TEDxLogan Circle is a truly community-driven initiative made possible by the generosity of local partners who share our passion for ideas and innovation. Their sponsorship and in-kind donations are essential to bringing this event to life, and we’re thrilled to showcase their journey and commitment to making a difference.
Don't miss out on the inspiring talks and ideas at TEDxLogan Circle 2024 – secure your tickets today!
Heather Hutt, CCO / Chief Content Officer
Taylor Kampia, Co-Founder, Make A Scene Media
What does the Washington D.C. community mean to you?
The co-owners of Make A Scene are both transplants to the area. Taylor, originally from North Carolina moved to D.C. in 1999 to attend American University. And Heather, a Massachusetts native, came to D.C. in the mid 2000s. While they came to the area for different reasons, the reasons they stayed are similar: the creative and talented people, the beautiful scenery and lush parks, and the ability to be in a place where they could help make a difference. The D.C. community has so many innovative individuals and organizations working to solve some of the toughest challenges of our time and it is a privilege to be able to work alongside them and help tell their stories.
What fun facts may your fans and customers be surprised to learn about?
- We come from the world of reality television! We spent over a decade developing a television series with inspiring, wild, hilarious and… quirky talent across the country. One of Taylor’s favorite shows she developed was Raising Tourette’s on Lifetime which presented an authentic look at what it’s like to be a teenager with Tourette's syndrome. Heather spent way too much time researching homicide for true crime shows and dress shops for wedding shows.
- We won our first Telly producing a powerful music video called Letter To A Nation that was filmed in the deserted streets of D.C. during the pandemic.
- Heather is a trained ballroom dancer and Taylor takes exquisite nature photography.
- We won our first Telly producing a powerful music video called Letter To A Nation that was filmed in the deserted streets of D.C. during the pandemic.
- Heather is a trained ballroom dancer and Taylor takes exquisite nature photography.
Why do you think highlighting community innovators is important?
You can’t be what you can’t see. Representation is so important because it gives hope and motivation to aspiring innovators who may not see themselves in the landscape of those presented through media. It’s not just kids who need to see stories of perseverance, success, problem-solving, and inspiration to keep pursuing their dreams. In addition, it is through sharing and community building that innovators can find the support they need to amplify their ideas and efforts.
Why was your company created? What is “your why”?
We knew we loved telling people’s stories. But we knew that stories could be used for more than entertainment. They can be used to spread awareness, inspire engagement, and make an impact. We wanted to start doing that for causes close to our hearts. We wanted to make a positive impact with video storytelling.
Part of our origin story shows this: Heather had been developing true crime shows for years. But it was disheartening to keep telling the stories of homicide without helping to prevent it. She started volunteering with her local Domestic and Sexual Violence Services (DSVS), taking training in trauma to assist victims and help teach court-ordered classes to perpetrators. When word spread that she had video and editing experience, she started a monthly program for the DSVS internal communications team. When the agency received emergency funding to create a Public Service Announcement (PSA) to encourage those stuck at home during the pandemic to reach out if they’re experiencing abuse, they approached Heather and the newly-founded Make A Scene Media. To produce the PSA, they implemented therapist-approved trauma-informed practices into their production as they interviewed several survivors of domestic violence. And at the end, when the final video was shown to the survivors, it was a powerful and emotional moment for all. The survivors shared that they felt participating was a part of their healing process - they had taken a step towards closure in sharing their stories to help others. Heather and Taylor were hooked. Ever since, they’ve been working to make video accessible to mission-driven organizations of all sizes to provide that experience for more participants, organizations, and audiences.
What values are important for your company, and how did you build that culture?
With a background in traditional media, our team has experienced the side of the industry that places product over people, and we know there’s a better way. We work hard to incorporate trauma-informed practices into our process and champion representation both in front of and behind the camera. This can be seen in how we work to create a safe environment on set, handing control of the narrative to our interviewee(s), emphasizing consent throughout the process, hiring diverse crews, and extending the offer to ask for breaks to both our crew and participants.
Our overall mission is to make video accessible to organizations of all sizes. We want nonprofits and mission-driven organizations to be able to use video as a tool in their toolbox. That’s why we produce a podcast and develop workshops to educate organizations on low budget options and video best practices. We strategize economical solutions for nonprofits in need (thanks AI!) and maximize large budgets by providing video strategies and content that serve many purposes, reach varied audiences, and utilize multiple platforms. This has led to working in the spaces of affordable housing, criminal justice, women’s rights, environmental conservation, and more. In the past we’ve worked with Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing, Fairfax County Domestic and Sexual Violence Services, Center for Youth and Family Advocacy, American Academy of Pediatrics, National League of Cities, American Forests, and many more!
Tell me about one of your favorite memories in Washington, D.C.
During the pandemic, a friend of ours, Garrett Jackson, a talented singer, came to us with a song he had written. It was a beautiful piece speaking to the Black Lives Matter movement and the losses from covid. We worked together to produce a socially-distanced music video. With the city shut down, we filmed at the Black Lives Matter Plaza, the MLK Jr. Memorial, and in front of RFK stadium, it was a powerful moment honoring those lost to Covid, with one flag representing every death. The images were beautiful and haunting. The city was its own character - a part of the events and emotion Garrett was capturing in his piece.
Why is your development in DC important for you and your company?
The media industry is constantly changing. The past decade in D.C. has been no different as Discovery Channel and several large entertainment-focused production companies have left the area. An industry full of incredibly talented people are now shaping a new future for media in the D.C. area whether it’s non-profit media, documentary, livestream … you name it. We want to be a part of that growth. We also benefit greatly from the incredible nonfiction producers, writers, directors of photography, editors, etc. who call D.C. home.
MAKE A SCENE
We provide full-service video production and digital marketing services to businesses, nonprofits, and agencies. Our award-winning videos turn apathy and unawareness into engagement and action with a blend of authentic storytelling and strategic messaging.
Don't miss out on the inspiring talks and ideas at TEDxLogan Circle 2024 – secure your tickets today!