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: No, not a commercial shoot, a spontaneous thing while on holiday 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: Right. Might be mistaken for ‘commercial’ work though?
A: Could be. A professional photographer friend says be careful about what you put out there. 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 some 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. Are you 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 bit of 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.’ If you believe there is such a thing as ‘truth’ in these confusing times.

Q: Okay, you’re getting all deep on me now! Oh, I forgot to ask – what’s Will’s coffee like?
A: Great! Check out the latest happenings on their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/blackballroastery/