Tom La

About

With over 20 years of experience operating at the intersection of creativity, technology, and corporate video production, I have a proven track record of delivering impactful video solutions. I saved Brighthouse Financial $1M by bringing agency video projects in-house and revitalized an underperforming graphics department at Bank of America. Additionally, I have built production studios for several midsize media companies. My career is a testament to my ability to balance creativity with strategic execution, and I thrive in collaborative, process-driven environments. Experienced in video producing, motion graphics, podcast production, and creative strategy.

Experience

• Multimedia Video and Graphics Specialist · DDN2024-10-01 –

  • Visually communicate DDN’s brand story through multimedia. • Lead, coach, develop, and direct the video projects while managing production logistics for both local and off-site shoots. • Provide creative direction for videos, motions graphics and social media content. • Oversee all stages of video production and motion graphic, including concept development, narrative creation, storyboarding, shooting, editing, and sound design. • Translate complex and abstract concepts into clear and easily understandable visuals. • Develop video strategies and series content to meet KPI and marketing expectations. • Manage the video production budget efficiently, balancing creativity with cost-effectiveness. • Hire and foster positive relationships with freelancers, vendors, and agency partners.

• Motion Graphics and Video Editor · Billy Graham Evangelistic Association2024-04-01 – 2024-09-01

  Produced graphics and edited videos for broadcast shows, live events, festivals, and internal communications.

• Media Production Specialist / Video Producer · OLIVER Agency2019-01-01 – 2024-01-01

  • Lead, coached, developed and directed production crew and managed production logistics to support local and off-site production shoot for clients. • Oversaw development and production of videos, animations, podcasts, webinars, photography, UGC social content and corporate event marketing materials to support enterprise-wide marketing and communications initiatives. • Calculated and managed multiple budgets of up to $200K for in-person and virtual productions to optimize efficiency and control costs. • Ideated and designed presentations to present creative strategy and concepts. • Developed video and animation brand guidelines, video templates and other documents to assist with brand management and constancy. • Negotiated contracts and cost with vendors to align with project needs. • Interviewed, hired, and fostered positive relationships with on- and off-site creatives, freelancers, talent, and vendors throughout each production. • Reviewed and provided feedback to creative team members, vendors and third party agency partners to align with brand • Edited videos, animations, and audio content in support of corporate and client initiatives. • Provided services to these brands: Brighthouse Financial, IHOP, Marriott, Unilever, Jim Bean and Shea Moisture.

• Corporate Brand & Marketing Video Designer · Brighthouse Financial2018-01-01 – 2024-01-01

  • Strategized, developed, and executed video campaigns on internal and external corporate channels to drive awareness, streamline communications, and increase video services to other lines of business. • Spearheaded in-house video production capabilities, resulting in a $1M+ in savings. • Built and cultivated vendor relationships and negotiated contract terms and conditions that supported departmental initiatives. • Developed video and animation brand guidelines, video templates and other documents to assist with brand management and constancy. • Recorded, edited, and produced videos and still photography to build brand equity. • Measured and analyzed performance of video content, leveraging data to continuously improve and inform future projects. • Reviewed video content produced by 3rd party vendors to ensure brand compliance. • Produced and edited corporate employee testimonial videos to support enterprise-wide employer branding initiative on Linkedin, which lead to increase in diverse job applicants.

• Producer · Levitate Media2020-01-01 – 2021-01-01
• VP, Design/Art Director & Production Manager · Bank of America2014-02-01 – 2018-01-01

  • Led, coached and manages a team of 6 including graphic artists, videographers, editors, and contractors to support C-Suite executive level internal communications. • Revitalized under performing graphics department and repositioned the team as subject matter experts. • Created Power Point presentations for Bank of America executives for enterprise wide broadcast communication. • Developed and implemented motion graphics and video processes that upheld departmental demands. • Collaborated, ideated and developed various long-form and short-form communication content for executives to relay company • Managed and created graphics, animations, video, broadcast, print, and digital signage assets for enterprise-wide internal communications initiatives and events.

• Studio & Production Manager · American City Business Journals/ Sporting News / Sports Business Journal / Rowdy.com2011-01-01 – 2014-02-01

  • Managed a newly built studio and led a small creative team to produce video content for three print-based media properties: Sporting News, Sports Business Journal, and NASCAR Illustrated. • Built an in-house video studio to support the growing demand for video content on digital platforms and social media • Advised and assisted reporters in gaining knowledge of video-worthy content and how it enhances the storytelling experience • Conducted interviews, instructed on-air talent, and implemented production workflows • Edited video, animation, and audio content in support of corporate initiatives

• Adjunct Professor of Design · Winthrop University2012-08-01 – 2013-05-01

  Instruct various design skills, including graphic design, motion graphics, and video production

• Graphic Artist · The Teaching Company | The Great Courses2010-05-01 – 2011-01-01

  • Developed engaging motion graphics and illustrations to accompany academic lectures • Designed set posters and diagrams for lectures • Developed and conceptualize short marketing pieces for product promotions • Helped spearhead the creation of The Promotions Team

• Graphic Artist · ROWDY.com2008-01-01 – 2011-01-01

  Consulted on and developed video programs, trained employees on video production techniques, and designed motion graphics for the nation's leading NASCAR podcast. During this tenure, Rowdy.com was acquired by American City Business Journals/Sporting News in 2009, reflecting the impact and growth of these initiatives.

• Director of Branding and Promotions · Gray Television Inc.2008-05-01 – 2010-05-01

  Created and implemented an umbrella brand to unify three network affiliates (ABC, CBS, and FOX), streamlining resources, maximizing efficiencies, and simplifying brand messaging. Led a comprehensive overhaul of branding and promotions, including on-air visual identity, set design, vehicle design, apparel, print ads, and social media, resulting in a clear and concise brand identity. Collaborated with General Management and the News Director to support news promotions and community events. Wrote, designed, and produced branding and promotional materials to position the brand as a compassionate, community-first, and trusted local news source.

Education

• Art Institute of WashingtonBFA, Media Arts and Animation
• Sherwood High School

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