Beehold, 18min., USA
Directed by Ben Berry
From his work with local nuns looking for answers about their barren apple trees to his consulting with golf courses in natural habitat management to classrooms, and his own design workshop – he is a true beeliever in the good story – the gospel of abundance as taught by bees and he’s helping protect Wisconsin’s beloved pollinators. It’s called Behold and our story starts here. Humm Productions, in collaboration with Mtn Craft Productions, has pioneered a new media format called DocuPod™. It combines the power of short, immersive documentaries with engaging podcast audio to create a captivating 360-degree experience for audiences.

https://www.hummproductions.org/episodes/
https://www.instagram.com/impactually_show/?hl=en

Get to know Director Ben Berry & Producer Brooke Bechtold:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

Brooke: Our team wanted our proof-of-concept DocuPodTM to be of a very special person serving his community at large with dignity and focus. We had just finished our Beehold podcast, and we knew that if listeners had the opportunity to see Charlie and feel connected to him that a short video documentary would be the perfect complement. We hoped audiences would adore and respect Charlie’s work protecting pollinators as much as we do. 

Ben: As Brooke mentioned, we wanted to shoot a proof of concept for our DocuPodTM. Once Brooke found Charlie, it was off to the races. Our goal is to approach every DocuPodTM we do thoughtfully—with a certain slowness. We want to allow the audience to be with the character and walk a mile in their shoes. Once Charlie agreed, our motivation became about showing Charlie's passion and how that passion is lived out day to day. 

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?

Brooke: From our initial DocuPodTM concept to the final delivery of the piece you aired, it took 18 months.

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?

Brooke: Innovative and beautiful

Ben: Thoughtful and educational 

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?

Brooke: Creating a concise shot list that highlighted the work was a key priority. During the initial stages of production, we discovered the project involved a significantly larger network of individuals than originally outlined. To maintain a focused narrative and efficient filming schedule, we made strategic adjustments, resulting in a 60% reduction in filming locations.

Ben: The most significant hurdle was getting Charlie's vision and life into a week's shoot. He is much like a bee—extremely busy and always connecting and doing things. We had a bit of a challenge trying to wrangle that energy. Also, it's always challenging to marry a director's vision with a subject's understanding of how a film comes together. 

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?

Brooke: My initial reaction was a flood of gratitude – thank you for taking the time to watch and listen to our DocuPodTM, and then thank you for recording your thoughts!

Ben: Humbled. Hearing people say nice and thoughtful things about something you created is a humbling experience. It was also really great to hear from so many different viewpoints. You don't often get the privilege to hear real time feedback and thoughts on your film.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?

Brooke: I have always been fascinated by how communities work, and I’ve always been a storyteller. I only caught the filmmaking bug when I met Ben Berry and saw his firm’s film work. I was immediately hooked.

Ben: I was making "films" with my friends when I was 10 years old. I wasn't connected to any filmmakers at the time, so I didn't even know what I was really doing, I just knew I enjoyed creating something people could watch. The pursuit then evolved into how I get my content on TV or have a brand pay me to do work for them. Since then, it's been a trial by fire.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?

Brooke: Having lived in Winnetka from a young age, I can say with great pride that John Hughes’ films constantly play in our house still to this day.
Ben: Probably National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. 😂 I often watch the LOTR series, the original Star Wars Trilogy, and the Harry Potter series.

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?

Brooke: Besides seeing the incredible works that are produced, my favorite activity at film festivals is meeting the other content creators. Developing a strong network is priceless, and film festivals are the best environments for building relationships.

Ben: I think real-time feedback and constructive criticism is so helpful! Providing more ways for filmmakers to get outside evaluation is an amazing tool to further your career. I realize that is the main emphasis of this festival, and I would say this is such a needed thing in more festivals.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?

Brooke: We love working with FilmFreeway. It’s great to keep our submission answers easily accessible to everyone involved.

Ben: I love FilmFreeway and its ability to increase access for festivals and filmmakers alike. 

10. What is your favorite meal?

Brooke: Meatloaf and a cosmopolitan

Ben: My wife's spaghetti with fresh basil, good shredded mozzarella, and olive oil drizzle!

11. What is next for you? A new film?

Brooke: We have another DocuPodTM in pre-production called ‘Purple' about a lavender farm. Their story is ready to tell.

Ben: More DocuPodsTM are on the horizon, which is extremely exciting! For me personally, I'm diving more into running our Mtn Craft Film Festival in Clarksburg WV (www.mtncraftfilmfestival.com).