client
POETRY SERIES BY ASHLEY M. JONES
brief
Amp Up Arts, a statewide arts education initiative, is committed to bringing arts instruction into every Alabama classroom, especially those without the funding or resources to provide it. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization needed a creative solution to continue this mission while adapting to distance learning.
To meet that need, Alabama Poet Laureate Ashley M. Jones developed an original poetry curriculum designed to reach multiple grade levels — from introductory to advanced — encouraging students to read, write, and perform poetry. Amp Up Arts partnered with our team to translate this curriculum into a visual experience that could inspire and educate students remotely, while maintaining the authenticity and artistry of Jones’s work.
solution
To bring this series to life, we designed a production plan that balanced visual storytelling with educational intent. We filmed in three unique locations, including an outdoor environment directly connected to one of the featured poems, allowing students to experience poetry within its natural and cultural context. Each lesson featured Ashley M. Jones guiding viewers through the craft and meaning behind her work, offering both literary styles and instruction.
Given the restrictions of COVID, the production was executed with remote coordination and a minimal crew to ensure safety without compromising quality. We focused on clear visuals, warm lighting, and natural soundscapes to keep the lessons inviting and accessible. The final video series provided educators across Alabama with a ready-to-use resource for virtual classrooms — merging art, literature, and accessibility. Through this project, Amp Up Arts was able to continue fulfilling its mission: expanding access to arts education, even in a time of distance.
Additional Episode