We were approached by SMRC (Southern Migrant and Refugee Centre) to create a short documentary about The Hive, a thriving community garden. The primary goal of the documentary was to inspire more people to join SMRC and become a part of this meaningful project.
This post takes you behind the scenes of how we brought this documentary to life, focusing on the creative process, technical execution, and storytelling techniques. These principles can be applied to any project, whether you're showcasing a community initiative or promoting your business through video.
Understanding the Vision Behind The Hive
The first step was understanding the vision of The Hive. This wasn't just about making a video—it was about showcasing the essence of a community-driven project. We needed to delve into what the garden represented for the local community and translate that into a compelling visual story.
Storytelling Tip: Every project, whether it’s a community garden or a business, has a story worth sharing. The key is to focus on what makes it meaningful. People care about good stories, and that emotional connection is what draws them in.
Pre-Production: Planning the Narrative
Pre-planning was critical for this documentary. We started by crafting a script that outlined the documentary’s goals:
Showcase the welcoming and vibrant vibe of the garden.
Highlight the sense of belonging and connection people feel when they’re part of this space.
Our approach was to create thoughtful interview questions that would naturally bring out these themes. This script was intentionally kept loose—a guide to help steer the conversation while leaving room for authentic moments to shine.
To complement the interviews, we planned extensive b-roll footage of the garden. These visuals were key to capturing the beauty and essence of The Hive.
Takeaway for Businesses: Pre-planning is just as important for promotional videos. Start by identifying the key message you want to convey and structure your video to connect with your audience.
Interviewing: Capturing Authentic Voices
For the interviews, we wanted a relaxed, natural feel. We spoke to several members of the community who actively participate in the garden. To keep things informal, we positioned the camera slightly off to the side during sit-down interviews. This setup helped participants feel at ease, leading to more genuine responses.
Tip: Whether it's for a documentary or a testimonial video, creating a comfortable environment is essential for authentic interviews. Avoid making the setup feel too staged or intimidating.
Setting Up the Scene: Camera and Lighting Techniques
The garden’s natural beauty played a big role in how we framed our shots. We used soft, natural lighting to complement the greenery and vibrant atmosphere. The camera angles focused on both wide, immersive views of the garden and close-up shots of people engaging with the space.
For Businesses: Even simple setups can make a big impact. Pay attention to lighting and framing to elevate your visuals. Natural environments often provide great settings for authentic storytelling.
B-Roll: Bringing the Story to Life
B-roll footage was integral to the storytelling process. We captured the details that made the garden come alive:
Hands planting seeds.
People chatting and laughing together.
Bees buzzing around the flowers.
This b-roll footage helped tie the narrative together, providing visual context and adding depth to the interviews.
Pro Tip: B-roll isn’t just filler—it’s a powerful tool to visually enhance your story. Whether it’s a garden or your business, show off the details that make your story unique.
Why Storytelling Matters
The process of creating The Hive documentary reinforced the importance of storytelling in video production. For small businesses, the same principles apply:
Identify the unique aspects of your brand or project.
Use interviews and visuals to connect with your audience on an emotional level.
Keep your messaging clear, concise, and relatable.
Final Thoughts
Documenting The Hive was more than just a filming project—it was about amplifying the voices of a community and showing the power of connection. Whether you’re a community leader or a small business owner, storytelling through video can help you reach and inspire your audience.
If you're ready to tell your story, contact us at 6AM Films. Let’s create something that connects, inspires, and grows.
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