We had a shoot day for Brewconomy, my documentary about N.C. craft beer, last Saturday. It went really well. And we’ve reached another milestone: our first post-Kickstarter shoot!
It was such a wonderful day. It made me realize, yet again, the reason why I want to make films: I love telling stories about people who are making this world a better place. They don’t get enough attention, you know? I’m so happy that I can spread the word about something good. I just love it.
We started our morning at BottleMixx in North Raleigh on Saturday. We got there before 9:00 am and started setting up cameras and lighting. Then we had our first of two interviews before shooting some b-roll at that location.
Margo Knight Metzger, the executive director of the N.C. Craft Brewers Guild, shared some thoughts on the industry and where it’s headed. Bruce McKim, who owns BottleMixx with his wife Ellen, talked about their shop and the events they host for the community. Both of these interviews were absolutely fantastic. I could sit and listen to them talk about this stuff all day long.
During the shoot, a few BottleMixx regulars strolled in to check it out. They were kind enough to share their enthusiasm and ask questions about the project. We got a few of them on-camera, which was a lot of fun. I even got to taste Fullsteam‘s Lumeria, which was delicious!
The crew and I then took a lunch break and download some of the morning’s footage. We got the chance to talk about our backgrounds and what led us to filmmaking. (I love hearing stories like that.) Then we talked a little about Brewconomy and what we hope to do with it.
After lunch we made our way to Raleigh Brewing, which is where we had our Kickstarter launch party last month. Kristie Nystedt, president and CEO of Raleigh Brewing, talked with us about how the brewery got started and its rapid growth since it opened one year ago. Very impressive stuff.
Finally we got to stop, unwind, and sip a beer while the footage downloaded. I showed off pictures of my dog (including the one where he’s wearing a bow tie, of course), and listened to the guys talk about where they live and what they enjoy doing when they’re not working on films.
As the footage finished downloaded, fatigue started setting in, and my stomach began growling for dinner we decided to call it a day. All in all, it was a wonderful day. I’ve been thanking my lucky stars every day I get to create Brewconomy. It’s a lot of work but it rarely feels like it because I love it so much.
I’m so thankful to all of the folks making this film happen: the core Brewconomy team, each and every crew member, craft beer community and enthusiasts, and our dear Kickstarter backers. Without the insight and leadership from my co-producer Shane Johnstone, this film may not be in progress right now. And it certainly wouldn’t be possible without the support of my family, friends, and supportive husband.
I hope each and every one of you know how much you mean to me and the life of this film. Much love to you all. I’m one lucky woman.
Cheers, y’all!
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