LS3 Studios

a video production company

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Genealogy Storytelling Blueprint Workshop

Genealogy Storytelling Blueprint from Leonard Smith III on Vimeo.

Testimonies from attendees that participated in my Genealogy Storytelling Blueprint Workshop.

“Leonard Smith‘s Genealogy Storytelling Blueprint Workshop at the New Orleans Public Library was such a huge success. Attendees enjoyed the workshop so much, that when it was over, people did not want to leave! The workshop was not only informative, but fun. Attendees stated that they would like the workshop to be an all-day affair next year. We look forward to inviting Leonard back for future programming.”~ LaToya, New Orleans Public Library

“I attended Leonard Smith’s Genealogy Storytelling Blueprint Workshop held at the Whitney Plantation on July 19. He helped me focus on my many years of family history research using the building blocks of documentary filmmaking, including how to take those all important first steps. His lively and engaging presentation was enhanced by useful snippets taken from documentaries that his company LS3 Studios produced covering diverse family stories. “ ~ Dolores, New York, NY

Genealogy Storytelling Blueprint Workshop“Leonard Smith’s presentations come to life in front of your eyes! His expertise and use of technology encompass all of the necessary tools to create a documentary that all can appreciate. He teaches his audience how to write the story of one’s ancestors and emphasizes the importance of writing that story. Anyone attending his seminar will definitely appreciate the knowledge on how to bring one’s family to life that will be preserved for future descendants.” ~Kathryn, New Orleans, LA

“I’ve had the pleasure of attending Genealogy Storytelling Blueprint Workshop and several genealogy sessions presented by Leonard Smith of LS3 Studios. They were phenomenal! The information presented was relevant and geared to a variety of audience members from the novice to the well-seasoned family genealogist. Leonard is always very helpful and open to questions. Once your research is complete he can teach you how to turn all that information into the keepsake of a lifetime! Your final research can be used as a teaching tool or show and tell as he demonstrates how it can be preserved and presented as a documentary! It was such a moving experience for me. We all have a story to tell; let Leonard guide you through what can be a lifelong journey through many hours of research! Well worth the time you’ll spend!” ~ Dianne, New Orleans, LA

 

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LS3 Studios Wins 2nd AVA Digital Award

AVA DIGITAL AWARDS ANNOUNCE 2013 WINNERS Narrative Network and LS3 Studios net Gold Award from among 2000 global entrants www.avaawards.com New York, NY (February 1, 2013) Narrative Network and LS3 Studios are winners of the AVA Digital-Gold Awards, for co-producing documentary trailer “From Shanghai to Harlem,” in the category of Creativity Video Production/Editing, it was announced on February 1, 2013. AVA recognizes outstanding achievement by creative professionals involved in the concept, direction, design and production of media that is part of the evolution of digital communication. Work ranges from audio and video productions to websites and social media sites that present interactive components such as video, animation, blogs, and podcasts to other user-generated digital communication.

There were 2,000 entries from throughout the United States, Canada and several other countries in the 2013 competition. Entrants included digital professionals from audio, video and film production companies; web developers; advertising agencies; PR firms; corporate and government communication departments; and independent creative professionals such as designers, producers, directors, editors and shooters.

AVA Digital Awards is sponsored and judged by the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals (AMCP). The international organization consists of several thousand productions, marketing, communication, advertising, public relations, and free-lance professionals. AMCP administers recognition programs; provides judges and rewards outstanding achievement and service to the profession. As part of its mission, AMCP fosters and supports the efforts of creative professionals who contribute their unique talents to public service and charitable organizations.

Judges are industry professionals who look for companies and individuals whose talent exceeds a high standard of excellence and whose work serves as a benchmark for the industry.

Winners, who will receive certificates and inscribed statuettes, were selected from over 200 categories in Audio, Video, and Web-based production. A list of Platinum and Gold Winners can be found on the AVA Digital Awards website at www.avaawards.com.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBHYtofVnh0

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ava digital award

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Mercedes Tucker Stamps Earned a Place in History

Louisiana Legends in the Classroom

Mercedes Tucker Stamps

A Public School Teacher’s Contribution to New Orleans Music History by Al Kennedy

Mercedes Tucker Stamps earned a place in history in 1948 by becoming the New Orleans Public School District’s first itinerant instrumental music teacher serving African American students. During her 30 1/2 years as a public school teacher and her two years at Gilbert Academy, she influenced the lives of thousands of students while preparing talented young musicians for professional careers. Many of the sounds of New Orleans music had their beginnings in Mrs. Stamps’ classroom.

Mercedes Tucker Stamps
Mercedes Tucker Stamps

Mercedes Tucker Stamps discovered the life-changing power of a musical instrument in the 1930s, when she sat down at the old upright piano in her grandmother’s living room and picked out melodies of the songs her grandmother sang. As an adult, her success as an instrumental music teacher and band director in the New Orleans Public Schools was based upon the lesson she learned from that old piano: music changes lives and unlocks creativity. During her over three decades in public school classrooms, she prepared her students to become responsible adults through the example she set, and the way she taught them to read, understand, and appreciate music.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Al Kennedy’s book, Chord Changes on the Chalkboard: How Public School Teachers Shaped ]azz and the Music of New Orleans (Scarecrow Press, 2002), was awarded the Henry Kmen Award for excellence in New Orleans music research by the New Orleans International Music Colloquium in 2003. He also received the Louisiana Jazz Federation’s “Jazztown Award” in 2000 for his contribution to New Orleans’ musical heritage.

Kennedy worked as a communications coordinator in the public information office of the New Orleans Public Schools for 21 years, during which time he began a series of interviews with retired teachers, principals, and superintendents. In 1982, he started the effort to establish the Orleans Parish School Board Collection in the Earl K. Long Library at the University of New Orleans (UNO), a collection that has grown to over 850 linear feet. Kennedy (Ph.D. in Urban Studies, UNO) has conducted additional research that focuses on the lives of music teachers who taught in the city’s public schools and on the history of public education in New Orleans through UNO’s  Ethel and Herman L. Midlo International Center for New Orleans Studies. He has taught at Dillard University and taught American History at UNO.