The We Are Warwickshire microsite is now live: http://www.wearewarwickshire.co.uk
We Are Warwickshire is a short film series shot and directed by myself over the last ten months. What started as a low key, small body of personal work has snowballed and gained the attention of TV and radio, businesses and advertising agencies across the UK and even members of parliament.
I’m blown away by the reception it’s had and have found it to be the most fulfilling project I’ve worked on to date.
Hit the jump for all six films, plus my interviews about the We Are Warwickshire series on BBC Radio and in The Leamington Courier.
The films showcase some of the unique and fascinating independently owned businesses across Warwickshire. I wanted to give the smaller, local businesses the visibility that they deserve, but seldom get when overshadowed by the larger chains. I met so many inspiring people while filming the series and had my eyes opened to what talent we’re surrounded by, right on our doorstep.
Click here for the Leamington Courier newspaper article.
THE PREMIERE
The films were premiered on Thursday 18th April at The Wild Boar in Warwick, entry was free and we even had free beer from the Slaughterhouse Micro Brewery, free Tapas from Catalan and free chip butties with freshly baked bread from Crustum Bakery.
It was important for me that these videos weren’t a commercial venture and whilst I didn’t charge any of the businesses for making their films, I certainly wasn’t expecting the hospitality and support I received in return.
The turnout was incredible with standing room only by the time we rolled the first film. Afterwards everybody stayed until closing time, drinking and chatting, meeting new people and making new connections. Seeing local indy businesses hooking up with others and discussing opportunities to work together was absolutely fantastic and exactly what I’d hoped the films would achieve, as well as boosting their visibility to new customers.
In the weeks since the premiere I’ve been to see everyone involved and each one said they’ve had new business and enquiries off the back of the films. To quote Borat: “Great success!!”
As an ongoing personal project, I’ll continue adding more films to the series as part of a longer term investment in promoting local businesses and cultivating the local community.
A huge thanks goes out to James, Paul, Brett and Luke for their hard work shooting second cameras, recording audio and lugging camera bags around too!
THE FILMS
Brazen Ink Tattoo Parlour – Warwick
The Orangery Flower Shop – Kenilworth
Crustum Bakery – Kenilworth
The Slaughterhouse Micro Brewery – Warwick
TheBikeYard Bike Shop – Leamington Spa
Catalan Tapas – Warwick