Defy the Storm
Some storms arrive with thunder and lightning. Others arrive disguised as federal budget cuts.
For the American Indian College Fund’s Defy the Storm, Vladimir Jones and Hall Pass Productions brought that metaphor to life through the stories of three Native student ambassadors: Promise, Tasheena, and Sky. Their resilience in the face of adversity gave the campaign its emotional weight.
Inside a Denver studio, we unleashed high-powered fans, practical lightning, green screens, and plenty of VFX to create a storm of epic proportions. Every detail, from culturally grounded wardrobe to landscapes reflecting each student’s heritage, helped keep the story authentic. A lot went into creating the storm. But even more went into making sure the students’ stories weren’t lost in it.








