Candace Tiana Nelson for DC Council (2026) Digital Ad Campaign

Political | Digital TV + Social Media Capaign

Candace for DC (2026)

Sometimes, the very best campaigns need a jolt of energy to reengage supports and inspire voters. We don’t wade into political advertising often. However, Ascender was excited to lend our creative muscle to support Democratic Candidate Candace Tiana Nelson in her bid for DC Council At-Large. Our ‘Pop The Balloon or Pick A Progressive’ ad campaign was once of the most distinctive and talked about series of messages of the 2026 Democratic primary cycle. It was fresh. It was fun. Our strategy was the match the energy and wit of the candidate. The three video messages totally broke from the tired ‘I’m walking-the-streets of D.C. ‘ / ‘ I will fight for you’ — ending with arms folded and scowling face, campaign ads. Our messages revealed the core of new candidate with a lot of promise. As a result the messages generated tons of new engagement across the campaign website, social media, and digital TV.

by AscenderCreative

The Art of The Visit: Storyboards & Production Design

Pre-visual concept art, storyboards and post production color and lighting FX for our award winning short film 'The Visit'. All concept art was hand drawn by writer, director Paul V. Grant.

The film is now available for streaming on Vimeo and YouTube.

Additional streaming platforms will be announced soon! www.ascenderfilms.com/thevisit #previsuals #storyboards #conceptart #style #vision #productiondesign #productiondesigner #paulvgrant #lighting #lightingdesign #drama #bts #filmart #directing #storytelling #production #camera #harriettubman #frederickdouglass #conceptartist #film #shortfilm #filmmaking #ascenderfilms #avidmedia #borisfx

by AscenderCreative

Limited Edition Framed Giclee Print From 'THE VISIT'

"Harriet's Approach" Framed, Still Image Accepted into Collection of Harriet Tubman Museum & Educational Center

Exclusive Print "Harriet's Approach" Donated to Harriet Tubman Museum and Educational Center

On Saturday, June 25th we were honored to have this framed, giclee print titled ‘Harriet’s Approach’, a still image from our film ‘The Visit,’ accepted into the collection of the Harriet Tubman Museum and Education Center in Cambridge, MD. It’s depicts Tubman, standing before a massive plantation home. It’s symbolizes the long struggle for women and people of color against massive systems of social, economic, and political power. The Ascender team attended a hike through historic Thompson plantation where Harriet Tubman was enslaved and co-hosted a screening of our award winning film “The Visit” at the museum, later that afternoon.

It was truly a remarkable day, learning about and discussing our shared American history. Thanks to all who joined us in Cambridge, MD for the morning hike/tour of the former Thompson plantation (where Harriet Tubman was enslaved) and our film screening at the museum!

#filmart #filmstill #limitedediton #giclee #prints #gicleeprint #art #artwork #film #indiefilm #women #filmmaking #justice #interpretative #history #community #museum #ascenderfilmsinc

by AscenderCreative

Rising Above The Smoke (Virtual Symposium, 2021)

RISING ABOVE THE SMOKE

(Virtual Symposium / Webinar, 2021)

Ascender supported The Colorado Black Health Collaborative by producing this 4-hour virtual conference featuring dynamic presenters and virtual activities to deepen the community’s understanding and advocacy for why eliminating the sale of menthol tobacco is a social justice issue in the Black community. 200 people joined the virtual event from all across the country, including many longstanding, renowed public health experts and advocates.

The Anatomy of A Social Justice Issue (Intro Video)

RISING ABOVE THE SMOKE

Flavor Academy: Dr. Terri Richardson and Dr Valerie Yerger

Dr. Terri Richardson and Dr Valerie Yerger discuss how major corporations have targeted the sale of menthol tobacco on African American communities.

Tobacco Policy Panel

Mr. Austin Collins facilitates a very informative tobacco policy panel with guest speakers Naomi Amaha, Natasha Phelps and Bob Doyle.

Rising Above the Smoke : Former Smokers Speak about their Cessation Process

Ms. Emma Jackson is a Denver resident, CBHC coalition member and a former smoker.

RISING ABOVE THE SMOKE: JIM PAVLIK ON STEPS TO SMOKING CESSATION

Mr. Jim Pavlik shares the steps to smoking cessation.

RISING ABOVE THE SMOKE: Dr. Rhonda Coleman, DAOM, Discusses a brief history of alternative clinical treatments for smoking cessation.

Jonathan Miles explains the Colorado QUITLINE

Jonathan Miles explains how the Colorado QUITLINE supports smoking cessation.

by AscenderCreative

Ascender Creates Main Title and Motion Design Sequences for 'The Breakdown' Digital Series on BET+

'THE BREAKDOWN ON BET+'

(Main Title Design, Editing, Motion Graphics)

Ascender Films is proud to have supported main title design, animation and motion graphics for the new BET+ digtal series 'The Breakdown', released in April 2021. Each episiode of the four episodes takes a deeper dive into lesser known aspects of African American history and culture from an African-centered viewpoint. The show was created by executive producers Len Burnett and Darnley Hodge and it was hosted by comedian Klarity.