Carlos Guillermo Smith
When Historic Representation Meets Civil Rights Leadership
Florida State Senator Carlos Guillermo Smith, representing District 17 covering much of Orange County, approached us during his transition from the Florida House to the Senate after making history as the first openly LGBTQ+ Latino elected to the Florida Legislature. With a background in civil rights advocacy at Equality Florida and a proven track record of championing progressive legislation, Smith needed content that showcased his unique position as both a barrier-breaking representative and effective policy leader.
We developed compelling video pieces that highlighted Smith’s journey from Men’s Wearhouse manager to nationally recognized civil rights advocate. Our civil rights storytelling approach emphasized his leadership in the aftermath of the Pulse nightclub shooting and his ongoing fight against discriminatory legislation like Florida’s “Don’t Say LGBTQ” law, helping voters understand how his personal identity and professional advocacy combine to create authentic representation for marginalized communities.
Carlos Guillermo Smith
When Historic Representation Meets Civil Rights Leadership
Florida State Senator Carlos Guillermo Smith, representing District 17 covering much of Orange County, approached us during his transition from the Florida House to the Senate after making history as the first openly LGBTQ+ Latino elected to the Florida Legislature. With a background in civil rights advocacy at Equality Florida and a proven track record of championing progressive legislation, Smith needed content that showcased his unique position as both a barrier-breaking representative and effective policy leader.
We developed compelling video pieces that highlighted Smith’s journey from Men’s Wearhouse manager to nationally recognized civil rights advocate. Our civil rights storytelling approach emphasized his leadership in the aftermath of the Pulse nightclub shooting and his ongoing fight against discriminatory legislation like Florida’s “Don’t Say LGBTQ” law, helping voters understand how his personal identity and professional advocacy combine to create authentic representation for marginalized communities.
Capturing Civil Rights Advocacy
Our primary video centered on Smith at the LGBTQ+ Center Orlando, filming during a community event where his role as both advocate and elected official becomes evident. We captured him speaking with Pulse survivors and LGBTQ+ youth, with warm interior lighting creating an intimate setting as he discussed the ongoing fight for equality and safety. The setting reinforced his community roots – this wasn’t political theater, but genuine advocacy in action. We kept our approach respectful: natural lighting, unobtrusive camera work, letting Smith explain how his experience as the first openly LGBTQ+ Latino legislator shapes his understanding of representation and the policy changes needed to protect vulnerable communities from legislative attacks.
Demonstrating Legislative Effectiveness
The second video required balancing Smith’s groundbreaking identity with his substantial policy achievements including securing over $10 million in state funding and championing healthcare access, environmental protection, and educational equity. We filmed at the University of Central Florida where he earned his business degree and later helped secure funding for UCF RESTORES, a PTSD clinic for veterans and first responders. The challenge was showing how his background as a small business manager and Harvard-trained policy expert translates to effective legislation without losing the authentic passion that drives his civil rights work. We focused on genuine moments: Smith reviewing bills on gun violence prevention and reproductive rights, his natural ability to explain complex policy issues, the personal conviction evident when he discusses fighting back against the DeSantis administration’s attacks on LGBTQ+ rights and democratic institutions.