personal and conversational narratives, bringing raw emotion to the forefront.
Charleston Plantation History
Charleston is home to endless historic sites, none more significant than the many plantations around the city. Sitting down with representatives from each plantation was a profound experience for our crew. We felt the weight of responsibility as storytellers, capturing voices that have long deserved a platform.
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"We completely trust Vive Media to run with our initial vision and tie in their own creativity and talent to produce unique, high-quality content that highlights the Charleston area in an amazing light."
The Legacy of Charleston
Charleston as a city has a legacy, but what about the legacy of those who have made this place what it is today? Beyond highlighting destinations in this series, we wanted to tell the stories of people who have and still do contribute to Charleston’s legacy. The result connects history to modern tourism, inviting audiences to engage with Charleston’s rich and complex past in a meaningful way.
Exploring African American History
The International African American museum is a place to discover the histories and stories of the African American experience across generations. For this segment, we shared the story and mission of the IAAM through the eyes of a Charleston local, Carolyn Murray. Her unique view of the museum and its history as it impacts those descended from enslaved Africans was truly moving.
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Frequently Asked Questions
To capture honest, deeply emotional conversations, we removed the rigid distraction of large camera rigs and studio lights. This allowed subjects to speak intimately, creating a powerful narrative that we paired with beautiful cinematography.
Our production path covered major cultural landmarks, including the International African American Museum (IAAM), Boone Hall, McLeod Plantation, Magnolia Plantation, and historic Philip Simmons Ironworks.
A serialized video approach allows complex historical narratives to breathe. By splitting the campaign into focused, individual stories, we provide cultural institutions with an extensive asset library perfect for sustained multi-month digital campaigns.