Turnaround For Children partners with public schools to address obstacles that stem directly from poverty. By creating student support systems, training teachers in classroom management, and working with school leaders to support a culture of high performance, Turnaround helps kids develop the skills they need to succeed in school—and in their lives beyond it. Our video team partnered with this incredible organization to build a compelling story that celebrated their impact on classroom transformation.
We started by visiting schools in the Triborough area, meeting teachers and observing classes where Turnaround methods have taken root. As stories of similar challenges and successes emerged, it became clear that teachers and students were the heart of our story. By placing their voices at the center of our video, we could show audiences how effective Turnaround is, while maintaining emotional authenticity and factual accuracy.
Filming in schools comes with its own set of challenges—we needed to cover a lot of ground and there wasn’t time for lengthy setups. We used natural light and a body mounted EasyRig so our cinematographer could “float” the camera between subjects and observe the classroom much like a participant. By pairing this visual style with first-person narratives, we were able to capture the real textures and emotions of schools in the midst of change.
At the end of the two-day shoot, we left with immense gratitude for the teachers and students who shared their lives and successes with us. And we can’t wait to see how they continue to grow and transform.
