As a South West video production company, we operate nationally – and occasionally internationally

But the majority of our clients are within the South West and that brings many advantages.  Our local clients include The University of Exeter; NHS Devon Wellbeing Hub; The Eden Project; Hilton Barnfield Architects and many others


Why Do South-West Businesses Need Video?

The business benefits of video are a whole separate blog post, but here are just a few reasons why video can supercharge your South West business:

According to a Social Films Survey, consumers remember 85% more of a message delivered via video than text. It’s the most memorable form of content which makes it a powerful marketing tool.  Video is proven to grab people’s attention and leave a lasting impression.    A creative, empathetic video can cut through the noise online to drive engagement, increase brand recognition and prompt your target audience to take action. 

A professional, cinematic video that reflects your branding and values shows the world that you take yourself seriously.   It makes your audience sit up and take notice.  A great video – or a great series of videos – can allow you to compete on a bigger stage and grow your business.  Plus, evergreen footage can be repackaged, edited and repurposed for multiple future uses.  

At Fresh Ground Films we like to get maximum value
out of every minute of filming.


Why hire a local video production company?

You know you need video
but what are the benefits of hiring local filmmakers for your project?


1. A fast, streamlined process  

You’ll need a video production company who can shoot at given locations, often near your South-West business.  You might need us to come out and do re-shoots or require a fast turnaround for an urgent project. Using experienced local filmmakers will make the whole process more streamlined.  You’ll establish a good rapport with us and we’ll get a more thorough understanding of you and your project.   Plus, it’s much more achievable to have in-person meetings to go through edits if necessary.

Screengrab from ‘Mei’s Story’ – A Hilton Barnfield Architects brand film.

2. Exceptional quality for your money.

Travel costs can ramp up video production fees. If you’re not paying to relocate a film crew halfway across the country, you’ll have more budget for pre- and post-production quality.  

Don’t let money be the only deciding factor though; be sure to check out any prospective filmmaker’s portfolio.  Whilst showreels are designed to be impressive, take a look at whether their previous work lives up to your expectations.  Who are their clients, what unique selling points do they offer, what is their visual style like?

Take a look at some of Fresh Ground Films’ local projects here

OUR TOP 5 MEMORABLE FILMING MOMENTS IN THE SOUTH-WEST 

1. Having the whole rainforest biome to ourselves when filming at The Eden Project 

2. Standing in the waves at Saunton Sands filming surfing shots to promote mental health in Devon

3. Filming on a hand-built catamaran in the estuary and sea around Starcross & Exmouth for a short film competition entry.

4. Dodging falling apples in the vast, beautiful orchards at National Trust Cotehele to highlight local seasonal food

5. Exploring local heritage sites in our home city of Exeter to film the little-known gems from history for the Hidden Exeter app

3.  Specialist, local knowledge

South West businesses benefit from hiring a local video production company because we have a superb knowledge of our beautiful corner of the world.  This means we can find, or even suggest, locations as well as understanding the best filming practices for some very special places including stretches of coastline, woodland and Dartmoor.

At Fresh Ground Films, we’re passionate about where we live.  It’s part of our DNA and we know that many local organisations feel the same, particularly in the heritage, environmental, academic and leisure sectors.  The beauty of the South West scenery often forms part of the story that our clients want to tell and we can help them to achieve that because we love the area just as much as they do! 

We understand local businesses and South West demographics.  Moreover, we have experience of helping our clients create videos that not only connect with regional audiences, but reach far beyond the Devon & Cornwall bubble.

Screengrab from ‘Circular Food in the South West’ – An Exeter University documentary film.

4. Project Consistency.

When you create video content there are two key aspects of maintaining consistency. The first is ensuring the video production company know how to use your brand assets like your logo and brand colours. 

Secondly, there should be consistency in style between your videos so that they are recognisably part of your branded business materials.  Hiring local makes it easy to use the same South West filmmakers time after time.  Doing so means avoiding repeated briefs on branding which saves time and ensuring quality and ongoing consistency. 

5. Lower Carbon Footprint.

Hiring local gives you the added bonus of a reduced carbon footprint as fewer miles are travelled and greener transport methods can be used.  (we’ve been known to cycle to shoots!) In a world where we are ever more encouraged to source products and services from far afield, hiring local offers an antidote that is kinder to the environment.  And when you’ve got talent like Fresh Ground Films on your doorstep – why not?!

OUR TOP 5 SOUTH-WEST BEAUTY SPOTS

  1. Dartmoor has to take the top spot.  From wild open moorland to lush green river valleys, it has it all. Wild swimming at Sharrah Pool is amazing, but shhh don’t tell everyone…
  2. Exmoor has incredible views and diversity where the moorland joins the sea. Walks around Lynton and Lynmouth are a particular highlight.
  3. The beaches of North Devon are a must for the keen surfer. Putsbourough can be quieter than the main spots of Saunton and Croyde.
  4. The stunning views when walking on the Jurassic coast, especially between Lyme Regis and Budleigh Salterton. In Cornwall the Roseland Peninsula is especially beautiful and unspoilt. 
  5. Devon cycling! The whole region has amazing cycle routes and a quick spin up the Exe estuary trail is perfect to breathe in the sea air and feel revitalised after a busy week.

Where are we? 

Ross Gill, founder of Fresh Ground Films, was brought up in the South West and currently lives in the centre of Exeter with his wife and young son.  The Fresh Ground Films studio is a short commute down the garden path – conveniently located in a spacious, custom-built cabin in his garden.   

As a passionate Devon local and open water swimming enthusiast, Ross has a true appreciation for the beauty of the region.  He has cultivated a wide network of local industry specialists that he partners with on projects.   


Let’s Get Started

With our South West expertise and years of filmmaking experience, we can help your organisation to compete on a regional, national and global scale.  

Get in touch today  to get started on your video.

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