Producing World-Class Video in Manufacturing: Lessons from Wetherby Laroc

Delivering exceptional video content for the manufacturing sector isn’t just about capturing impressive visuals - it requires meticulous planning, specialist skills, and a deep understanding of the unique challenges that come with industrial environments. Our recent work with Wetherby Laroc is a case in point. Here’s how Reel Film approaches world-class video production for manufacturers, step by step.

1. Pre-Production: Laying the Groundwork

Fail to plan, plan to fail. Pre-production sets you on the right foot in any project. This fundamental stage of the production sets up the success for every other production element to come.

• Client Briefing: We start with a thorough discovery session to clarify objectives, key messages, and target audience. For Wetherby Laroc, this meant understanding their brand values and the specific technology innovations they wanted to showcase in their products.
• Site Recce: Visiting the site in advance is non-negotiable. We assess lighting, power access, noise levels, and identify potential hazards.
• Concepts and Storyboard: Manufacturing processes can be complex. We mapped out every shot to ensure we capture critical stages, specialist machinery, and staff in action - without disrupting workflow.
• Scheduling: We coordinated with the client's team to minimise downtime and avoid peak production periods, building in contingency for unexpected delays and adding flexibility in case of changes on the day.

2. Health & Safety: Zero Compromise

Working on different sites and manufacturing bases can be fraught with different dangers. It’s important to realise and mitigate any potential dangers - especially with crew who might not be used to such environments.

• Risk Assessments: Prior to filming, we conduct a full risk assessment in line with client and legal requirements, documenting hazards and mitigation steps.
• Inductions & PPE: Our crew undergoes site-specific inductions and always use the required PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), from hard hats to high-vis vests and ear defenders to safety glasses.
• Clear Communication: We liaise closely with health and safety officers on site to ensure our activities align with existing protocols of the client.

3. Drone Permissions: Aerial Excellence, Safely Delivered

This client was specifically based near an RAF Airfield. It was vital to seek permissions and comply with regulations to ensure safe flight and quality production for the client.

• CAA Compliance: For Wetherby Laroc, aerial shots were essential. We secured all necessary Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) permissions well in advance.
• Flight Planning: We mapped out drone flight paths, factoring in proximity to buildings, people, and other airspace restrictions.
• On-the-Day Checks: Weather and site activity can change fast. We perform last-minute risk assessments and only proceed if conditions are safe.

4. Filming on Client Building Sites: Respecting the Environment

Filming can be intrusive, it’s our job to minimse disruption while capturing everything needed and producing fantastic quality video, all while having fun!

• Minimal Disruption: We work around production schedules, ensuring our presence doesn’t interrupt critical operations.
• Crew Briefings: Every team member is briefed on site rules and emergency procedures.
• Equipment Management: All gear is PAT-tested, and cables are managed to prevent trip hazards.

5. Flexibility Around the Weather: Adapting in Real Time

Nobody can control the weather but with some outdoor scenes in the plan and drone filming required, it is important we can flexible and ready for a change in the conditions.

• Contingency Planning: British weather is unpredictable. We build flexibility into our schedule, allowing for last-minute changes to shoot days.
• Real-Time Monitoring: We monitor forecasts closely and maintain open communication with the client to reschedule as needed.
• Protecting Equipment: We use weatherproof covers and have backup kit on hand to avoid delays.

6. Working with Real People, Not Models

We can’t expect real people to be actors, but it’s also our job to get the best performance from the authenticity of a real-life team across on camera.

• Authenticity Matters: Manufacturing stories are best told by the real people behind the process. Featuring actual staff - rather than models - brings credibility and relatability to the final film.
• Building Comfort: Most staff aren’t used to being on camera. We take time before filming to explain the process, answer questions, and put people at ease.
• Clear Direction: We provide simple, direct instructions and avoid industry jargon. Our goal is to capture natural actions and genuine interactions, not staged performances.
• Flexible Filming: We work around staff schedules and production demands, keeping set-ups efficient and downtime minimal.
• Celebrating Expertise: We highlight the skills and pride of the workforce, ensuring each person’s contribution is accurately represented and respected.

7. Post-Production: Bringing the Story to Life

This is where the magic happens. Now we need to stitch together the final video and colour grade to produce an incredible final video.

• Structured Review: After filming, we move quickly into editing - organising footage, colour grading, and integrating motion graphics where needed.
• Client Collaboration: We use an online video platform for feedback, allowing clients to leave time-coded comments and compare edits.
• Final Delivery: The finished video is optimised for the client’s chosen platforms, with versions tailored for web, social, and internal use.

Conclusion: Results That Make an Impact

Our approach with Wetherby Laroc delivered a brand video that not only showcased their manufacturing excellence but did so safely, efficiently, and with minimal disruption. For manufacturers, partnering with a specialist production company means peace of mind - knowing every detail, from drone permissions to health and safety, is handled professionally. Most importantly, we put real people at the heart of every story, ensuring your brand’s authenticity always comes through.

Ready to elevate your manufacturing brand with world-class video? Get in touch to discuss your next project.