Festool enlisted our video team to create a documentary-style piece featuring Richard, the owner of The River Shop, a woodworking teaching facility in London. Known for their exceptional carpentry tools, Festool has fully equipped Richard’s workshop, enabling him to provide top-notch education with the best equipment and safety standards. This video, part two of a series, revisits Richard one year later to explore his business growth and the benefits Festool has brought to his enterprise.

Our full-day shoot on location involved a two-videographer team, starting with an interview with Richard. This was captured with a two-camera setup, one static and one handheld to maintain a flexible, documentary feel. The interview set the tone for the day, guiding our b-roll capture. We began with a class session, showcasing students using a variety of Festool tools, from saws to sanders and drills. We also documented a new aspect of Richard’s offerings: epoxy resin classes. Our focus then shifted to capturing location establishers and story elements to guide the edit and build a compelling narrative.

For this YouTube-focused, longform documentary, we structured the edit around Richard’s interview, using it as the narrative backbone. We incorporated multiple music tracks to shift the mood and maintain engagement, aligning with key moments in the story. The b-roll footage was crafted into small story sequences, showcasing Festool tools in action during Richard’s classes. This approach highlighted Festool’s influence while keeping the focus on Richard’s personal journey, resulting in a cohesive and authentic narrative that resonates with viewers.

The final video is a stunning narrative that effectively conveys our core messages, celebrating Richard’s story and highlighting the positive impact Festool has had on his life and business. By focusing on Richard’s personal journey, the video inspires viewers in the DIY community, trades, and those embarking on their construction careers. The messaging feels natural and heartfelt rather than sales-driven, creating an authentic connection with the audience.