Lumens

A six-part documentary portrait series following the designers of the Lumens Innovators Council through the people, places, and ideas that shape their work.

  • Pre-Production
    • Interview research
    • Producing
    • Story development
  • Production
    • Directing
    • Filming
    • Producing
  • Post-Production
    • Picture editing
    • Social cutdowns
    • Story editing

To understand a designer’s work, start with the life behind it.

The ask

Lumens created the Innovators Council to bring together designers with distinct perspectives on creativity, business, and the future of design. The company wanted to introduce each member through a Day in the Life film that would move beyond a traditional profile and give audiences a closer look at the person behind the work.

The challenge

No two designers approached their work in the same way. Each film needed its own visual character, pace, and emotional center without losing the consistency that connected the series.

We met each designer virtually before production, had limited opportunities to scout the locations in person, and often had only one day to capture interviews, working environments, active projects, and the details that made each story distinctive.

The challenge was not simply covering the schedule. It was arriving prepared enough to recognize the moments that could not be planned.

The approach

Begin With the Person

Before filming, we researched each designer’s work and conducted pre-interviews to understand their background, creative philosophy, and daily life. Those conversations helped us identify the questions, locations, and experiences that could reveal something meaningful on camera.

Follow the Story

We spent the day alongside each designer in the places where their work happened. Rather than forcing every film into the same formula, we allowed their routines, environments, and personalities to guide what we captured.

Create Space for Honesty

Building trust quickly was essential. We approached each interview as a conversation, listening closely and following the ideas that carried the most energy. This helped the designers move beyond rehearsed answers and speak more openly about their work.

Shape Each Film Around its Subject

In post-production, we gave every portrait its own rhythm, visual language, and tone. The primary films were supported by shorter 15-second and 30-second versions created for social media, giving Lumens a flexible library of content for multiple channels.

The series has received three Telly Awards.

 

Alvin Wayne’s Day in the Life film received two Silver Telly Awards at the 44th Annual Telly Awards, earning recognition for both Craft and General Social Video.

 

Wesley Moon’s Day in the Life film received a Bronze Telly Award for General Social Media Branded Content in 2025.

AMAZING WORK! Thanks all and can’t wait to start bragging when I’m back in the office tomorrow. : )

Ann Petersen Former Senior Director, Brand and Trade Marketing, Lumens