LEWISTON — A four-year-old online video series showing what the city has to offer is getting a big update. 

According to Dottie Perham-Whittier, community relations coordinator, the video series is a win-win for Lewiston. It’s produced for the city at no cost by the New York-based CGI Communications, and paid for by business sponsorships.

In return, participating businesses receive a promotional video of their own. It’s also an easy way for those interested in the city to learn more. 

“We don’t pay anything for this, and (CGI) did a great job last time,” Perham-Whittier said. 

Right now, she said, the city is getting the word out to the business community about filming the updated series, which features shorts about categories such as quality of life, arts and entertainment, economic development and community organizations. 

She and other city staff are working on a script for the videos, which are scheduled to be filmed May 24-25. She said they’re looking for a local videographer to film the series. CGI will pare down the script and edit the footage into a series of one-minute videos. 

Mayor Robert Macdonald was in front of a camera at City Hall on Thursday, filming a short promotion for the series, hoping to get businesses on board. 

In a letter to businesses sent in March, Deputy City Administrator Phil Nadeau said the videos are easily viewed on mobile devices, an important aspect of the business landscape. Businesses can use the videos on their websites and social media pages. 

“We are dedicated to highlighting the advantages of living and working in Lewiston, to include access to our diverse business community,” he said in the letter. 

Surrounding each online video is a number of the business sponsors, a dozen or so appearing alongside the 2013 videos. Perham-Whittier said there are also a number of free spots given to local nonprofit organizations. 

She said there was a positive reaction to the videos a few years ago, and expects the same results this time.

“It’s amazing, when you start talking about the city, how much is really here,” she said. “It’s kind of cool, actually.” 

Lewiston Mayor Bob Macdonald poses for the camera Thursday at City Hall during filming for a promotional video. The city announced it will update its video series that’s featured on the city website. The series is paid for by business sponsorships. 

To see the 2013 versions, click here.