Video Editor
Make Yourself Heard:
Yamaha at the NAMM Show
Yamaha Corporation of America
Greg Macias & Donata Wood, Brand Joseph Zuniga, Creative Director Brittany Gonzales, Social Media Strategist Denise Wildman & Sasha Cisneros, Winds & Strings Marketing Jon Goldman, Product Specialist & Talent
Produced by Jason Leighton
Cinematography by Xander Herman & Scott Smith
Cinematography by Elliot Frahs
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Thousands of brands compete for attention at one of the biggest annual music industry trade shows in the world. For a few years in a row, I got to energize Yamaha's online presence and help the brand dominate through engaging video. Working onsite and fighting sensory overload, I collaborated with key stakeholders to deliver brand stories and help launch exciting new products to the US. The turnarounds were fast and the results were published quickly - a gratifying experience I will always be thankful for. In total, our team produced over 20 videos from the show floor in '24 - '26, and several leading up to each show as well. FUN FACT: The sparkly bokeh in the saxophone video comes from footage I shot of Alicia Keys' 2023 tour Yamaha piano.
Nobody has inspired my love for documentary storytelling like Jason Leighton. The telling of this incredible true story started very surface-level, with my focus on keeping the viewer engaged with "What happens next?" Through the process, it turned into a deeply personal telling of invisible internal struggles. I was also inspired by the very skilled Alissa Rooney, who elevated the look through vintage glass, gorgeous lighting, and eye for design. I had the bonus pleasure of renting the same lenses for various pickup shots that made the cut.
Asylum: A Journey of Faith and Hope
The Salvation Army USA Western Territory | 2020
Directed by Jason Leighton
Cinematography by Alissa Rooney
Jay Leonard Jay
Yamaha Corporation of America | 2026
Greg Macias & Donata Wood, Brand
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Directed by Jason Leighton
Cinematography by Justin Gum
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Musician. Family man. Spy. (OK, that was two truths and a lie.) Originally filmed for a Yamaha Guitar campaign called Find Your Breakthrough, JLJ's contagious joy became at home in the Yamaha brand creative platform, Make Yourself Heard. Long-form interviews were refocused and distilled into my favorite 2-minute Yamaha Guitar Artist profile.
Music Educators: Teaching Life
Yamaha Corporation of America | 2024
Yamaha depends on music educators to make new music makers. This video was their way of saying "We see you." We captured hours of interviews and real classes to tell several personal stories, and one brand message (seen here.)
Heather Mansell, Vertical Marketing
Directed by Jason Leighton
Cinematography by Elliot Frahs & Jenna Huskisson
Elliot Frahs
Video Editor