Amy Brazao-Cartas
Visual Storyteller | Video Strategist | Multimedia Leader
I am a multiple Emmy Award-winning multimedia and video producer with over two decades of experience, specializing in transforming complex ideas into engaging, accessible stories. My work has been recognized in the Public Service Announcement and Crime & Justice categories.
I’m driven by a passion for purpose-driven storytelling and collaboration, creating content that informs, inspires, and advances organizational goals.
Project Highlights
Faces of Fentanyl PSA: Collaborated on the Emmy Award-winning, multi-agency Faces of Fentanyl awareness campaign for Riverside County, contributing the PSA concept featuring three character-driven stories and overseeing lighting design to visually distinguish each character in the 30-second spot.
Operation Intercept: Alongside a junior team member, all footage and interviews for this multi-agency operation were captured under my direction. The documentary was produced from the ground up, with the story carefully shaped to highlight key elements, and a multi-agency social media campaign was developed to support its release. The project earned an Emmy in Crime & Justice.
Project HEAL: Produced and directed an episode of Changemakers spotlighting Project HEAL, a grant-funded program supporting victims of violent crime and their access to trauma recovery services. Led creative development, scripting, and editing to humanize the data and highlight evidence-based, victim-focused approaches in a visually compelling narrative.
Stories of Resilience: Conceptualized and produced Stories of Resilience, a short documentary series celebrating individuals and communities overcoming adversity through federally supported programs. Directed interviews and crafted a unifying visual tone to convey authenticity and hope, emphasizing the impact of public safety and victim support initiatives nationwide.
When Seconds Count PSA:
The original video was a longer, several-minute piece, with a junior team member serving as the project lead. I mentored her on how to manage the project and direct talent, providing guidance throughout the process. My hands-on work included editing a 30-second version for social media, carefully shaping the story to fit the shorter format while maintaining the impact of the original video.
Blue Envelope Program: As team lead, I developed the story concept and provided creative direction for the project. I captured select footage and created motion graphics, laying the groundwork for a junior team member to complete the final edit after my departure from the agency.
Are You Ready to Make a Difference?: Edited and sound-designed a 30-second recruiting commercial for the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office. Wrote the script around existing footage and sound bites, and captured select shots to complete the narrative.
Justice Explained series: Developed and produced a motion-graphics series that breaks down complex justice programs into clear, accessible videos. Led scripting, design, and animation for episodes such as What Is SAKI? and What Is NamUs?, making federal initiatives easier for the public to understand and share.
Fact Sheet: Transformed a data-heavy fact sheet into an engaging, social-media–friendly motion graphic, using icons and animation to make key findings easier to understand and share.