When I planned this project, I wanted to do more than record footage. I wanted to tell a story that would resonate locally, look polished, and live online as a strong piece of work in my portfolio. This project was filmed on location at Archbishop-elect Mark Rivituso’s childhood parish, St. Wenceslaus in South St. Louis. The final piece was published on YouTube and was also promoted by the St. Louis Review.
As Archbishop-elect Mark S. Rivituso prepares to become the 10th bishop and third Archbishop of Mobile, Alabama, this video sits at a meaningful moment in his journey. We sat down with him in the very parish where his faith first took root. He reflected on his vocation, the lessons that shaped him, and the people whose prayer and example have carried him to this point.
Concept and Approach
My goal was to preserve the intimacy and reverence of this story and bring viewers into the environment that formed him. I planned out a shot list and visual approach that would make the church itself feel like a character. I scouted the parish spaces where he grew up and prayed. I paid attention to light, texture, stained glass color, and the sense of sacred calm in the architecture.
Production
On the day of filming, I worked intentionally with framing, lens choice, and camera placement to give the video a reverent and personal tone. Many of the most meaningful shots were filmed intentionally inside St. Wenceslaus, capturing both the quiet beauty of the church and the personal connection he has to that sacred space.
Editing and Sound
In post-production, I assembled the interview and narrative structure first. Once the spine of the story was clear and strong, I refined pacing, removed moments that slowed the viewer, and carefully blended music with natural room ambience from the parish. The audio was cleaned, smoothed, and mixed to make sure the focus remained on his reflection and testimony.
Publication and Impact
After the final export, the piece was published to YouTube and shared in coordination with the St. Louis Review, the official local Catholic news outlet. Their promotion extended the reach significantly, helping the story meet the people who have known Archbishop-elect Rivituso for years.
Final Thoughts
This project is a great example of how intentional preproduction, thoughtful camera work, and careful finishing can elevate a short video into something much more meaningful. Planning affects shooting. Shooting affects editing. Editing affects how the story lands. The work lives and breathes through those decisions.
I am grateful I had the chance to tell this story visually at such a significant moment for him and for the wider Catholic community. And I am excited to keep creating work that carries this level of intention.
If your organization, parish, or publication needs cinematic short-form storytelling that is visually rich and emotionally grounded, I would love to collaborate.