At Lure Digital, we’ve always believed that storytelling is at the heart of everything we do—and our Gold Telly Award win for Pelco’s Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel Case Study is a perfect example of that. This project wasn’t just about showcasing a product; it was about crafting a high-stakes, human-centered narrative that resonated deeply with their audience and potential customers.
In this behind-the-scenes look, we’re diving into how we approached this award-winning video and how storytelling played a pivotal role in winning big at the Tellys.
Join Ky Schultz as he breaks down the creative process, the challenges, and the secrets behind telling a story that elevates a brand and makes a lasting impact. Let’s go beyond the surface and explore how we brought this project to life—and to the (digital) podium!
Tell us a bit about your organization and what your specialty is in the film and video space.
Lure Digital is an award-winning digital agency specializing in creatively connecting people to brands through creative and compelling storytelling. Originally founded as a production company (Lure Films), we quickly recognized that the content we were producing wasn’t always being used to its full potential. That realization led us to transform into Lure Digital—a full-fledged video marketing agency that seamlessly integrates strategy into every stage of production.
Our team consists of both content creators and strategists, which allows us to take a holistic approach to every project. Whether it’s commercials, corporate videos, or social media content, we ensure that thoughtful, creative ideas are at the heart of everything we do. We operate with a flexible, dedicated creative team, maximizing our clients' budgets to deliver quality content at every turn.
In addition to content creation, we offer social media strategy and management services. By leveraging digital analytics and optimized targeting, we ensure that each piece of content reaches its most relevant audience, helping our clients achieve their broader marketing and advertising objectives. At Lure, we don’t just make videos—we make sure they deliver results.
What is your organization's ethos and how does it set you apart from industry competitors?
At Lure, our ethos is rooted in community, collaboration, and continuous growth. We see ourselves not just as a creative team, but as partners with our clients, where each of us plays an active role in helping one another thrive. What sets us apart is this sense of shared goals and transparency. From the get-go, we’re upfront about our processes, objectives, and pricing. It’s about creating an open dialogue—both with our clients and internally—where ideas can be exchanged freely, fostering creativity without barriers.
We’re committed to delivering original, high-quality content that’s strategically grounded and creatively executed. By staying ahead of industry trends and maintaining a deep curiosity for innovation, we ensure that our clients receive content that’s fresh, relevant, and impactful. This forward-thinking mindset keeps us adaptable in an ever-changing advertising landscape.
Ultimately, our focus on clear communication and our dedication to fostering genuine partnerships with our clients allow us to consistently deliver top-tier results, setting us apart in a competitive industry.
Tell us about your Telly Award-winning piece.
Our Telly Award-winning piece for Pelco, a leader in predictive video security solutions, showcases the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel (CBBT) and its innovative use of Pelco’s security technology. Initially, we anticipated a standard case study on security cameras, but our experience quickly evolved into something far more profound.
Upon arrival, we were greeted by dedicated employees who were deeply passionate about the bridge-tunnel system. Their commitment was evident; some had spent nearly their entire careers there. To them, the CBBT wasn’t just a transportation route—it was a vital piece of the state’s history that fostered growth and connection. This insight enriched our narrative, revealing layers of significance that transcended our original expectations.
Visually, the project exceeded my initial assumptions. The office setting, with some help from our production team, added character to our shots, reminiscent of a cozy, nostalgic film. The bridge itself was stunning, and we were fortunate with the weather, as we avoided the usual fog and winds that would have hindered our drone footage. Instead, we had some light rain and long shadows that created moody lighting. Thanks to our Creative Director and Director, Bria Little, and our in-house Cinematographer, Chris Kas, we were able to capitalize on the dramatic setting, capture authentic and emotional responses to questions, and build an overall best-in-class case study.
Ultimately, the testimonials captured the deep appreciation the team had for the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, which translated beautifully into the final product. Their love for the bridge not only highlighted the benefits of Pelco’s solutions but also created a heartfelt connection that resonated with viewers. This authentic sentiment is what transformed our case study into a compelling story that contributed to our Telly Award win.
Can you share a behind-the-scenes story or fun fact about the making of your piece?
We believe in keeping things light and fun on set—why not make the experience enjoyable for our team back home?
Filming in public spaces always draws attention, which can come with its own challenges. From the friendly passerby who jokes, ‘I’m ready for my closeup,’ to security guards or police officers checking our permits and seeming ready to shut us down, we’ve encountered it all. We’re always ready to handle these situations professionally and by the book.
For this particular project, we had multiple police officers and squad cars on set as part of the scene (responding to an emergency situation swiftly). Our producer, Jamie Connors, wasn’t aware that we had locked his scene in on-site, so we decided to have a little fun. I posed in the back of a police car, and Bria sent her a photo, saying that I’d been ‘arrested’ for filming without permission.
She fell for it and had a moment of panic—immediately looking up filming laws in Virginia… before we let her in on the joke. It’s a memory that still makes us laugh and reminds us of the importance of balancing professionalism with a little bit of lightheartedness on set.
What are you most proud about and/or what was a classic challenge you faced in making the piece, and how did you resolve it?
One of the classic challenges we faced while creating this piece was the condition of the security cameras on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel. Often, the product you film is not a perfect example of the pristine product out of the box. Many of the cameras (although fully functional) showed significant wear, with rust and paint chips that we couldn’t address during the shoot.
Fortunately, we have a highly skilled VFX artist on our team, Jonathan Blanton, who stepped in to resolve these issues. Using Mocha Pro, Adobe After Effects, and Adobe Photoshop, he expertly touched up all the imperfections. We were so impressed with his work that we even dedicated a blog post to it, showcasing his talent and the transformation he achieved: How Our In-House Team Elevates Projects for Less.
What makes me proud is how we turned a potential setback into an opportunity for creativity and collaboration. Jonathan’s contributions ensured that the final piece not only met our high standards but also highlighted the professionalism and skill of our entire team.
Do you have any advice for other filmmakers based on your career or your team's approach to work?
My key piece of advice for other filmmakers is to prioritize customer retention and build long-term relationships. If you trace my journey back to the beginning, it all started over 10 years ago when I met James Segil, who owned a company called Edgecast.
We created brand videos and seasonal spots for Edgecast, and from there, a valuable connection was formed. When Edgecast was later sold to Verizon, we transitioned to working with them, marking a significant growth period for Lure as we began hiring full-time employees.
James eventually moved on to found Openpath, which he later sold to Motorola Solutions, Inc (MSI). This led to our introduction to the Motorola security team, as Pelco operates under Motorola’s security branch, resulting in us being hired for the project.
This journey highlights how essential it is to foster relationships that stand the test of time. Having someone who values your work and aligns with your business values is mutually beneficial. In our case, we supported these brands from their startup phases, which ultimately positioned us as their trusted video marketing agency and led to further recommendations when they were acquired by larger companies.
Lure Digital. An award-winning digital agency in Los Angeles and Santa Barbara that is dedicated to creatively connecting people to your brand. Connect with us to create award-winning content for your brand.
Comentarios