Case Study

African American Heritage Stories

Amplifying Black Voices

As part of Explore Charleston’s Explore Black Charleston initiative, we crafted a seven-film series that amplifies powerful African American heritage stories across the Lowcountry. From the historic grounds of McLeod Plantation and Boone Hall to the groundbreaking exhibits at the International African American Museum, our journey took us deep into the past and unearthing narratives that shaped the present.

Authentic Storytelling

More than just a production, this project was a meaningful experience for our crew as we helped capture stories and histories that deserve to be heard. To keep interviews intimate and authentic, we chose audio-only recordings, creating space for honest, deeply personal conversations without the distraction of cameras or lights. The result is a visually striking, emotionally resonant series that connects Charleston’s history to modern tourism in a meaningful way.

"We completely trust Vive Media to run with our initial vision and tie in their own creativity and talent to produce unique, high-quality content that highlights the Charleston area in an amazing light."

Hannah Shaffer
Social + Digital Content Manager
Explore Charleston

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Frequently Asked Questions

To capture honest, deeply emotional conversations, we removed the rigid distraction of large camera rigs and studio lights. This allowed subjects to speak intimately, creating a powerful vocal landscape that we paired with evocative cinematography in post-production.

Our production path covered major cultural landmarks, including the International African American Museum (IAAM), Boone Hall, McLeod Plantation, Magnolia Plantation, and the historic Philip Simmons Ironworks.

A serialized video approach allows complex historical narratives to breathe. By splitting the campaign into focused, individual stories, we provide cultural institutions with an extensive asset library perfect for sustained multi-month digital outreach.