OHLQ

It Starts with a Seed

It Starts With a Seed is a project we always dreamed of bringing to life. With a small but skilled and experienced production team, we were able to capture the story in a way that truly honored the farmers and distillers involved. Over two days of filming in Marysville, OH, our crew worked efficiently to respect the time of everyone on set while delivering a high-quality production.

To achieve this documentary style, we carefully planned for the location, the time of year, and the unique challenges of filming in a working environment. The result was a story that beautifully highlights the connection between the land, the farmers, and the distillers who bring their craft to life.

  • Clients

    • OHLQ
    • WillowTree

  • Core Team

    • Creative Director: Drew Collins
    • Director & Editor: Andy Eggert
    • Director of Photography: Jason Hambach
    • Colorist: Jason Hambach
    • Audio Mastering: Jay Alton
    • G&E: Victor Beck-Hale

  • We were able to start the day at sunrise to plant crops.

Behind the Lens

In early creative discussions, we decided to use the Arri Mini for principal photography due to its exceptional workflow and beautiful sensor. Our Director of Photography, Jason Hambach, chose Arri Standard Speed Prime Lenses for their unique character, which added depth and texture to every shot. The entire series was shot on these lenses, ensuring a consistent and cinematic look throughout.

For dynamic and hard-to-reach perspectives, we occasionally implemented the Sony FX3 paired with the Venus Optics Laowa 12mm Full-Frame lens. This setup allowed us to quickly mount the camera on tractors or other machinery, offering unique angles that added variety to the visuals. The FX3’s internal stabilization was a game-changer, especially given the fast-paced nature of the shoot.

Time of day played a critical role in the production. For all the farm mornings, we arrived well before sunrise to take advantage of the soft, golden light that perfectly matched the style of the series. While those 4 a.m. call times were challenging, they’re just part of the job for a seasoned film crew dedicated to capturing the best possible imagery.

“I think farmers in general are eternal optimists, you have to improvise a lot and be adaptable at almost every aspect of what we do.”

— Matt Cunningham

Learn More

If you want to learn more about this story and others from the Seed to Sip series, visit OHLQ’s website.