Agricultured: The Herberts

At Matt Callian Videography, we pride ourselves on capturing compelling stories that highlight the best of what Australia has to offer.

One of our standout projects from 2023-2024 was a collaboration with Animal Health Australia, who sought a documentary-style video to showcase one of New South Wales’ premier farms, Gundamain Pastoral Co.

Our mission was to illustrate the farm’s robust biosecurity practices and their importance in the agricultural sector.

Initial Collaboration and Pre-Production

Our journey began with initial meetings and a deep dive into the project’s objectives. During these discussions, we emphasised our vision for the video: a documentary style that would authentically represent the day-to-day operations at Gundamain Pastoral Co. We advised Animal Health Australia on specific creative choices to enhance the storytelling.

To capture the rugged beauty of farm life, we opted for a handheld filming style, reflecting the rawness of the environment. This approach allowed us to film spontaneous interviews on location, set against the backdrop of the farm. Given that Gundamain Pastoral Co. was awarded Farmers of the Year for 2023, we felt a sense of pride and responsibility to convey their story authentically.

Production Day in Eugowra

On the day of filming, our small yet agile team travelled to Eugowra, where we spent an intensive day at Gundamain Pastoral Co. We had the privilege of interviewing Tess, Andrew, and Caitlin, the dedicated family members behind the business. Our goal was to capture the essence of their work and their commitment to biosecurity.

The day was fast-paced, employing a “run-and-gun” shooting style that allowed us to cover a vast array of activities on the farm. Our crew of two, consisting of a videographer and the director/producer from Animal Health Australia, ensured a friendly atmosphere. With minimal equipment—a quality camera, a couple of lights, and audio microphones—we maintained a relaxed schedule, allowing the farmers to continue their daily routines without feeling overwhelmed by a large production.

We were fortunate to complement our footage with stunning drone shots that showcased the breathtaking landscape of the farm and the surrounding area. The aerial perspectives provided a captivating visual context that truly brought the story to life.

Post-Production Process

With the shooting wrapped, we shifted our focus to post-production. We had a clear vision of the type of edit we wanted, but the final product would depend heavily on the footage we collected. Reviewing the interviews was particularly enlightening, allowing us to discern the best way to structure the narrative.

We aimed for a final video length of 5 to 10 minutes, ensuring that it was concise yet impactful. Music played a crucial role in enhancing the viewer’s experience. We opened the video with a strong, captivating hook—a voiceover followed with epic-style music and powerful visuals designed to grab the audience’s attention immediately. The first 30 seconds were carefully crafted to create a lasting impression.

As we transitioned into a more documentary-style narrative, we delved into the personal stories of Tess, Andrew, and Caitlin. A poignant moment arose when they recounted the devastating floods in NSW in 2022. This segment not only highlighted the challenges faced by the community but also showcased their resilience and determination to rebuild. By weaving this emotional thread into the narrative, we elevated the storytelling and provided depth to their experience.

In the concluding segments, we returned to the epic theme established at the beginning. This powerful musical crescendo celebrated Gundamain Pastoral Co.’s success, highlighting their legacy as a family-owned business now in its sixth generation. The video culminated in a moment that left us all with goosebumps, reinforcing the impact of their journey.

The Final Touches

Colour grading and audio design were vital in enhancing the overall viewing experience. We meticulously adjusted the visuals to ensure a cohesive aesthetic, while the audio mix brought clarity and emphasis to key moments. The final video was not just a showcase of a farm; it was a celebration of dedication, community, and the importance of biosecurity in agriculture.

Conclusions

Our collaboration with Animal Health Australia and Gundamain Pastoral Co. stands as a testament to the power of storytelling through video. We are thrilled with the final product and grateful for the opportunity to work with such passionate individuals. This project not only highlights the significance of biosecurity in farming but also pays tribute to the resilience of the communities that thrive in the face of adversity.