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Sam Papai

Sam-I-Am

Hi! I am an award-winning, Emmy-nominated producer, cinematographer, and editor based in Minnesota. In the past, I was a producer of the live television broadcasts for the MLS soccer club Minnesota United FC. After that my wife and I moved to Ghana. She researched the most effective development initiatives for an international NGO while I worked on a variety of projects for businesses and non-profits both in the US and in Ghana, including a couple documentaries that aired nationally on Ghanaian television. Now we are back in the US and I am continuing to freelance. Recent clients include: Thomson Reuters, Merck, Mayo Clinic, Promasidor Ghana Ltd., and others.

Some notable projects I have worked on are:

  • Writing and direction of a 30 minute documentary about the first hot-air balloon ever registered and flown in Ghana, produced in conjunction with the Ghana Ministry of Tourism.
  • Field production and camerawork in Haiti for a public-television produced documentary on food aid around the world

My work has won numerous digital awards (including Vega and Horizon Interactive), been nominated for multiple Emmys, seen nationally on One World Sports and ESPN3, accepted into the Smithsonian Folkways archives, and viewed on everything from smartphones to big screens. If you'd like to work with me, have a question for me, or would like to tell me something, contact me today!

I currently reside in Minneapolis, MN with my wife and son.

My Work

  • project: Hunger to Hope

    partners: Feed My Starving Children

    Scriptwriting, Producer, Animation

    Every year, almost one million people come to pack meals at Feed My Starving Children that will be delivered around the world to needy communities. FMSC needed a video that would introduce the organization and showcase the need and solution it provides to these volunteers. I created the script, filmed testimonials, and did the whiteboard animation that highlighted some of the crucial figures and other information.

  • project: Cowbell in the Sky

    partners: Promasidor Ghana, Ltd

    Scriptwriting, Cinematography, Editor

    In 2019, Promasidor Ghana Ltd registered and flew the first hot air balloon ever in Ghana. They hired me to produce a 30-minute documentary in conjuction with the Ghana Ministry of Tourism to be aired on national Ghanaian television documenting both the project and the vast tourism potential in Ghana. I wrote the script, worked with a crew of 4 to shoot around the country, and edited the final piece seen above.

  • project: The Minnesota Dark Clouds

    partners: Minnesota United FC

    Producer, Editor

    In 2014, one of the original supporters groups of Minnesota United FC was celebrating its 10th anniversary. The club wanted to put together a feature celebrating their history, as well as explaining supporter culture (and the Dark Clouds' unique interpretation of it) to the new fans joining the club daily. I shot the interviews and edited the piece using existing footage from our gameday camera crew.

  • project: Nourish hope

    partners: FMSC, TPT

    Field Production, Cinematography

    In 2012, I traveled to Haiti to document the impact of non-profit Feed My Starving Children in the poorest country in the western hemisphere. I spent 5 days in various villages and camps filming interviews and coverage. My work was an integral part of the Emmy-nominated documentary that aired on Twin Cities Public Television (TPT), a PBS member station nationally recognized for its documentary programming.

  • project: Mayo Clinic Integrity & Compliance

    partners: Mayo Clinic

    Animation, Sound Design

    The Integrity and Compliance Office at Mayo Clinic - one of the premier medical facilities in the US - needed an internal video that would introduce new guidelines and resources to Mayo employees. I was tasked with creating the animation that would present the (rather dry) information in a clear, concise, and engaging manner, while sticking to Mayo brand guidelines.

  • project: How to Know You Belong...

    partners: Youth Specialties

    Scriptwriting, Director, Editor

    The National Youth Workers Convention is a annual conference hosted by Youth Specialties. I was asked to develop the series of videos that would open each plenary session. They needed to be funny, engaging, and true to the youth workers in attendance. The concept was that of 'Clint', a youth worker trapped in a corporate job. I wrote 6 scripts, and ultimately shot 4 videos with a small crew and a mix of professional and amateur actors.

  • project: Rules of Soccer

    partners: Minnesota United FC

    Scriptwriting, Cinematography, VFX

    With the approach of the World Cup in 2014, Minnesota United FC wanted to create a video that would give new viewers a basic understanding of the beautiful game and its vernacular. True to the brand we had developed for United's in-house media, it would need to be funny and slightly presumptuous as well. I co-wrote the script with Brad Baker, who directed it. I provided all the visual FX, as well as lighting and lensing the two-day shoot. The resulting short was nominated for an Emmy in 2015.

  • project: How to Host a MobilePack

    partners: Feed My Starving Children

    Scriptwriting, Motion Graphics, Sound Design

    Feed My Starving Children's 'MobilePack' events are a chance for a business, church, or other group to host the non-profit's mealpacking operation at their own location. FMSC needed a video to send potential hosts that would introduce the company, explain what a MobilePack is, and motivate the host to sign-up or seek more information. I developed the script that integrated existing footage, new interviews, and narrated links and introduction, which were tied together with informative yet expressive graphics.

  • project: The Weekly Buzz: Ep. 4

    partners: Minnesota United FC

    Producer, Editor, Motion Graphics

    Buzz Lagos, the former coach of the Minnesota Thunder, is somewhat of a soccer legend in Minnesota. We leveraged his vast knowledge to create a series called 'The Weekly Buzz', wherein he would analyze a couple plays from Minnesota's previous game and provide a bit of scouting on their upcoming performance. I carried each episode from conception to completion: picking the plays, filming the interview, editing his analysis, and creating on-screen graphics to highlight the specifics of each play discussed.

  • project: Honda Heritage Center

    partners: Honda America, IM Creative

    Editor, Motion Graphics

    In 2014, Honda opened its North American Heritage Center in Marysville, Ohio, celebrating its impressive record of manufacturing in the United States. IM Creative was tasked with developing and hosting the opening ceremonies, and turned to me for the video element. Using archival footage as well as recently shot video from their training center, I created a short piece that would quickly take viewers through Honda's history in America, highlight their corporate values and mission, and provide inspiration for the future.

Vestige Filmworks, LLC

Began in 2008, Vestige Filmworks is the name of my freelance business that I founded and operated full-time until my move to Minnesota United FC in 2013. Now it is again my primary business. Visit the site for another perspective on me and some of my philosophy, clients, and work.

Vestige Filmworks Website

Get a hold of me

Let me know if you have a question, comment, request or job!

+1 (612) 859-3577

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