When UNC Rex Healthcare prepared to open its new Holly Springs Hospital, they planned an in-person VIP ribbon-cutting ceremony and public open house. However, when COVID-19 cases began to rise, the event could no longer safely bring together nearly 2,000 people. Rather than cancel the celebration, the team decided to take the event virtual—and turned to us to make it happen.
Bringing a Ribbon Cutting to Life on Screen
Our challenge was to transform an in-person experience into a virtual unveiling video that still felt personal, energetic, and community-driven. The goal was to highlight the hospital’s modern facilities, introduce key staff and leaders, and show how this new location would improve healthcare access in Southwest Wake County and nearby communities such as Apex, Holly Springs, and Fuquay-Varina.
To build excitement, our team captured dynamic b-roll showcasing the hospital’s cutting-edge technology and full-service resources, including:
- 24/7 emergency department
- Birthing center
- Inpatient lab and pharmacy
- Imaging and radiology services
- Orthopedic care
We filmed throughout the facility while staff worked behind the scenes to prepare for opening day, ensuring every shot reflected the innovation, care, and commitment of the UNC Rex team.
Highlighting Community and Collaboration
Hospitals thrive because of people—and community involvement played a central role in this story. We chose footage that showcased collaboration and teamwork, emphasizing the care that goes into making a hospital run smoothly.
We also interviewed local leaders, including the late Mayor Dick Spears and then-Senator Sydney Batch, who spoke about the hospital’s positive impact on the region. In each speaker’s lower-third graphic, we included their place of residence to subtly reinforce UNC Rex’s community-first mission: employing locals to serve locals.
Using Drone Footage to Enhance the Experience
To give viewers a complete sense of place, we used drone footage to show the scale and design of the new hospital. Aerial shots added cinematic depth to the virtual experience, helping residents visualize the facility’s presence within their growing community. The result was a rich, diverse visual experience that replaced an in-person event with something equally memorable—and more widely shareable.
Final Thoughts
Transforming in-person events into engaging virtual experiences is one of our specialties. If your organization wants to connect with your audience through meaningful video storytelling, let’s make it amazing.
