When Green Dot Schools approached me about creating a series of spots as the centerpiece of their #NextGreatAmerican campaign, I was immediately excited about the challenge. They had a list of people in mind but I felt the story of Evelyn Granville stood out and could make for a particularly inspiring piece.

Granville is a brilliant mathematician who made history in the early 1960s with her contributions to the NASA program. In fact her story is featured in the oscar-nominated film ‘Hidden Figures’, which shines a light on inspiring Americans who haven't been recognized for far too long.

I wrote a spot that began in her youth and culminated in her achievements at NASA. But a period shoot on a limited budget - how could we ever pull this off in a visually compelling way? By clever use of locations, production design, and the magic of cinema.

Everyone came together - client, cast and crew - to help deliver a compelling period story that resonates today more than ever.