Narrative Brand Video - Small Budget, Big Results - Case Study

When I was approached to create a short narrative brand film for Staffordshire Women’s Aid, I knew this project needed to be more than just a promotional video. It had to tell a story with heart and purpose, showing the incredible work the charity does in a way that felt cinematic, human, and emotionally powerful.

Why I Chose a Minimal-Crew Approach

From the start, I wanted to prove that high-end filmmaking doesn’t always require huge budgets or big crews. I decided to shoot the entire film with just three people – myself as cinematographer/director, a 1st AC, and a gaffer.

This lean setup allowed us to move fast, stay flexible, and cover multiple locations over two days. It was very much a run-and-gun shoot, but with careful planning we kept the quality cinematic while staying efficient.

For me, projects like this show what’s possible when you focus on storytelling, teamwork, and smart production choices.

Vintage lenses….the mustard!

I shot the film on the Sony Venice, paired with vintage Canon FD lenses. I love this combination – the Venice gives incredible image quality, while the FDs add a unique, timeless character that worked perfectly for the tone of this piece.

Massive thanks to Media Dog Birmingham, who kindly provided the kit for the shoot. Having access to such high-quality gear meant I could deliver visuals that stand out, even with a small crew.

Why Narrative Brand Films Work

I’ve always believed that people connect with stories – not sales pitches. Narrative brand films allow me to create mini-movies for brands and charities, giving audiences something real to connect with.

This project is proof that with the right approach, powerful storytelling doesn’t have to mean huge budgets. It’s about creativity, planning, and making every shot count.

Final Thoughts

I’m really proud of what we achieved with such a small team on Staffordshire Women’s Aid. It shows that you can make something cinematic, meaningful, and authentic without massive resources.

If you’re a business or charity looking for a brand film that actually tells a story, I’d love to hear from you. Get in touch, and let’s create something powerful together.