In the nearly four years since they moved to Wake Forest from Dubai — and in addition to their many other productions in America and across the world — the husband and wife team of Nancy and John Sammon of Roseland Pictures have created two videos as well as an animation to promote the economic strengths, demographics, quality of place, and aspirations of the ever-growing town.
Now just two years old, employing four people, and located at the Loading Dock, Roseland made its first video, which focused on Downtown, back in February 2023. And the second more elaborate endeavor — shot over three days and expertly edited over the days following — was unveiled at the Economic Development Forum on Feb. 7.
Following a “legendary tour around Wake Forest” provided by Jason Cannon at the Wake Forest Business & Industry Partnership (WFBIP), the director, lead producer, and crew were ready to shoot. From shots captured by cameras mounted onto the front and back of a truck to walking the streets shooting “hyperlapse” stills, aerial timelapses, and hyperlapse drone footage shot high above Wake Forest, “Lots of labor went into this,” Sammon said.
Starting Downtown and expanding westward to the Southeastern Seminary and beyond, this professionally produced 2-minute-23-second video features both sweeping aerial and close-up footage. It teleports viewers across some of the town’s abundant acreage — slowing and focusing in on some of its most architecturally appealing structures — and focuses in on five businesses each with unique strengths that contribute mightily to the area — known more and more all the time for its big-city energy and small-town charm.
“We’re very thankful for another outstanding contribution from John and Nancy at Roseland Pictures that promotes what this area has to offer,” said Cannon, President of the WFBIP. “The Town and all who call it home continue to benefit from the ever-increasing number of people and businesses who choose to live, work, and play in this diverse and welcoming area.”
Originally from Long Island, NY, John graduated from Wesleyan University in Connecticut and earned a master’s from the American Film Institute in Los Angeles. After serving as the Director of Education of the NY Film Academy in LA, he was hired to open multiple film schools and satellite programs around the world. John has literally circumnavigated the globe twice, living on five continents, directing TV shows, National Geographic documentaries, and opening ceremony films for major international events.
“I’m passionate about telling stories and very happy to have done so for Wake Forest,” said Sammon, who also wrote the brief content and served as the narrative voice — something he said he never intends to do at the outset — but has been a good fit for a few pieces over the years. Strong alliterative descriptions include “powering progress,” “mighty machines” and “industry innovation.”
With more than 100 hours of content created and some 25 projects going at any one time, John and Nancy — who was born in Lebanon and where the couple married in 2012 — also created a company called Saluki Media — the Arabic word for an Arabian Site Hound, aka the royal dog of Egypt — which employs some 24 people and collaborates with Roseland.
Nancy started her career producing TV commercials but soon shifted to shows, documentary series, and feature filmmaking for platforms such as the BBC, Fox, and National Geographic, to name just a few. Among her most treasured and memorable professional experiences was living for a week with the Tibetan community in exile in Dharamshala, India, and interviewing The Dalai Lama.
While John directed this latest video for Wake Forest, Nancy produced it. She developed the budget and schedule, contacted all the companies featured, and coordinated the entirety of the shoot, including post-production. One of those businesses, Focus Design Builders, LLC, provides design and construction services in the commercial construction sector. Headquartered in Wake Forest since its start in 2010, Vice-President for Preconstruction Services and Business Development Jonathan Williams grew up in town as well.
“That to me is the important story woven into the fabric of our community,” Williams said. “You can begin here, you can stay here, and you can build something great here. Everything you need is within reach in Wake Forest.”
When it’s time to put the work away, he said there’s also plenty of options for play.
“Being included in the video was an honor,” Williams said. “It felt incredible to be highlighted as part of the town’s story, where we are today, and where we’re going.”
Red Dog CrossFit isn't just a gym but “a haven for individuals dedicated to achieving their fitness goals,” said owner Aaron Evans.
“Equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and led by a team of passionate trainers, we offer personalized programs tailored to each individual's needs,” Evans said. “Whether they're a seasoned athlete or just starting their fitness journey. What sets us apart is our holistic approach to wellness, focusing not only on physical strength but also on mental resilience and nutritional balance.”
Evans said CrossFit’s supportive community fosters a sense of camaraderie, motivating everyone to push beyond their limits and celebrate their achievements together.
“Our experience here in Wake Forest has been nothing short of incredible,” Evans said. “The warmth and hospitality of the community has made us feel right at home, and we've had the privilege of working with inspiring individuals committed to bettering themselves every day. Together, we're not just building stronger bodies but a healthier, happier community.”
The other three companies included in the video include Synthonix, owned and founded by Gary Allred in 2003 “to provide synthons and building blocks to the drug discovery and materials industry. The challenge of creating useful molecules with broad applications is what drives our team,” said Allred.
Sunbelt Rentals is a nationwide franchise, and the Wake Forest branch is owned and operated by Wesley Bumpus. With more than 550,000 pieces of equipment and tools and a nationwide network of locations, whether it’s earthmoving equipment, skid steers or generators, scissor lifts or small tools for DIY projects, Sunbelt has it all.
The Body Shop distribution center has been doing business in Wake Forest for 37 years, sending out the international company’s products to stores throughout America, Canada, Mexico, and Europe. Estimated to generate $641.9 million in annual revenues, the company employs approximately 250 people at the Wake Forest location and more than 2,600 total employees across all locations.
“These companies make huge impacts to our community and far beyond,” Cannon said. “The state of our local economy and quality of life continues to improve because of them.”
See the new video here: https://vimeo.com/911250470
