> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://capitolcommunicator.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Up Close and Personal: Getting to Know James Favata, Senior Creative Director, Leading Authorities Inc. - URL: https://capitolcommunicator.com/up-close-and-personal-getting-to-know-james-favata-senior-creative-director-leading-authorities-inc/ - Published: 2018-04-16T20:13:34.000Z - Updated: 2019-01-14T19:30:24.000Z - Author: Capitol Communicator - Tags: Profiles, Up Close and Personal, #Import 2026-10-08 18:49 ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/50/16/5016dd29-aeff-4565-a68b-cdbb78bc58e6/content/images/2026/10/James_Favata_0743.jpg) **Capitol Communicator is running** **“Up Close and Personal” profiles** of communicators in the mid-Atlantic. In this profile we feature **James Favata**. Photography for the series is by [**Cade Martin**](http://cademartin.com/?ref=capitolcommunicator.com)**,** wardrobe styling by **Pascale Lemaire** and **Sybil Street** for THE Artist Agency; and hair and makeup by **Patti D Nelson, Janice Kinigopoulos** and **Lori Pressman** for THE Artist Agency. **James, please provide us a short bio.** I studied photography at the Maryland Institute College of Art at the same time digital, non-linear editing became mainstream. My senior year I switched gears from photography to video and became part of MICA’s first graduating class of video majors. After graduation, I started my career at the speakers bureau, [Leading Authorities Inc](https://www.leadingauthorities.com/?ref=capitolcommunicator.com)., or LAI. Initially I created promotional videos for speakers and event-related videos for associations in the DC area. Outside and self-imposed creative restraints loosened with each year I spent at LAI, while I increasingly influenced creative hiring decisions. As video-related content on the web continued to grow and evolve, so has LAI Video. [LAI Video ](https://www.laivideo.com/?ref=capitolcommunicator.com)is now a video communications firm delivering some of the highest quality products in the DMV. Over the years we have consistently [stayed on top of trends](https://www.laivideo.com/blog/our-picks-for-2018-trends-in-vid-marketing?ref=capitolcommunicator.com) and embraced new filmmaking techniques, while creating a bunch of our own along the way. At one point I was the only employee in the video department. Now as Senior Creative Director, I help lead [a team of 25](https://www.laivideo.com/team?ref=capitolcommunicator.com). Surrounded by ever-changing tech, I’m only looking ahead, excited for the continued evolution of LAI Video. **Are you involved in any other organizations?** Not really. I’ve had the opportunity to work on some amazing pro-bono projects at LAI for organizations like [Bright Beginnings](https://www.laivideo.com/portfolio/a-brighter-tomorrow?ref=capitolcommunicator.com) and So Others May Eat. My creative time at home is filled with documenting my children’s lives. **What are the things you are most proud of?** In my personal life, I’m the most proud of my family and our adventures together. In my work life, I’m directing [a documentary about stroke survivors](https://www.ateachablemoment.film/?ref=capitolcommunicator.com) to help raise awareness and give hope to those who are still in the stroke recovery process. I’m extremely proud of the work LAI Video has done on this project, and I can’t wait to share it with the world. **Who are your personal role models?** Role models are typically experienced individuals who’ve been there, seen it all, and offer an ambitious example to live up to … But my role models are my junior teammates at LAI. I’m continually inspired by their energy and fresh ideas. **Did these role models provide insights that helped you in your career?** I can’t say I’ve ever had an after-school special moment with a perfectly-timed inspiring remark to help guide my choices. My Uncle never told me that “With great power comes great responsibility”. Or maybe I just don’t have a fantastic memory. But I do set a personal bar of excellence to make each project better than the last. **What professional advice do you have for others?** Have fun! People in the D.C. area take themselves way too seriously. Remove all self-imposed creative restraints and anything becomes possible. I’d rather hear a client or coworker say “we could never do that” than “yeah, we did that last year”. **What’s on your Spotify and Pandora playlists?** I’m not big on streaming music or playlists because I prefer listening to albums in their entirety. This past year I’ve probably listened to Future Islands’ “The Far Field” and 2 Chainz’s “Pretty Girls Like Trap Music” the most. **What’s your favorite restaurant?** NuVegan hands down. But I am super excited about the Fancy Radish that’s opening soon! **Is there anything else you would like us to know about you?** I love what I do everyday and that I get paid to do it too. If I had to ask myself the age-old question, “What would you do if you had a million dollars?”, the answer would be to work on a personal film or documentary project… So yeah, I’m not far off.