A Day in the Life

The goal was to move beyond a traditional learning video and create something students could genuinely connect with. Rather than explaining communication sciences through lectures or technical information, the project needed to immerse viewers in the daily experiences of someone who is Deaf while supporting the learning outcomes established by Baylor's faculty.

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One of the biggest challenges was finding the right participant. After multiple casting calls produced no suitable candidates, I expanded the search through my professional network and ultimately connected with our subject through a local university. Finding someone willing to share their story authentically was essential to the success of the film.

As Creative Director, I developed the creative concept for the film, shaping it around a "day in the life" narrative that centered the lived experience of our subject. I led casting efforts, developed the interview questions, and worked closely with Baylor faculty to ensure the story aligned with the program's educational goals.

The project began with one guiding question: How can we help students understand an experience they may have never encountered?

Working closely with Baylor faculty, I identified the key learning objectives before developing a narrative that would allow students to experience those concepts through storytelling rather than explanation. By focusing on one individual's daily life, the film created an authentic perspective that encouraged viewers to better understand the challenges, communication, and experiences of the Deaf community.

Throughout production, I collaborated closely with the production company, faculty, and our subject to ensure the story remained authentic while meeting the educational goals of the project.

The finished film became an educational resource for Baylor University's Communication Sciences and Disorders program, giving students a more personal understanding of the field through authentic storytelling. By centering the lived experience of the Deaf community, the project demonstrated how documentary filmmaking can deepen learning, foster empathy, and make complex concepts more accessible.

Some of the strongest educational stories begin with listening. Taking the time to build relationships, earn trust, and find the right person to tell the story proved just as important as the production itself. Authentic experiences have the power to create understanding in ways that information alone cannot.