LS3 STUDIOS
Film Production Studio
LS3 Studios is a film production studio in Louisiana
As award-winning video biography specialists for a film production studio, we focus on crafting high-quality legacy videos for individuals, organizations, and businesses alike. We aim to weave visually striking and emotionally engaging narratives encapsulating our subjects’ unique essence, achievements, values, and personalities. Our services include video biographies, personal histories, audio biographies, professional photography, archival storytelling, and film editing. We also excel in website design and filmmaking, ensuring your story is told and showcased in the most captivating ways possible. Partner with us, and let us immortalize your legacy through the power of creative storytelling and innovative filmmaking.
LS3 Studios
We would be honored to tell YOUR Story!
At the heart of our operations, we take immense pride in offering clear, intuitive access to archives and vital information, all while shaping compelling narratives through digital media. Our devoted team of producers and writers is steadfastly committed to enlightening, entertaining, and stirring our audience with ground-breaking storytelling techniques. Our innovative approach ensures that each narrative we craft informs and leaves a lasting impact, making us a trusted partner for your digital media needs.
As an independent studio, LS3 Studios has produced several award-winning documentaries. Our most recent project, “A Place Called Desire,” was a finalist for Best Documentary at the San Diego Black Film Festival. Winner of a prestigious Award of Recognition Impact DOCS Award. It also won a Silver Telly Award and a Gold Digital AVA Award. It was a Semifinalist in the Rootstech 1st Film Fest. Nominated for the 2020-2021 LEH Humanities Documentary Film of the Year. Official Selection for the New Orleans Film Festival, Winner of the Best Documentary, and Winner of the Jury Audience Award in the Black Film Festival of New Orleans. Official Selection for the San Francisco Black Film Festival. Artie Nominee 2020 Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., New Orleans. “Life Stories of Raymond Andrew “Ray” Boseman,” winner of a Telly Award and Communicator Award, “From Shanghai to Harlem,” winner of the Gold AVA Award and Bronze Telly; “The 100th Anniversary of St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church,” winner of two Bronze Telly Awards and “A Legend in the Classroom-The Life Story of Ms. Yvonne Busch,” winner of the AVA Platinum Award, Hermes Gold Award, and Bronze Telly Award.
Projects
The Clients We Have Served
LS3 Studios has a proven successful track record with storytelling. We have produced projects for: Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans Jazz Museum, Black and Indian Mission Office, Washington DC, Treme Charter School Association, Dillard University, Communities First Inc. (Flint, MI), Blessed Sacrament-St. Joan of Arc Parish, Ohio State University, Tulane University, Friends of Joe W. Brown Memorial Park, Gulfside Assembly, Rich Girl Collective, Fannie C. Williams Charter School, Narrative Network, New Orleans Public Library, Ruby’s Restaurant Lafayette, Royal T Fitness, LLC., Blueprint Marketing & Public Relations, The Iberia African American Historical Society, WYES-PBS, Cozy Couture SPA Parties, Roots of Faith: Ancestry on Catholic Life Television, Robert R. Moton Charter School, O2 Face and Body, Dr. Danielle Dore, CEO InsideHer, Second Mount Calvary Baptist Church, Herlin Riley, The Josephites, Terrebonne Genealogical Society, Peonage Detective, New Orleans Public Schools, St. Raymond-St. Leo Parish, Algiers Charter Schools Association, OW Dillion Preservation Organization, and the Louisiana Recovery School District.
Leonard Smith III
Storytelling Strategist
Storytelling Strategist
Leonard Smith III is a storytelling strategist and documentary filmmaker. He has been involved in every aspect of historical research from genealogy, photography, multimedia, archival storytelling, film-making, and music. Leonard’s company, LS3 Studios, has produced several award winning documentaries.
- 13 Awards in 2020/2022
His most recent project, “A Place Called Desire,” was a finalist for Best Documentary in the San Diego Black Film Festival. Winner of a prestigious Award of Recognition Impact DOCS Award. It also won a Silver Telly Award and a Gold Digital AVA Award. It was a Semifinalist in the Rootstech 1st Film Fest. Nominated for the 2020-2021 LEH Humanities Documentary Film of the Year. Official Selection for the New Orleans Film Festival, Winner of the Best Documentary and Winner of the Jury Audience Award in the Black Film Festival of New Orleans. Official selection in the San Francisco Black Film Festival. Artie Nominee 2020 Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., New Orleans and Winner of the Louisiana Heritage Media Award and aired on WYES-PBS. It is the story of the community Leonard grew up in the 60s and 70s in New Orleans.
LS3 Studios mission is to “educate, entertain, and inspire others to tell their story.”
Our Best Stories
A Place Called Desire
A Place Called Desire offers unforgettable history lessons applicable to American history, Louisiana history, African American history, urban history, racial history, studies of neighborhoods, studies of survival, and memorable stories of love and community. Somehow the filmmaker manages to share hard truths with a gentle touch.
~ Dr. Al Kennedy
In Production
On God’s Great Gulf of Mexico: The Gulfside Assembly Story
Gulfside Assembly, founded by Bishop Robert E. Jones, is a testament to the enduring spirit of the African-American community. From its inception in the late 19th century to the challenges of the 21st century, Gulfside has been a beacon of hope, education, and unity. This narrative chronicles its journey, highlighting its pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement, its resilience in natural disasters, and its unwavering commitment to serving the community.
In Production
The Power of One: The Musical Legacy of Yvonne Busch
Yvonne Busch was one of the most inspirational, respected, and impactful figures in New Orleans music education. Busch set aside her burgeoning music career to teaching others as a musical prodigy and an accomplished, sought-after orchestral jazz performer as a child and young teen in the 1940s. In doing so, she helped shape the lives and careers of thousands of New Orleans music students and profoundly influenced the course of New Orleans music.
In Pre-Production
Leading to Glory
Leading to Glory is the story of five Louisiana men who volunteered to fight for the freedom they sought and cherished. Their stories have often been forgotten, shared only by word of mouth or hidden deep within public and private archives, but the impact of their lives is still felt to this day. To see people of color in today’s United States military or to exercise one’s right to vote is a nod to the contributions and sacrifices of these men and others like them.
