5 AQUINAS LANDMARK | SUMMER 2020 What’s News 5 new aq website What inspired you to take on this project with the Aquinas Institute? “I wanted to help tell the story of all that happens inside the walls of one of Rochester’s most storied institutions. Although I didn’t attend Aquinas, I always admired from afar and had many family members attend over the years. It was exciting to be a part of the Li’l Irish community.” How did you approach capturing the essence of Aquinas to ensure the videos accurately represented the spirit and culture? “My first consideration was figuring out what exactly to show. There is so much that happens at AQ: different events, games, ceremonies, and performances. I wanted to showcase everything, but to capture everything in a 60-second film was impossible. Our approach was to find the things that make Aquinas unique from other institutions, such as the nationally renowned Mission Bouts and exceptional dance program. “In addition, without the people and culture, none of these traditions would continue. So, highlighting the community and diverse student population was also an important consideration.” In your opinion, what sets this video apart from other educational institution videos? “Our approach was to create a sense of moving forward. There is a certain energy and momentum at the school right now and we wanted our footage to represent that progress while supporting the school’s values and beliefs.” Were there any unexpected surprises or discoveries while filming? “The most unexpected surprise was the way the gym transformed for the Mission Bouts. I had always heard of the Mission Bouts, but attending the event far exceeded any expectations I may have had due to the large number of attendees, the excitement, the level of talent performed by the boxers, and the support of the community.” Colleen describes her decision to hire Matt Spaull and his Team as a home-run: “I had all the faith in the world that Matt and his Team would deliver, but my gratitude extends beyond the deliverables. Working and collaborating with Matt and the Team was a true pleasure. I had a vision of what I wanted, and Matt was able to execute and produce it. He gave us more than a few videos and still photos; he told our story, which I am proud to now share with our community.” ABOUT Matt Spaull is a freelance film director specializing in ideation, directing, and editing. He received his Masters in Film & Animation from RIT, was a Student Academy Award Finalist, won three Cine Golden Eagle awards, eight Telly awards, ten Addy awards, and has worked with a collection of brands on various campaigns including Smash Burger, MDLive, Macys, and Foodlink Café. For more information on Matt Spaull, please visit www.matthewspaull.com. A behind the scenes look with lm director and creative storyteller, Matthew Spaull. Matthew “Matt” Spaull, a Rochester local, husband, father, and former Adjunct Professor at the Rochester Institute of Technology, is no beginner when it comes to lm production. He was called upon to provide his expertise to create, direct, and execute a “day in the life” video to capture what it means to be a member of the Aquinas family. In addition to this 60-second video showcasing Aquinas students in their natural elements – learning inside classrooms, interacting with others in the hallways, attending Mass, participating in a er school programs, and playing sports – Matt also created three additional videos featuring testimonials from students, parents, and an alumnus, as well as one tribute video highlighting the Richard A. Corbett ’56 Aquinas Boxing Program and the Mission Bouts. Director of Communications, Colleen Brett, tells us why she hired Matt and his production Team, Parker Bement and Mike Martinez, to elevate the Aquinas story: “I’ve known the name Spaull in the Rochester community for some time now. His mom, Elaine Spaull, is a prominent leader and source of inspiration, currently serving as the Executive Director for e Center for Youth. So, besides Matt’s many awards and accolades he’s acquired for his lmography, coupled with having a power-house of a woman as his mom, I had a strong feeling he would be as determined and passionate as I was to bring the story of Aquinas to life… and he did not disappoint.” Making the Video Matt Spaull prepping for film In preparation for AQ Mission Bouts In preparation for the 100 Days Mass Ceremony Filming at the Varsity Softball game
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