ASK PSE
ASKPSE: or the PSE Consultation Desk, is a new tool in the PSE Modernize toolbox. It is an easy-to-use, one-stop shop for USAID staff to ask any PSE-related question and get an answer, a resource, or access to an expert—usually within 48 hours.
The Challenge
The challenge? A big vision with no clear path. The Public Sector Engagement team had the idea—but not the technical know-how to bring it to life at scale. They needed expert guidance to transform their concept into a seamless, high-impact production. That’s where I stepped in.
The Outcome
The final result? A dynamic, high-energy video that was as fun to shoot as it was to watch. It pushed us to think bigger, move faster, and get creative.
We captured the action with multiple cameras, experimented with bold angles, and used dynamic movement to bring the script to life. Every shot was meticulously blocked for maximum impact.
The outcome? A major success. The project earned rave reviews across the agency, proving that bold storytelling and creative risk-taking pay off.
SCRIPT
Scene 1: Person A is sitting at their computer
Internal monologue [narrated]: “This mobile payments company has a lot of great ideas that are both good for their business and can help us advance and scale economic development in this region in a more sustainable way. Who would know more about the digital payments ecosystem?”
Scene 2: Person B pops their head in the door, and says “Just askPSE!”
SCRIPT
Scene 1: Person A (Charlin) standing in front of a screen presenting to staff with a PSE Modernize slide behind the trainer.
“This has been a brief overview of private sector engagement at USAID. I hope it’s been useful and interesting. What questions do you have for me?”
*Whip pan *
Person B: (Voiceover) “Are there any learning resources I can find on catalyzing finance?”
Charlin: “Let me look that up for you”
Scene 2: PSE Modernize slide disappears and Person B appears on screen and says “just AskPSE!” Person A turns around to face the screen with a surprised look.
SCRIPT
Scene 1: Counselor White is accompanied by person B (Mandeep Jangi) while walking back to his office from a meeting.
Counselor White: “That DOD panel had an interesting procurement approach.”
Mandeep: “I wonder what innovative procurement approaches we could use with the private sector?”
Counselor White: "I bet Erin would know.”
Scene 2: Counselor White reaches his office door. Camera shows Counselor White’s name sign. Counselor White opens the door to his office while saying:
Scene 3: Erin swivels around in Counselor White’s office chair to face the camera:
Erin: “Just askPSE!”
Video Goal:
To raise awareness of the askPSE service, the PSE Hub has worked with Legislative and Public Affairs to develop a concept for a humorous and engaging video highlighting this easy-to-use resource's availability. The askPSE promo video showcases various staff members in different work situations asking a PSE-related question and being reminded—usually humorously – to “Just askPSE”! The video should communicate what “askPSE” is, embed name recognition, and communicate ease and accessibility.
The Process
Pre-Production:
Collaborated with the PSE team to lock in clear objectives and goals. Every detail—from concept development to scripting and planning—was carefully crafted to ensure a seamless execution.
Production: Precision Meets Creativity.
Built a comprehensive production plan, overseeing filming, directing, and team coordination. Every shot was intentional, every movement designed to enhance the story.
Post-Production: Polish. Power. Impact.
Meticulously ingested and organized all footage and audio, weaving it together with sharp editing, dynamic motion graphics, and a compelling soundtrack. Multiple feedback rounds refined the final cut—resulting in a high-impact, polished final product.
Segment 1: ASK PSE
Segment 2: USAID Training
The Solution
My approach? Hands-on and strategic. I sat down with the PSE team, dissected the script, and crafted a precise shot list to bring their vision to life.
As Producer and DP, I didn’t just plan—I executed. Every shot, every movement, every frame was intentional.
The goal? A fun, engaging video with a punch of humor. Inspired by The Office, I used handheld, shaky cam techniques to create a raw, immersive feel—drawing the audience into the scene, making every moment feel real.
Segment 3: Procurement
Segment 5: Combined Mission Colleagues
SCRIPT
Scene 1: DA Vega is on the 7th floor kitchen getting coffee. He is with two other colleagues who are all getting coffee. He pours a cup of coffee for himself when he is interrupted by person B (Meghan) who enters the kitchen
Scene 2: Person B (Meghan Majorowski) enters the kitchen and comes up to DA Vega excitedly.
Meghan: “Hey Dennis! Just the person I wanted to see! I just met with this company that I think would be a great private sector partner for the Agency. But I’m wondering what I need to do to complete due diligence on them?”
DA Vega: DA Vega smiles at Meghan and slides his coffee cup over to Meghan as he says: “Oh that’s easy.”
Meghan: Meghan picks up the cup, about to take a sip and stops. The camera zooms to inside the cup as she says “askPSE.”
SCRIPT
Scene 1: Five FSN colleagues are gathered in a conference room around a laptop - watching the screen (some sitting, some standing).
Scene 2: The screen features the Administrator’s EDGE fund announcement in Ecuador. FSNs are seen from behind looking at the screen, watching the Administrators remarks.
Samantha Power, on video/screen: (r) - Seen in the background as needed during the setup shot but no audio: “Catalyzing private sector partnerships like this are key to USAID's work to spur economic growth and create job opportunities here in Ecuador. To connect, Even more small-scale farmers to Corporacion Favoritas supply chains.
Audible in the video and for the FSNs: “USAID is launching a new partnership with the company through our EDGE fund, an innovative incentive fund which is designed to engage the private sector in global development.”
Continuing on the screen in the background as needed but will not be heard in the shoot: We have chosen to use EDGE fund money here in Ecuador to do just that. This investment and this public-private partnership is going to provide small-scale farmers with the technical assistance, the training and the access to finance that they need to grow quality produce at the scale that is needed.”
Scene 3: Camera shows 5 FSNs from front. Gerardo addresses the group with excitement:
Gerardo Tablas: “We have some GREAT ideas in our Mission for partnerships with new companies, I wonder how WE apply for EDGE funding?”
Scene 4: Other 4 FSNs shrug their shoulders and/or say various different comments about where they would think to look. (important to enunciate when talking & over-act responses)
Scene 5: Return to scene 2 shot with FSNs seen from behind looking at the screen.
On screen see Administrator Power:
Samantha Power: “Hi! Over here... Just askPSE!"
Scene 6: Return to scene 4 shot - Camera shows all 5 FSNs from front.
FSNs express a combination of reactions: in agreement, surprised, informed, etc.
