A Midwife's Tale

Client

Martha Ballard Committee

Date

April 15, 2022

Services

Video and Editing

how it was made

The Mayors Committee for Martha Ballard in Augusta, Maine entrusted us with a poignant mission: crafting a fundraising video to celebrate the remarkable life of Martha Ballard, an 18th-century midwife whose legacy shaped Central Maine. Martha's diary, spanning 27 years, vividly captures her trials and triumphs, from navigating the treacherous Kennebec River to her pioneering midwifery. Our goal is to honor Martha's contributions with a commemorative site and monument overlooking the Kennebec River, ensuring her pivotal role in history resonates for generations to come.

Project Requirement:

  • Produce an engaging fundraising video around 3-5 minutes in length.
  • Include interviews with key stakeholders.
Production

Video Production

Our quest to film the Martha Ballard video immersed us in history at Sandhill Bagel Co., housed in the last standing structure of Historic Edwards Mill, lost in a tragic fire. This location, set in Mill Park where Martha's monument will stand, provided an ideal location for our heartfelt interviews. Amid the mill's atmospheric power plant, we captured poignant stories and perspectives, bridging past and present. Drone footage of Mill Park, Bond Brook Bridge, and Old Fort Western enriched our narrative, offering a breathtaking view of Martha's legacy and the storied Kennebec Valley

Summary:

  • Filmed interviews at Sandhill Bagel Co., the sole surviving building of Historic Edwards Mill, enhancing the video's historical ambiance.
  • Captured Martha Ballard's descendants exploring the future monument site in Mill Park, connecting past stories with present reflections.nt.
  • Employed drone footage to showcase iconic locations tied to Martha Ballard's life, enriching the documentary with historical context and scenic beauty.
Post-production

Creative Video Editing

Editing the Martha Ballard video was an exhilarating journey of historical discovery and creative problem-solving. While we began with insightful interviews and stunning aerial footage, the absence of visual records posed a significant challenge. Martha's era lacked photography, prompting us to innovate ways to visualize her story. We scoured archives, collaborated with historians, and unearthed rare illustrations and artifacts. Incorporating licensed images from "A Midwife's Tale" enriched our narrative, culminating in a meticulously crafted documentary that vividly honors Martha's enduring legacy, bridging past and present with depth and authenticity.

Summary:

  • Engaged in a creative journey of historical exploration and problem-solving while editing the Martha Ballard video.
  • Overcame the challenge of visual scarcity from Martha's era by collaborating with historians and sourcing rare illustrations and artifacts..
  • Enhanced the narrative with licensed imagery from "A Midwife's Tale," crafting a documentary that authentically honors Martha Ballard's legacy with depth and respect.
Video Delivery

Final approval and Delivery

After minor adjustments to the imagery placement and fine-tuning the on-screen text positioning at the video's conclusion, we received client approval. Their satisfaction with the final video was evident, as they appreciated how these refinements enhanced the overall impact of the production. Our collaborative approach ensured that every detail met their expectations, resulting in a video that not only met but exceeded their vision.