Coffee Roasting in Blackball – West Coast, New Zealand

Here’s a short video I made about a roastery in Blackball featuring master coffee roaster & blender Will Cleaver.

Not a planned shoot, more like holiday snaps but a bit of fun. For the curious I’ve created some FAQs below relating to background and process.

Video Production FAQ

Q: What camera & lens did you shoot this on?
A: Panasonic GH5 and mostly the Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 8-18mm F2.8-4.

Q: Looks like you’ve gone to a bit of trouble to get some b-roll – was this a commercial shoot?
A: Not a commercial shoot, a spontaneous ‘holiday’ shoot in Blackball. I went out on a few morning and evening shoots to take in some of the iconic local scenery. I’ve used some of those.

Q: Oh right. Feels a bit like a promo shoot though eh?
A: Well yep, I guess it is a kind of ‘promo’ shoot for the Roastery. Wouldn’t want to confuse it with a ‘commercial’ shoot though, where there would be actual preparation, proper lighting and sound set up etc. I guess there’s a risk people will assume it’s your best professional work. While I quite like the video and it’s something you could use for marketing, there are technical imperfections owing to absence of gear on hand and it lacks some things you might expect in a promotional video – being an unplanned spur-of-the-moment thing.

Q: Oh right. So this section is a sort of disclaimer that most people who watch the video will never see. I get it. Generally happy with the result though?
A: I think the natural and confident way Will explains his craft carries the whole thing along. There’s a story there and that’s always a key element. So, despite the slightly rustic feel and lack of shot variety, good audio etc., overall I quite like the feel of it. I’m starting to anticipate these kinds of shoots better these days.

Q: Right. Thanks for answering my questions.
A: No – thank you for being curious enough to ask those questions. As Carl Jung used to say, ‘The ability to ask questions is the greatest resource in learning the truth.’

Q: Beautiful, thank you for sharing. Oh, I forgot to ask – what are Will’s coffee beans like?
A: Delicious! Check out the latest happenings on their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/blackballroastery/