Most non-profits come to us needing a video that makes a big impact, but they often face a common hurdle: tight budgets. It can feel risky to invest in high-end video production, and many organizations settle for anyone with a camera who can churn out "content."

GetAwayDays was different. From our very first call, they understood that video wasn't just an expense; it was a strategic investment. They didn’t want a camera crew. They needed storytellers to guide them.

The Challenge: Big Vision, Limited Budget

I’ll never forget sitting down with Kelly, Cameron, and Phil to discuss the mission of GetAwayDays in the conference room at Partial Coffee. This Knoxville-based non-profit takes kids from challenging backgrounds and helps them build resilience through adventure. From canoeing and caving to rock climbing and hiking, these kids push past their limits in the heart of the woods.

When we heard their vision, we were hooked. However, we hit a familiar roadblock: The Budget. During our Story Framework Session, the team realized they actually needed four different videos to reach their various audiences (donors, parents, and campers). But the budget only accounted for one.

Creative Problem Solving: The "Multi-Cut" Strategy

Instead of compromising on quality, we used some creative problem-solving to stretch their investment. We realized we could film and craft one master narrative, then strategically edit it into three distinct versions:

The 4-Minute Feature: Included a dramatic "hook" designed for donors to show the urgent need for the program.
The 3-Minute Overview: Removed the dramatic hook and focused on the features and benefits of the week-long camps.
The 1-Minute Teaser: A high-energy cut for the campers themselves, highlighting the fun and community of GetAwayDays.

Into the Woods: Filming the Adventure

Production took us deep into the wilderness. Despite rainy days and intense bugs, the experience was transformative. With gear from local outfitter River Sports keeping us (and our cameras) safe from the elements, we hiked miles alongside the campers.

Witnessing the kids overcome their fears put us in the perfect headspace to tell their stories. Even when a group couldn't make it at the last minute, our collaborative relationship with GetAwayDays allowed us to pivot quickly and shift the story's focus without losing momentum.

Other fun moments? Remotely directing an interview in Germany from my office in Knoxville, spalunking with my cinema camera, and taking my 2018 Audi Q7 miles and miles off-road in the mud and rocky terrain where the GPS couldn’t find us.

The Result: Alignment and Impact

Sharing a rough cut is always nerve-wracking, but because we spent so much time on alignment at the start, the final product hit the mark. We didn't just give them a video; we gave them a toolkit of assets that helps Knoxville (and the world!) catch their vision.