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Recently, we had the incredible opportunity to collaborate with NBA trainer Tommy Tempesta, creating three months’ worth of educational and engaging content in sunny San Diego. Our goal was to capture Tommy’s unique training methods and bring them to life through short-form social media videos and YouTube content. It was an inspiring experience filled with creativity, learning, and breathtaking locations.

The Atmosphere of San Diego

San Diego provided the perfect backdrop for our shoot. With its warm weather and stunning views, we were able to film in a variety of locations, each adding a different vibe to the content. From the beautiful beaches and rugged hills to the University of San Diego’s track and indoor courts, each location played its part in telling the story of Tommy’s training philosophy.

Capturing Tommy’s Genius

Tommy Tempesta is a true master of his craft, and it was our job to translate his complex knowledge into short, digestible videos that would still carry the full impact of his techniques. The challenge was to simplify his ideas without losing the depth of what makes his methods so effective.

What made the collaboration even more exciting was Tommy’s trust in us. While he had his own ideas about how the content should look, he allowed us to take the lead in making those concepts visually appealing. The result was a series of high-quality videos that highlight his expertise in a way that both educates and entertains.

The Magic Behind Tommy’s Methods

What struck me the most during the shoot was Tommy’s deep understanding of the human body and movement. He’s not just focused on improving a player’s skill set; he designs techniques that challenge them while making the process fun. His methods are so engaging that players naturally want to push themselves further, which makes his methods even more effective.

The Final Product and Its Impact

The content we created for Tommy includes both short-form social media videos and longer YouTube clips. These videos are not just educational—they’re a showcase of his unique basketball training methods. By putting his knowledge and techniques on display, we’re confident this content will expand his following and introduce his innovative approach to a whole new audience.

Personal Takeaways

Personally, I came away from this project with more than just another completed job. Hearing Tommy speak about body movement and muscle engagement gave me insights I can apply to my own life—not just in filming, but also in playing pickleball, a sport I love. I learned that hill work and improving balance, both key elements of Tommy’s methods, can improve my performance on the court as well as my endurance behind the camera.

This project was a great reminder of how interconnected skills are. Whether you’re training for sports or perfecting a shot on film, the principles of movement, balance, and consistency apply across the board.

May is my Birthday month and Mental Health Month, a time to reflect on the importance of mental health and its profound impact on our lives. This year, I had the privilege of working on a project that deeply resonated with me and broadened my understanding of mental health, particularly in children. This project was “The Children’s Trust Champions for Children,” an eye-opening experience that I am eager to share.

About the Project

The Children’s Trust, a non-profit organization, honors seven organizations or individuals in Miami who have excelled in their service to children and families. We, along with Drone Training School US, were hired to create videos for each of the seven honorees. Our task was to interview these honorees and their representatives, showcasing their incredible contributions.

Objective and Purpose

The main objective of this video project was to highlight how these honorees go above and beyond to help children. Although we were initially unaware of the project’s heavy focus on mental health, it became apparent through our interviews that many honorees work extensively in the mental health field. Their dedication to helping children with mental health issues from a young age deeply resonated with me.

Personal Connection to Mental Health

I am passionate about mental health because my family has been profoundly affected by it. I have lost many family members and friends to suicide. Additionally, some family members had mental health issues that went unrecognized and untreated due to a lack of awareness and education. This personal history fuels my advocacy for mental health awareness.

Key Messages

The key messages conveyed in the video are powerful and clear: with proper help and education, children and families can understand mental health issues and seek the necessary assistance to lead normal, fulfilling lives. This theme aligns perfectly with the spirit of Mental Health Month, emphasizing awareness and support.

Impactful Stories from the Interviews

Working on this project gave me a deeper courage to help others as I interviewed individuals who contribute so much more. Here are a few stories that particularly moved me:

Dr. William Pelham: Dr. Pelham, who recently passed away, was an advocate for helping children with mental health issues. He studied the effects of medication and promoted alternative treatments to assist these children. He established the FIU Center for Children and Families, recruiting top psychologists and researchers focused on interventions that can have lifelong impacts. Interviewing Dr. Hart from FIU and others highlighted Dr. Pelham’s legacy and his profound impact on mental health.

UM’s Jumpstart Program: We interviewed Dr. Ruby Natale, Wendy Salomon, and Dr. Maite Schenker. They revealed that children are being expelled as early as preschool, which was shocking to me. Their program works with children with challenging behaviors, helping them understand their needs and providing families with techniques and solutions. This approach aims to prevent early expulsions and support children’s developmental and mental health needs.

Zoe Taylor: An inspiring individual honoree, Zoe Taylor, is about to graduate high school and has already made a significant impact through her initiative, Zoe’s Dolls. She donates dolls to little girls worldwide who cannot afford them. What touched me deeply about Zoe’s story was the unwavering support she receives from her mother and godmother. Coming from a background where support was not always available, this moved me to tears while filming

Personal Impact and Future Aspirations

This project has been my favorite to date, and it has deeply affected both me and my team. Learning about the early onset of mental health issues in children and the barriers families face in seeking help has reinforced the critical need for mental health advocacy. Each honoree’s story has inspired me in different ways, and my goal is to find a way to make an impact in the mental health field, whether through our video production, volunteering, or counseling.

As we continue to celebrate Mental Health Month, I encourage everyone to recognize the importance of mental health, especially in children. The stories we captured in “The Children’s Trust Champions for Children” serve as a reminder that with the right support, we can make a significant difference in the lives of those struggling with mental health issues.

I invite you to watch the videos and share them with your network. Let’s raise awareness and support for mental health initiatives. Together, we can champion the cause and ensure a brighter, healthier future for all children.

Thank you for taking the time to read about this meaningful project. Let’s continue to support and advocate for mental health awareness, not just in May, but throughout the year.