
The Ask.
Year 2023-2024, I was involved in a Vietnamese Student Association Organization where I became a cabinet member as a Historian. I was assigned with co-chairs to work with for the year and we were tasked to make a 2024 Board Reveal Video that has been a tradition in the organization. Taking on this responsibility required strong planning, artistic direction, and coordination, as we aimed to produce a video that was both visually captivating and emotionally resonant for our members and audience.
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Thao Tran
Fashion Merchandise Major
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Courtney Van
Computer Science Major
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Parker Gonzaga
Computer Science Major
Brainstorm
Time Management
Skills
Adobe Premier
Visuals/Creator
Color Grading
Storyboard
The Process
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The brainstorming process included in choosing a theme, transitions, and storyline. My co-chairs and I took inspirations from the year before and decided to make our theme cyberpunk with a mix of mafia. Once the theme was set, we focused on how to bring it to life through transitions and storytelling. We carefully mapped out scenes to ensure smooth visual flow, incorporating glitch effects, and neon lighting to reflect the cyberpunk aesthetic and maintain a consistent, immersive narrative throughout the video as we introduced our members and their position.
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Coordinating with our VSA board, which included 16–20 members across various positions, was a challenging and time-consuming task due to everyone’s different class schedules, work commitments, and personal responsibilities. To manage scheduling efficiently, my co-chairs and I created When2Meet polls for each member and position to gather their availability. This allowed us to visualize overlapping free times and identify the best days for group filming. We followed up with reminders and adjusted the schedule as needed to accommodate last-minute changes. While it took extra effort and flexibility, this organized approach ensured that every board member could participate in the video and feel included in the creative process.
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For the days that were chosen based on everyone’s availability, we planned thoroughly to make the most of our time. My co-chairs and I organized detailed shot lists for each member's transition, ensuring that everyone’s role aligned with the cyberpunk theme. We also scouted and selected locations ahead of time that matched the aesthetic—urban settings with neon lights or futuristic vibes—and adjusted lighting to enhance the mood and visual consistency. During the video shoots, which typically lasted 2–3 hours, we focused on capturing multiple takes and angles to ensure we had plenty of usable footage. We gave direction on poses, movements, and expressions to keep each transition smooth and cohesive. The process required strong coordination, clear communication, and creative problem-solving, especially when dealing with unpredictable challenges like weather, time constraints, or equipment issues.
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After we captured everyone’s footage, my co-chairs and I began the detailed process of putting everything together and editing the final video. We started by organizing the clips by scene and member, reviewing each shot to select the smoothest transitions and most visually engaging moments. Choosing the right song was a key part of setting the tone. We also layered in effects such as glitch transitions, flickering lights, and digital overlays to reinforce the theme. Throughout the process, we paid close attention to syncing movement with beats and ensuring the story flowed smoothly from one scene to the next. The editing stage required creativity, collaboration, and patience, but it was incredibly rewarding to see our vision come to life.
The Outcome
The outcome of our efforts was a highly successful and visually striking 2024 Board Reveal Video that received enthusiastic praise from both the VSA board and schools around the Mid-Atlantic Region. Through thoughtful planning, effective communication, and creative execution, we were able to highlight each member in a way that felt personal and cohesive within the cyberpunk theme. Despite the challenges of coordinating schedules and managing a large team, our organized approach and attention to detail resulted in a polished final product that reflected our hard work and dedication. The video not only upheld the organization’s tradition but also raised the bar for future reveal projects, strengthening team bonds and leaving a lasting impact on VSA’s legacy.