The Problem:

Getting a professionally created film to help tell their story is far outside the budget for many small businesses.

The Opportunity:

Could a team of two tackle a film story in one day affordably and reach a market of underserved entrepreneurs due to budget constraints?

The Process:

Before the production day, I met with the business owner over the phone to hear her story. The goal was a short video she could use to help explain the reasoning behind her business name, Ugly Apple Cafe, and what made her business unique. Because I genuinely wanted it to be a one-day film hoping to replicate the process, I gathered what I could over the phone. I created a storyboard and interview questions, knowing that it was flexible to what we encountered the day of production.

When I arrived, I noted the surroundings and made a b-roll shot list while my cinematographer set up. We filmed her interview first and b-roll second. The entire time on site was approximately three hours, as planned. After a collaborative lunch break where we discussed what we shot, we got to work. I logged footage while he started working in Premiere. Editing took approximately three hours. The final project came together in approximately seven to eight hours.

The Outcome:

The business owner was so happy with her film. She could tell her story with visuals that connected with her customers and reach more customers and opportunities for her business. As a creator and producer, the process was fun and turned out exactly how I had hoped it would.